THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 
LOS  ANGELES 


A    HISTORY 


OF 


CATHOLICITY 


IN 


Northern  Ohio 


AND    IN    THE 


Diocese  of  Cleveland 

From    1749  to   December  31,    1900    . 

BY 

THE    REV.    GEORGE    F.    HOUCK 

Diocesan  Chancellor 


Volume  I 


CLEVELAND 

PRESS  OF  J.  B.  SAVAGE 

1903 


COPYRIGHT    1903 

BY 

MICHAEL      W.      C  A  R  R 


CLEVELAND,     OHIO 


THE  RT.  REV.  IGNATIUS  F.  HORSTMANN,  D.  D. 


3 


j^ 


15i0t)op  ^or0tmann'$  approbation. 


The  great  zvork  li'liich  I  proposed  in  iSgg — a  History  of 
the  Diocese  of  Cleveland — has  nozv  been  completed.  I  know 
zvhat  labor  has  been  expended  by  both  the  authors  and  the 
publishers  in  giving  it  to  the  Clergy,  the  Religious,  and  the 
faithful  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 

No  one,  unless  he  has  undertaken  such  labor,  can 
imagine  how  exact  must  be  the  investigation,  and  how  carefid 
and  critical  the  examination,  to  make  a  faithfid  record  of 
what  has  taken  place  in  the  history  of  a  diocese  from  its\ 
beginning. 

I  feel  assured  that  this  History  will  be  a  model  for  the 
other  dioceses  of  the  country,  and  I  hope  it  will  incite 
capable  men  everywhere  to  take  up  the  same  character  of 
work  and  carry  it  out  zvith  equal  diligence  and  success.  We 
need  such  records.  They  zvill  be  invaluable  for  future 
historians.  They  shozv  zvhat  those  who  have  gone  before  us 
in  the  Faith,  bishops,  priests  and  people,  have  done  for  the 
propagation  and  preservation  of  the  Church  in  their  day. 

Our  thanks  are  due  to  the  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck  who, 
for  a  number  of  years,  and  especially  since  i8pp,  has  devoted 
so  much  of  his  spare  time  to  this  work,  which  I  know  is 
thoroughly  reliable.  We  therefore  commend  it  to  our  clergy 
and  to  the  laity,  and  hope  that  Mr.  M.  W.  Carr  and  the 
Catholic  Historical  Society,  zi'ho  have  nozv  finished  the  zvork, 
zvill  be  rezvarded  abundantly. 

"Gather  up  the  fragments  lest  they  be  lost."  This  His- 
tory has  fuliiUcd  that  precept.  May  others  "go  and  do  in 
like  manner." 

*  Ignatius  F.  Horstmann, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland. 
Cleveland,  Ohio, 
Feast  of  St.  Ignatius,  Bishop  and  Martyr, 
February  1,  1903. 


S' 


5?J 


?4 


CONTENTS 


Part  I — History  of  Catholicity  in  Northern  Ohio — ly^g-iS^y 


Chapter  I — Introduction  of  Catholicity  into  Northern  Ohio. 

The  Jesuit  Fathers  Potier,  De  Bonnecamp  and  De  La  Richardie,  first  Mission- 
aries sent  to  Territory  covered  by  Northern  Ohio — the  Huron  and  Wyandot 
Indian  Tribes — Fort  Sandusky — Father  Potier  at  Sandusky — Traces  of 
Indian  Missions  near  Sandusky  River — The  Rev.  Edmund  Burke  at  Fort 
Meigs,  on  the  Maumee  River — Fatlier    Edward    Fenwick.       .       .       .       1-7 

Chapter  II — The  Religious  Orders;  Secular  Clergy;  Churches. 

1817-1847 

1.  The   Dominicans. — Their   Missions  in   Columbiana,   Mahoning  and   Wayne 

Counties — First  Catholic  Settlers  in  Columbiana  County — Father  Fenwick's 
First  Visit  to  Columbiana  County — Fathers  Young  and  Hill — Early  Catho- 
licity in  Canton  and  Wooster — Father  Fenwick  Appointed  First  Bishop  of 
Cincinnati — Dominicans  give  up  Their  Missions  in  Northern  Ohio. 

2.  The    Redemptorists. — Fathers    Saenderl,    Haetscher    and    Tschenhens    take 

Charge  of  Missions  in  Huron,  Erie,  Sandusky,  Crawford,  Wyandot  and 
Seneca  Counties — Bishop  Purcell.  Second  Bishop  of  Cincinnati — The  Re- 
demptorists Resign  Their  Missions. 

3.  The    Sanguinists. — The   Very   Rev.    F.    S.    Brunner    and    Other   Sanguinist 

Fathers  take  charge,  in  1844,  of  the  Missions  Relinquished  by  the  Redemp- 
torists— Sanguinist  Convents  Established  at  New  Riegel,  Thompson — The 
Success  of  the  Sanguinist  Missions. 

4.  The  Secular  Clergy.— 1824-1847. 

h.     Churches  in  Northern  Ohio.— 1820-1847. 

6.  Female  Religious  Communities. — Sanguinist  Sisters,  at  New  Riegel — Notre 
Dame  Sisters,  at  Toledo. 

7.  Bishops    Fenwick    and    Purcell 8-24 

Chapter  III — Historical  Data  of  Catholicity  in  Northern  Ohio. 
Prior     to     1847 25-50 


CONTENTS— Continued  v 

Chapter  IV— Reminiscences  of  Missionary  Life  in  Northern 

Ohio. 

Reminiscences  of  the  Rev.  Projectus  J.  Machebeuf.— Father  Machebeuf 
Arrives  in  the  United  States  in  1839— Sent  to  Tiffin— Attends  Missions  in 
Northwestern  Ohio— At  Toledo  and  Along  the  Maumee  River- Stationed 
at  Sandusky— Fathers  Rappe,  Lamy,  De  Goesbriand  and  Peudcprat. 

Reminiscences  of  the  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand.— Father  Rappe  Arrives 
from  France  in  1840— His  Missionary  Labors  Along  the  Maumee  (Miami) 
Canal— At  Toledo— Father  De  Goesbriand  at  Toledo— Attends  Missions  in 
Northwestern  Ohio— Father  Rappe's  Success  as  a  Missionary  Priest- 
Appointed  Bishop  of  Cleveland— Bishop  Rappe  Commenced  Cathedral  in 
1848— Dedicated  in  1852— Establishes  Diocesan  Seminary  and  Two  Orphan 
Asylums 51.60 


Chapter  V — Early  Catholicity   in   Cleveland. 
1826-1847 

Moses  Cleaveland  Founder  of  Cleveland— Catholics  First  Settled  in  Cleveland, 
1826— The  Rev.  Thomas  Martin,  First  Priest  to  Visit  Cleveland— The  Revs. 
John  M.  Henni  and  Martin  Kundig— The  Rev.  John  Dillon,  First  Resident 
Pastor  of  Cleveland,  1835— Catholic  Services  first  held  in  Shakespeare  Hall, 
at  foot  of  Superior  Street— The  Rev.  Patrick  O'Dwyer  Succeeds  Father 
Dillon— Two  Lots  for  Church  Site  Donated  for  First  Church  in  Cleveland— 
St.  Mary's  Church  on  "Flats,"  Commenced  in  1838,  and  Dedicated  in  1840— 
Rev.  Peter  McLaughlin  Secures  Lots  for  Church  at  Corner  of  Superior  and 
Erie,  in  1845 — Rev.  Maurice  Howard — Bishop  Rappe  Consecrated  First 
Bishop  of  Cleveland,  October  10,  1847 61-67 


Chapter  VI — Early  Catholicity  in  Toledo. 

1837-1847 

Toledo  Settled  in  1832 — Rev.  Emanuel  Thienpont  at  Toledo,  in  1837 — Rev. 
Edward  T.  Collins — Revs.  Projectus  J.  Machebeuf  and  Joseph  McNamee— 
Bishop  Purcell  Visits  Toledo — Describes  His  Visit  and  Impressions — The 
Rev.  John  AI.  Henni — The  Rev.  Amadcus  Rappe,  First  Resident  Pastor  of 
Toledo — St.  Francis  De  Sales'  Church — Father  Rappe  Describes  His  Mis- 
sionary Labors  at  Toledo  and  in  Northwestern  Ohio — He  Establishes  the 
First  Parochial  School  at  Toledo — Sisters  of  Notre  Dame.       .       .      68-73 


VI  CONTENTS— Continued 

Part  II — History  of  Catholicity  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland — 

iS^j-igoo 

Chapter  I — The  Rt.  Rev.  Amadeus  Rapi'e,  First  Bishop  of 
Cleveland.     His  Administr.vtion. 
1847-1870 
Erection  of  Diocese  of  Cleveland — Its  Territory — Bishop  Rappe's  Consecration, 
October  10,  1847 — His  First  Pastoral  Letter — Bishop's  Residence  Bought  on 
Bond  Street — Church  of  the  Nativity — First  Diocesan  Seminary — St.  John's 
Cathedral   Commenced  in   1848  and    Completed   in   1852 — Bishop   Rappe  a 
Total   Abstainer — Father   Mathew,    the   Apostle   of  Total   Abstinence — The 
Ursulines  Established  a  Convent  and  Academy  in  Cleveland — St.  Vincent's 
and  St.  Mary's  Asylums  Founded — Grey  Nuns  and  Ursulines  at  Toledo — 
Seminary   Removed  in   1850   to   Lake   Street 74-85 

Chapter  II — Bishop  Rappe's  Administration.     (Continued.) 
The  Very  Rev.  Edward  Hannin's  Adminlstration. 
1870-1872 
Bishop  Rappe  Visits  Rome  in  18G0  and  1862 — Female  Religious  Communities 
Introduced;  Charitable  and  Educational  Institutions  Established,  1862-1866 
— Bishop  Rappe  goes  to  Rome  for  the  Fourth  Time,  in  1867 — St.  Francis' 
Asylum,  Tiffin,  Established  in  1867 — Franciscans  take  charge  of  St.  Joseph's 
Church,  Cleveland,  in  1867,  and  the  Jesuits  of  St.  Mary's,  Toledo,  in  1869— 
Convent  of  Good  Shepherd  Established  in  1869,  and  a  Home  for  the  Aged 
Poor,  in   Cleveland,  in  1870 — Bishop   Rappe's  Troubles — His   Resignation, 
August  22,  1870 — The  Very  Rev.  Edward  Hannin  Appointed  Administrator 
of  the  Diocese — Injunction  Suit  Against  St.  Bridget's  Church,  Cleveland — 
Letters  in  Cleveland  Papers  for  and  against  Bishop  Rappe — Father  Hannin's 
Letter  in  Leader  in  Defense  of  Bishop  Rappe 86-100 

Chapter  III — The  Rt.   Rev.    Bishop  Gilmour's  Administration. 

1872-1891 

The  Rt.  Rev.  Richard  Gilmour  Consecrated  Second  Bishop  of  Cleveland, 
April  14,  1872— Convoked  Fifth  Diocesan  Synod  in  1872— Full  Text  of  His 
First  Pastoral  Letter,  Published  February  26,  1873 — Cleveland  Leader 
Attacks  Pastoral  Letter — Bishop  Gilmour  Answers  Attacks  on  His  Pastoral 
Letter 101-115 

Chapter  IV — Bishop  Gilmour's  Administration.  (Continued.) 
Bishop  Gilmour  and  the  Diocesan  Seminary — Purchases  Site  for  a  New  Semi- 
nary— The  Catholic  Central  Association — The  School  Tax  Suit — Bishop 
Gilmour's  Letter  Explaining  the  School  Tax  Suit — Bishop  Gilmour  Builds 
Episcopal  Residence — The  Catholic  Universe  Founded  in  1876 — Foundling 
Asylum  Established  in  Cleveland — Ursuline  Convent  Established  at  Youngs- 
town — St.  Vincent's  Hospital  Opened  at  Toledo — Bishop  Rappe's  Death, 
September  8,  1877 — His  Remains  Brought  to  Cleveland — Extracts  from 
Bishop  Gilmour's  Pastoral  Letter,  Published  March  13,  1879 — Diocesan 
Seminary  Enlarged — St.  Joseph's  Cemetery,  Cleveland — St.  Vincent's  Asy- 
lum, Cleveland — St.  Vincent's  Asylum,  Toledo — Sixth  Diocesan  Synod,  1882 
— Bishop  Gilmour  Visits  Rome — Calvary  Cemetery,  Toledo — Seventh  Dio- 
cesan Synod,  1889 116-135 


CONTENTS— Continued  vil 

Chapter  V— Bishop  Gilmour's  AdministratioxM.  (Continued.) 
Bishop  Gilmour's  Last  Years  of  Administration  full  of  Troubles  and  Trials— 
The  Parnell  Branch  of  the  Irish  Land  League— Its  Opposition  to  Bishop 
Gilmour- He  Lectures  on  "The  Irish  Question"— The  Ladies'  Land  League 
Denounced  by  Bishop  Gilmour— The  Ladies'  Land  League  is  Condemned 
and  its  Members  Excommunicated— The  Anti-Catholic  Cleveland  Leader- 
Its  Editor,  Edwin  Cowles— Bishop  Gilmour  Sued  for  Libel— The  ''Catholic 
Knight''  Case— The  Case  of  the  Rev.  P.  F.  Quigley,  D.  D.— The  Case  of 
the  Rev.  John  B.  Primeau— Site  Purchased  for  St.  John's  Hospital— The 
"Gordon  Miter"— Bishop  Gilmour's  Last  Illness— Died  at  St.  Augustine, 
Fla.— His  Remains  Brought  to  Qeveland- The  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff 
is  Appointed  Administrator  of  the  Diocese 136-163 

Chapter  VI— The  Rt.  Rev.  Ignatius  F.  Horstmann,  Third 
Bishop  of  Cleveland.     His  Administration 
1892-1900 
The  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Horstmann  Consecrated    Bishop    at    Philadelphia,    February 
25,  1892— Full  Text  of  His  First  Sermon  fPastoral  Address)  in  the  Cathedral 
at    Cleveland,    March    8,    1892— Site   for    Preparatory    Seminary    Bought— 
Photographs  of  Churches,  Schools,  etc..  Collected  for  the  Diocesan  Archives 
—St.  Vincent's  Union  Established— Calvary  Cemetery  (Cleveland),  Opened 
in  1894— Bishop  Horstmann  Visits  Rome  in  1894— The  Apostolate  for  Mis- 
sions to   Non-Catholics  Organized  in   1895 — The  Rev.  A.   F.   Kolaszewski 
and  His  Schismatic  Congregation — His  Excommunication.       .       .       164-176 

Chapter  VII — Bishop  Horstmann's  Administration. 
(Continued.) 
Bishop  Horstmann  Publishes  a  Pastoral  Letter  in  Reference  to  the  Golden  Jubi- 
lee of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland — Celebration  of  the  Diocesan  Golden  Jubilee 
at  Toledo  and  Cleveland,  in  October,  1897— Extracts  from  Sermons 
Preached  on  the  Occasion— Full  Text  of  Bishop  De  Goesbriand's  Letter  in 
Connection  with  the  Jubilee — Sunday  Funerals  Abolished— Photographs  of 
Priests  Collected  for  the  Diocesan  Archives — Resume  of  the  History  of  the 
Diocese — Table  Showing  Number  of  Churches.  Institutions,  etc.,  December 
31,  1900 ^ 177-192 

Part  III — Historical  Sketches  of  Churches,  Institutions  and 
Religioiis   Communities 

SECTION   I 

Prefatory  Remarks 103 

Parish    and    Mission    Churches 195-699 

Historical  Sketches  of  Churches  in  Cleveland 195-295 

Historical    Sketches    of    Churches    Outside    of    Cleveland       ....  296-699 

SECTION   II 

Prefatory  Remarks TOO 

Educational     Institutions 701-730 

Hospitals 730-738 

Asylums.   Homes,   etc 738-754 

Religious     Communities 755-775 


Index  to  Illustrations  in  Volume  I 


CHURCHES  AND   SCHOOLS 


Akron —  Facing  page 

St.   Bernard's   church 297 

St.    Bernard's   school 98 

St.    Vincent's   church 299 

Ashtabula — 

Mother  of  Sorrows'   church 309 

Mother    of    Sorrows'    church    (in- 
terior)     152 

Avon — 

Holy   Trinity   church 311 

Barberton — 
St.  Augustine's  church 314 

Berea — 

St.    Adalbert's   church 318 

St.  Adalbert's  school  and  Pastoral 

residence    82 

St.    Mary's    church 320 

Bowling  Green — 

St.  Aloysius'  church 328 

Canton — 
Immaculate   Conception   church... 337 
Immaculate      Conception      church 

(interior)    134 

St.  John's  church 339 

St.  John's  School  110 

St.  Peter's  church 343 

Carey — 
Our  Lady  of  Consolation  church.. 345 

Cleveland — 

St.  Mary's  on  "Flats"  church 195 

St.  John's  Cathedral 198 

St.  John's  Cathedral  (interior) 128 

St.  John's  Cathedral  school 6 

Annunciation    church 205 

Holy   Trinity   church 212 

Immaculate   Conception   church... 214 
Immaculate      Conception      church 
(interior)     16 


Cleveland — Continued —  Facing  page 

Our  Lady  of  Lourdes'  church 219 

St.  Agnes'  church   224 

St.  Augustine's  church 230 

St.  Bridget's  church   233 

St.  Catharine's  church 240 

St.  Colman's   church 243 

St.  Columbkille's  church  246 

St.  Edward's  church 248 

St.  Edward's  church    (interior)...  40 

St.  Elizabeth's  church   250 

St.  Joseph's  church  257 

St.  Mary's   school    265 

St.  Michael's  church  267 

St.  Michael's  church  (interior,  side 

aisle)    10 

St.  Michael's  church  (interior)  ...   52 

St.  Patrick's  church    272 

St.  Patrick's  school  64 

St.  Peter's  church 276 

St.  Peter's  school 76 

St.  Procop's  church    281 

St.  Rose  of  Lima  church  283 

St.  Stanislas'  church  285 

St.  Stanislas'  church  (interior)  ...  34 
St.  Stephen's  church    (interior). .  .287 

St.  Thomas  Aquinas'  church 290 

St.  Thomas'  church  (interior)  ....  68 
St.  Vitus'  church 293 

Collinwood — 
St.  Joseph's  church 353 

Conneaut — 

St.  Mary's  church  355 

St.  Mary's  School 146 

Convoy — 

St.  Mary's  church 670 

Crestline — 

St.  Joseph's  church 358 

VIII 


INDEX    TO    ILLUSTRATIONS— Continued 


Defiance —                                      Facing  page 
St.   John's   church 366 

Delphos — 

St.   John's    church 372 

St.  John's  church  (interior) 176 

Dungannon — 

St.  Philip  Neri's  church 

St.  Paul's  (first  church) 


Elyria — 

St.   Mary's  church. 

Euclid — 
St.  Paul's  church. . 


Findlay — 
St.    Michael's   church. 


382 

25 

.....395 

398 

401 

Fort  Jennings — 
St.    Joseph's    church 405 

Fostoria — 
St.  Wendelin's  church 407 

Fremont — 

St.  Ann's  church 410 

St.   Joseph's   church 416 

St.  Joseph's  church    (interior). ..  .419 

French  Creek — 
Immaculate  Conception  church. . .  .423 

Gibsonburg — 
St.  Michael's  church 431 


Girard — 
St.  Rose's  church. 


.433 


Glandorf — 

St.  John  the  Baptist's  church 434 

St.  John  the  Baptist's  church  (in- 
terior)     452 

St.  John  the  Baptist's  church  (pas- 
toral and  teachers'  residences)..  92 

Grafton — 

Immaculate  Conception  church... 442 
Huron — 

St.  Peter's  church 455 

Kent— 

St.   Patrick's  church 466 

Kirby— 

St.   Mary's  church 469 

Leetonia — 

St.   Patrick's  church 475 


Leipsic —  Facing  page 

St.  Mary's  church 477 

Lima — 
St.    Rose's  church 480 


Lorain — 

St.    Joseph's   church 490 

St.  Mary's  church  492 

Massillon — 

St.  Joseph's  church 508 

St.  Mary's  church 511 

St.   Mary's  church  (interior) 46 

Maumee — 
St.  Joseph's  church 515 

Medina — 
St.    Francis   Xavier's  church 678 

Monroeville — 
St.  Joseph's  church 524 

New   Bavaria — 
Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus  church  . . .  .531 

New   London — 
Our  Lady  of  Lourdes'  church. ..  .678 

Niles — 
St.    Stephen's  church 539 

Norwalk — 

St.   Mary's  church 549 

St.    Paul's    church 552 

Ottoville — 

Immaculate  Conception  church... 564 

Immaculate  Conception      church 

(interior)    88 

Perrysburg — 
St.  Rose  of  Lima  church 572 

Port  Clinton — 
Immaculate  Conception  church... 579 

St.  Mary's  Corners — 

St.  Mary's  church 596 


Sandusky — 

Holy  Angels'  church   603 

St.  Mary's  church   607 

St.  Mary's  church  (interior)    116 

St.  Mary's  pastoral  residence   124 

St.  Mary's  schools  170 

Shelby- 
Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  church 615 


INDEX    TO    ILLUSTRATIONS— Continued 


Shelby    Settlement —  Facing  page 

Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus'  church.  ..  .<J17 

Swanton — 
St.    Richard's    church 59G 

Thompson — 
St.    Michael's   church 628 

Tiffin— 

St.  Joseph's  church 630 

St.  Joseph's  church    (interior) 70 

St.   Joseph's   schools 140 

Toledo — 

Good  Shepherd's  church 638 

Immaculate   Conception    church.. .641 

St.  Anthony's  church 646 

St.  Anthony's  school  388 

St.  Francis  de  Sales'  church   649 

St.  Hedwig's  church 651 

St.  Louis'  church  656 

St.  Mary's  church   658 

St.  Patrick's  church  661 


Upper  Sandusky —                     Facing  page 
St.   Peter's  church 666 

Van  Wert— 
St.   Mary's  church 670 

Vcrniiilion — 
St.   Mary's  church 455 

Wadswf)rth — 

Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus'  church. ..  .678 

Wellington — 
St.    Patrick's  church 678 

Youngstown — 
Immaculate  Conception  church... 685 
Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus'  church. ..  .687 

St.  Ann's  church 688 

St.  Columba's   church    691 

SS.  Cyril  and  Methodius'  church.. 096 

St.  Joseph's  church  698 

St.  Joseph's  school  182 


INSTITUTIONS   AND    MISCELLANEOUS 


Cleveland —  Page. 

Bishop's    Residence I'iO 

Calvary  Cemetery  (view) 80 

Franciscan    Monastery 257 

St.  Mary's  Diocesan  Seminary ...  .701 

St.   Ignatius'   College 707 

Notre  Dame  Academy 711 

Our  Lady  of  Lourdes'  Academy.  ..713 
Ursuline  Academy  and  Convent.  .714 

St.  Vincent's  Hospital   730 

St.  Alexis'   Hospital 733 

St.  John's  Hospital 735 

Good    Shepherd    Convent 745 

St.  Ann's  Infant  Asylum 738 

St.  Joseph's  Orphan  Asylum 741 

St.   Vincent's  Orphan  Asylum 743 

St.  Joseph's  Cemetery  (vaults).  . .  .104 

Lakewood — 
St.  Augustine's  Convent  757 

Louisville — 
St.   Louis'  Orphan  Asylum 750 

(For  additional  Miscellaneous 


New  Riegel —  Page. 

Convent  of  Sanguinist  Sisters. ..  .759 

Nottingham — 

St.  Joseph's  Seminary 719 

Ursuline  Academy 721 

Thompson — 

Convent  of  Sanguinist  Sisters 760 

Tiffin— 

Ursuline  Academy  and  Convent.  .723 
St.  Francis'  Asylum  and  Home... .752 

Toledo — 

Ursuline   Convent  and  Academy.. 726 

West  Park— 

St.    Joseph's    Academy    and    Con- 
vent     728 

St.    Joseph's    Academy     (view     of 
grounds)     188 

Youngstown — 

L'rsuline    Convent 764 

Calvary   Cemetery    (view) 694 

Calvary  Cemetery   (crucifix) 158 

Illustrations,  see  Volume  II.) 


THE  PUBLISHERS'  PREFACE 

WITH  some  degree  of  pardonable  pride  The  Catholic  His- 
torical Society  herewith  presents  in  two  quarto  volumes 
of  more  than  one  thousand  pages  each,  including  the 
illustrations,  the  historical  record  of  the  estal)lishnient,  growth 
and  development  of  Catholicity  and  Catholic  institutions,  and  the 
biographical  record  of  Catholic  leaders,  both  clerical  and  lay,  in 
Xorthern  Ohio  and  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 

We  have  been  enabled  to  complete  our  arduous  task,  first, 
through  the  gracious  approbation  and  ready  co-operation  of  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Ignatius  F.  Horstmann,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Cleveland; 
secondly,  through  the  labors  of  the  Rev.  George  F.  Houck, 
Diocesan  Chancellor,  who  is  the  author  of  the  first  volume  of  the 
work;  and,  thirdly,  through  the  helpful  assistance  rendered  by  the 
great  body  of  the  reverend  clergy,  the  heads  of  the  diocesan  insti- 
tutions, and  many  prominent  among  the  laity.  Without  such  prac- 
tical aid  and  encouragement,  which  are  here  thankfully  acknowl- 
edged, little  of  what  was  purposed  at  the  beginning  could  have 
been  so  well  accomplished  by  us.  Thus  aided  we  do  claim  to  have 
fulfilled  our  promises,  not  alone  with  respect  to  the  scope  and  high 
character  of  the  work,  but  also  as  to  its  style  and  workmanship  and 
the  excellent  quality  of  the  material  employed  in  its  make-up. 

Much  arduous  labor,  and  money  to  the  amount  of  over 
twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  have  been  expended  in  bringing  the 
volumes  to  their  present  degree  of  perfection ;  and  while  they  may 
not,  in  every  respect,  come  up  to  the  high  standard  of  some,  or  the 
towering  expectation  of  others,  they  will,  nevertheless,  be  appre- 
ciated by  the  candid,  discriminating  majority  who  prize  unvar- 
nished truth  and  fact  plainly  and  forcibly  set  forth,  and  who,  in 
book  writing  and  book  making,  are  equal  to  distinguishing 
between  the  real  art  which  Horace  saw,  plain  in  its  neatness,  and 
the  miscalled  art  which  would  not  be  noticed  but  for  its  color 
and  flash. 

At  any  rate,  this  History  will  hardly  be  denied  the  cordial 
welcome  and  support  which  an  enlightened  and  generous  public 

XI 


x„  PUBLISHERS'  PREFACE. 

always  accords  and  extends  to  well  directed  effort  and  merit;  and 
to  which  we  think  it  justly  entitled,  if  on  no  hii^her  grounds  than 
those  of  having  arranged,  artistically  presented,  and  preserved  a 
mountain  of  important  historical  and  biographical  facts  together 
with  hundreds  of  excellent  engravings  for  the  historian  of  the 
future — some  Catholic  Macaulay,  who,  co-operating  with  our 
successors  of  the  laity,  may  be  able  to  do  full  justice  to  later  under- 
takings in  this  field. 

With  even  this  much  accomplished — the  blazing  of  the  way, 
and  the  setting  of  guide-posts — our  labors   will  not  have  been 

entirely  in  vain. 

Michael  W.  Carr,  President. 

Cleveland,  Ohio,  January,  1003. 

Note.— We  deem  it  fitting  and  just  to  make  special  record  of  the  generous 
nets  of  the  persons  hereinafter  mentioned  for  their  having,  in  addition  ^to  a 
general  support  of  this  History,  contributed  the  expense  of  making  and  print- 
ing the  portraits,  sketches  or  engravings  described  below.  Unaided  by  these 
good  friends  of  the  diocese  we  might  not  have  been  able  to  present  these  sub- 
jects thus  beautifully  illustrated.  Accordingly  our  thanks  are  hereby  extended 
in  each  instance  as  follows: 

To  the  Rt.  Rev.  Ignatius  F.  Horstmann,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Cleveland,  for 
that  of  the  late  Rev.  Louis  Hofifer,  together  with  other  substantial  donations; 
to  the  Hon.  Tom  L.  Johnson,  Mayor  of  Cleveland,  for  that  of  St.  Mary's  on 
the  "Flats,"  the  first  church  in  Cleveland,  St.  Paul's,  Dungannon,  the  first 
church  in  northern  Ohio,  and  the  "Gordon  Miter,"  presented  to  Bishop  Gil- 
mour;  to  Col.  J.  J.  Sullivan,  of  Cleveland,  president  of  the  Central  National 
Bank,  for  that  of  the  late  Bishop  Fenwick,  the  first  bishop  in  Ohio;  to  Mr. 
F.  H.  Glidden,  of  Cleveland,  founder  and  head  of  the  Glidden  Varnish  Works, 
for  that  of  the  late  Bishop  Gilmour;  to  Mr.  D.  E.  Leslie,  of  Cleveland,  for  that 
of  the  late  Very  Rev.  Alexis  Caron;  to  Mr.  C.  A.  Grasselli,  of  Cleveland,  for 
that  of  the  late  Archbishop  Purcell;  to  Mr.  William  Greif,  of  Cleveland,  for  that 
of  the  late  Bishop  Rappe;  to  the  Hon.  William  A.  Lynch,  of  Canton,  for  that 
of  the  late  Rev.  John  Austin  Hill;  to  Mr.  James  E.  Pilliod,  of  Toledo,  for  that  of 
St.  Francis  de  Sales'  Church,  Toledo;  to  Mr.  James  P.  Madigan,  of  Cleveland, 
for  that  of  the  late  Mr.  Patrick  J.  McKenney;  to  Messrs.  Michael  Hannan, 
Peter  R.  Fahey  and  John  M.  Mulrooney,  of  Cleveland,  for  that  of  a  prominent 
pioneer  priest;  to  Mr.  Anthony  Carlin,  of  Cleveland,  for  that  of  the  late  Rt.  Rev. 
Edmund  Burke,  V.  A.;  to  a  "Friend,"  for  that  of  the  late  Rev.  Francis  Wester- 
holt;  to  the  Young  Ladies'  Sodality  and  the  St.  Joseph's  Society,  of  Delphos, 
for  that  of  the  late  Rev.  John  Otto  Bredeick;  to  Mr.  Peter  F.  Whalen,  of 
Toledo,  for  that  of  the  Rev.  Edward  Hannin,  of  Toledo;  to  the  late  Mr.  Patrick 
Smith,  of  Cleveland,  for  that  of  the  late  Very  Rev.  James  Conlan,  V.  G.,  and 
the  late  Rev.  John  Dillon;  to  Mr.  John  J.  O'Donnell,  of  Cleveland,  for  that  of 
St.  Augustine's  Convent,  Sisters  of  Charity.  Lakewood;  to  the  Rev.  Chancellor 
Houck,  for  that  of  St.  Joseph's  Church  (interior),  Tiffin. 


^\,^^:^>^^^ 


THE  AUTHOR'S  PREFACE 

FOLLOWING  ci  long-  established  custom,  it  may  be  proper 
for  the  author  to  say,  by  way  of  introduction,  that  the  facts, 
dates,  documents,  reminiscences,  etc.,  which  form  the  basis 
of  this  volume,  were  collected  by  him  since  his  ofBcial  connection 
with  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  principally  in  the  spare  hours  at 
his  disposal  in  the  Chancery  of^ce  during  the  past  quarter  of  a 
century,  and  especially  during  the  past  three  years.  These  hours, 
together  with  those  snatched  from  sleep  during  that  time,  he  has 
devoted  in  great  part  to  arranging  and  compiling,  comparing  and 
sifting  the  matter  obtained  from  the  various  historical  sources 
within  his  reach.  The  result  of  his  labors,  covering  the  period 
from  1749  to  December  31,  1900,  he  now  places  before  the  public 
in  this  volume,  with  the  confidence  that  the  earnest  effort  for 
truth  and  accuracy  with  which  he  has  written,  will  make  it  generally 
acceptable. 

To  give  form  and  connection  to  a  mass  of  historical  data 
accumulated  by  him  for  many  years,  the  author  published  in  1888 
an  unpretentious  volume,  entitled  "The  Church  in  Northern 
Ohio."  It  was  kindly  received,  as  is  evidenced  by  the  fact  that 
within  three  years  it  reached  a  fourth  edition.  Its  scope  being,  to 
give  only  a  bare  outline  of  the  history  of  the  diocese,  the  narrative 
was  necessarily  brief.  The  size  of  the  volume  however  indicated 
but  imperfectly  the  great  labor  and  research  required  in  its  prepara- 
tion, being  as  it  was  the  first  attempt  to  write  the  history  of  the 
Catholic  Church  in  these  parts. 

This  volume,  the  first  of  the  two  comprising  the  whole  work, 
is  exclusively  historical.     It  aims  to  fill  in  the  deficiencies  of  the 

XIII 


XIV  AUTHOR'S  PREFACE. 

liistorical  part  of  the  former  work,  and  to  develop  what  is  merely 
outlined  in  it.  The  author  has  slri\cn  to  be  impartial  in  bearing 
witness  to  the  truth.  No  ])ains  ha\c  been  spared  by  him  to  make 
it  reliable  in  every  respect.  It  embraces  all  the  im])ortant  events 
prior  to  his  connection  with  the  diocese,  where  he  was  born,  and 
everything  of  note  that  has  transpired  during  his  official  relation- 
ship of  a  quarter  of  a  century  w^ith  it.  Of  these  he  has  personal 
knowdedge  to  a  very  great  extent,  supplemented  in  most  cases  by 
dcKnnnentary  evidence,  or  other  contemporary  testimony.  For 
those  he  had  to  rely  upon  the  various  proofs  within  reach,  official 
records,  newspaper  files,  the  testimony  of  the  older  priests  who 
were  witnesses  to  many  of  the  facts,  and  the  testimony  of  others 
whose  word  was  no  less  trustworthy.  The  parish  sketches,  and 
those  of  the  religious  institutions  also,  w^ere  submitted  for  correc- 
tion and  verification  to  the  pastors  of  the  churches  and  the  heads 
of  houses,  respectively — both  to  the  present  incumbents  and 
their  predecessors  as  well.  Therefore  the  author  may  be  pardoned 
if  he  assure  the  reader  of  this  volume,  in  advance,  that  the  web  of 
history  before  him  is  woven  out  of  facts  alone,  and  in  its  make-up 
there  is  nothing  spurious,  nothing  fictitious.  There  is  no  attempt 
at  elegance  or  grace  of  style ;  a  plain,  unvarnished  narrative  of 
facts — not  high-sounding,  well-balanced  periods — has  been  his 
exclusive  aim.  Let  the  future  historian,  if  he  wall,  add  beauty  of 
expression  and  the  charm  of  polished  diction  to  this  plain,  unpre- 
tentious narrative.  The  beauty  of  truth  satisfied  the  author's  w4sh; 
he  strove  for  nothing  more. 

The  author  here  makes  grateful  acknowledgement  to  his 
brother  priests,  to  the  superiors  of  the  various  institutions  of 
the  diocese,  and  to  the  early  Catholic  settlers  in  Cleveland  and 
elsewhere  throughout  Northern  Ohio,  for  the  kindly  interest  they 
have  shown  in  the  work,  and  for  the  pains  they  have  taken  to  aid 
him  in  verifying  the  facts  herein  set  forth.  Their  encouragement 
and  assistance  have  been  invaluable  to  him  in  the  work  of  collect- 


AUTHOR'S  PREFACE. 


XV 


ing,  sifting,  and  collating  the  material  for  this  history.  One  of 
the  difficulties  the  writer  had  to  contend  with  was  that  of  con- 
densing judiciously  the  numerous  details  of  parish  history,  not 
of  general  interest:  and  another,  to  get  at  facts,  the  memory  of 
which  had  all  but  disappeared. 

Now  that  this  self-imposed  duty,  in  the  sense  of  a  labor  of 
love,  has  been  discharged,  the  author  hopes  that  all  those  who 
so  kindly  aided  him  may  haye  the  satisfaction  of  knowing 
that  a  good  start  has  been  made  in  redeeming  from  oblivion  the 
memory  and  great  labors  of  the  yaliant  men— bishops  and  priests 
and  people— who.  from  the  beginning,  toiled  with  singleness  of 
purpose  and  self-sacrificing  zeal  in  this  portion  of  God's  Church. 

GEORGE  F.  HOUCK. 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  January,  1903. 


^T(Mi 


The  Catholic  Church 

In  Northern  Ohio  and  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland 

Part  I 

HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY  IN  NORTHERN  OHIO 
1749—1847 

CHAPTER  I 

INTRODUCTION  OF  CATHOLICITY  INTO 
NORTHERN  OHIO. 

THE  JESUIT  FATHERS  POTIER.  DE  BONNECAMP  AND  DE  LA  RICHARDIE,  FIRST 
MISSIONARIES  SENT  TO  TERRITORY  COVERED  BY  NORTHERN  OHIO— THE 
HURON  AND  WYANDOT  INDIAN  TRIBES— FORT  SANDUSKY— FATHER  POTIER 
AT  SANDUSKY— TRACES  OF  INDIAN  MISSIONS  NEAR  SANDUSKY  RIVER— 
THE  REV.  EDMUND  BURKE  AT  FORT  MEIGS,  ON  THE  MAUMEE  RIVER- 
FATHER   EDWARD  FENWICK. 

THE  territory  now  covered  by  the  State  of  Ohio  was  for- 
merly a  part  of  that  vast  region,  North  and  South,  from 
the  Lakes  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  between  the  Allegheny 
and  Rocky  Mountains,  and  was  known  by  the  name  of  Louisiana, 
France  first  claimed  it  by  right  of  discovery.  Under  this  claim 
the  bishops  of  Quebec,  Canada,  the  chief  city  of  the  French  Cana- 
dian Colony,  exercised  jurisdiction  over  this  territory.  The  Rt. 
Rev.  Henry  M.  De  Pontbriand,  sixth  Bishop  of  Quebec  (1741- 
1760)  was  the  first  prelate  of  that  See  to  perform  any  episcopal 
functions  within  the  present  limits  of  the  United  States,  having 
administered  confirmation  at  Ogdensburg,  N.  Y..  and  Detroit, 
Mich.  He  also  exerted  himself  in  behalf  of  religion  in  Louisiana, 
by  directing  the  Provincial  of  the  Jesuits  at  Quebec  to  send 
thither  zealous  and  able  missionaries.  Among  them  were  Fathers 
Peter  Potier,  Joseph  B.  De  Bonnecamp  and  John  De  la  Richardie. 


2  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

all  nicinbcrs  of  the  Society  of  Jesus.  Father  Potier,  a  native  of 
France,  was  born  Ai)ril  2,  1708.  He  joined  the  Jesuits  in  Septem- 
ber, 1720,  and  came  to  Canada  in  1743.  Six  years  later  he  was 
sent  by  his  provincial,  with  the  sanction  of  the  Bishop  of  Quebec, 
to  assist  in  evangelizing  the  Hurons  at  and  near  Detroit.  He 
soon  mastered  their  language  and  compiled  a  Huron  grammar.^ 
Father  Potier  was  sent  to  Detroit  in  1749.  He  establislied  a  mis- 
sion among  the  Huron  Indians  living  a  few  miles  below  Detroit, 
at  Blois  Blanc  Island.  They  proved  unfriendly  to  Catholic  teach- 
ing, however,  and  forced  him  five  years  later  to  leave.  Father 
De  la  Richardie  met  a  like  fate,  and  quite  discouraged  by  his  fail- 
ure to  convert  these  hostile  Indians,  he  returned  to  Quebec.  But, 
two  years  later,  he  was  recalled  and  did  valiant  missionary  work 
among  the  various  Indian  tribes,  notably  the  Hurons.^  These 
latter  were  of  unsteady  habits,  and  inclined  to  intemperance.  A 
roving  spirit  taking  possession  of  them,  a  part  of  the  tribe  pushed 
along  the  southern  shore  of  Lake  Erie  and  made  sojourns  of  irreg- 
ular durations  at  Sandusky  Bay — which  they  named  in  their  Huron 
tongue  "Ootsandooske" — "There  the  water  is  pure!"^  Father 
Potier,  who  knew  the  Hurons  and  their  language  thoroughly,  fol- 
lowed them  in  1749,  in  which  year  the  Holy  Sacrifice  was  offered 
up  for  the  first  time  within  the  limits  of  Northern  Ohio,  Father 
Bonnecamp  having  done  likewise  in  Southern  Ohio,  in  the  same 
year,  near  the  Miami  river.^ 

At  Sandusky  Bay  a  small  number  (about  60)  of  the  Huron 
tribe,  under  the  name  of  Wyandots,  permanently  settled  in  1751, 
having  been  induced  to  do  so  by  Father  De  la  Richardie.  A  turbu- 
lent Huron,  named  Oruntondi,  was  their  chief;  the  French  called 
him  Nicholas.  Soon  he  opened  communication  with  the  English 
and  sought  their  friendship  by  killing  some  French  traders,  located 
at  the  mouth  of  the  Huron  river.  Father  De  la  Richardie  visited 
them  at  their  French  trading  posts  at  intervals  from  Detroit.  He 
had  a  log  chapel  erected  for  the  Wyandots  in  1751,  on  a  site  about 
six  miles  south  of  the  place  where  later  on  the  English  built  Fort 
Sandusky,  on  the  southern  edge  of  a  large  plain.     This  chapel, 

(1)  Shea,  The  Catholic  Church  in  U.  S.,  Vol.  I,  pp.  105,  184. 

(2)  Shea,  Church  in  U.   S.,  Vol.   I,  pp.  613,  631. 

(3)  Shea  in  Catholic  Universe,  Sept.  15,  1881. 

(4)  Shea,  Church  in  U.  S.,  Vol.  I.  p.  613. 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  3 

according  to  the  Catholic  Historian,  Dr.  J.  Gilmary  Shea,  was  un- 
doubtedly the  first  permanently  erected  within  the  limits  of  the 
State  of  Ohio — a  name  given  alike  by  the  Hurons  and  Iroquois 
to  the  river  that  washed  its  southern  border — Ohio — "Oheeo" — 
"Beautiful  river!"  However,  as  above  stated,  the  first  Mass  was 
celebrated  by  Father  Potier  at  Sandusky  in  1749.^  Father  De  la 
Richardie  resided  at  his  new  mission  for  several  years,  though 
Chief  Oruntondi  forced  him  to  leave  it  for  a  time.  He  died  full  of 
years  and  merit  on  March  23,  1Y58,  leaving  the  Hurons,  who  had 
become  strongly  attached  to  him,  without  a  priest.  This  pioneer 
priest  of  Ohio  and  its  first  resident  pastor  was  born  in  France,  on 
June  7,  1686,  and  entered  the  Society  of  Jesus  on  October  21,  1703. 

Gradually  the  Jesuit  missionaries,  resident  at  Detroit,  were 
called  to  their  eternal  reward,  and  hence  their  visits  to  Sandusky 
became  by  degrees  less  frequent,  until,  with  the  death  of  Father 
Potier,  they  ceased  altogether.  Father  Potier  died  at  Sanwich. 
Ont.,  opposite  Detroit,  on  July  16,  1781,  and  was  the  last  of  the 
old  Jesuit  missionaries  of  the  West.^ 

These  Indian  missions,  as  also  those  of  the  French  trading 
posts,  were  abandoned  in  1773,  when  the  Jesuits  were  suppressed, 
and  from  that  time  forward  depended  entirely  on  the  priests  at- 
tached to  the  military  posts  of  the  French  in  Canada  and  Michigan 
for  spiritual  attendance,  meagre  though  it  was.  The  more  piously 
inclined  of  the  Wyandots,  and  they  were  not  few,  went  regularly 
to  Detroit  to  receive  the  Sacraments.  The  Faith  was  thus  kept 
alive  among  them,  though  they  were  in  great  measure  cut  off  from 
spiritual  care  and  instructions.  The  Protestant  settlers  in  these 
missions  attested  to  this  fact,  and  it  is  stated  by  them  that  down  to 
the  commencement  of  the  present  century,  about  1806,  the  Wyan- 
dots still  clung  to  the  Catholic  Faith  and  wore  their  crucifixes  as 
evidence  of  their  belief.  When  white  settlers  began  to  come  to 
Northern  Ohio  in  large  numbers,  the  Wyandots  attracted  the 
attention  of  the  Protestant  ministers  who  had  followed  these 
settlers  and  appeared  bent  on  undoing  what  the  Jesuit  mission- 
aries had  done  under  the  greatest  hardships,  to  convert  and  civilize 
the  Indians.  Among  these  proselytisers  was  a  Presbyterian 
preacher  named  Joseph  Badger.     He  attempted  to  pervert  the 

(1)  Shea,  Catholic  Universe,  Sept.  15,  1881;    Shea,  Church  in  U.  S..  Vol.  HI,  p.  330. 

(2)  Shea.  Church  in  U.  S..  Vol.  II.  p.  184. 


4  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Wyandots.  but  met  with  firm  resistance  from  their  chiefs,  one  of 
whom,  it  is  said,  put  to  death  a  member  of  his  tribe,  because  he 
had  apostatized.  The  Methodists  then  attempted  what  the  Rev. 
Badger  failed  to  do,  and  with  better  success.  The  old  members  of 
the  Wyandot  tribe  having  passed  away,  their  children,  who  had 
not  been  properly  instructed,  followed  the  new  religious  "guides" 
and  so  were  lost  to  the  Church.-^ 

Relics  and  evidences  of  these  Catholic  Indian  Missions  have 
been  found  in  recent  years  (the  last  as  late  as  1885)  near  the  San- 
dusky river,  at  Fremont,  and  near  the  Portage  river,  at  Port 
Clinton,  in  the  form  of  plain  silver  crosses,  such  as  are  known  to 
have  been  used  by  the  French  Canadian  Missionaries. 

After  the  abandonment  of  the  Indian  missions,  as  above 
stated,  not  until  1795,  do  we  find  a  record  of  anything  like  a  sys- 
tematic attempt  to  continue  the  work  so  nobly  begun  by  the 
Jesuits.  At  that  time  England,  although  having  recognized  some 
years  previous  the  independence  of  the  United  States,  continued 
under  various  pretexts  to  hold  several  western  military  posts,  and 
even  to  erect  new  fortifications  on  acknowledged  American  terri- 
tory. One  of  these  was  Fort  Meigs,  on  the  Maumee  river.^  Near 
it  the  Rev.  Edmund  Burke,  afterwards  Vicar  Apostolic  of  Nova 
Scotia,  began  a  mission  among  the  Ottawa  and  Chippewa  Indians, 
as  appears  from  a  letter  sent  the  writer  by  the  Catholic  Historian 
of  the  United  States,  the  late  John  Gilmary  Shea.  As  the  letter  is 
full  of  historic  interest  in  connection  with  the  condition  of  Catho- 
licity at  that  time  in  Northern  Ohio  it  is  given  here  in  full : 

"Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  Sept.  15,  1887. 

"Rev.  Dear  Father: — I  have  just  ascertained  something 
which  was  a  surprise  to  me.  and  may  perhaps  be  new  to  you.  It 
fills  a  gap  between  the  retirement  of  the  Jesuits  from  their  San- 
dusky mission  and  the  coming  of  Father  Fenwick  to  Ohio. 

"A  priest,  and  a  man  of  mark  in  his  day,  who  became  in  time 
a  bishop,  and  Vicar  Apostolic  of  Nova  Scotia,  was  for  a  time,  in 
1795-6,  a  missionary  in  Northern  Ohio.  This  was  the  Rev.  Ed- 
mund Burke,  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  evidently  a  priest  of  the 
Diocese  of  Dublin,  before  he  came  to  Canada.  He  was  the  last 
priest  of  the  Diocese  of  Quebec,  and  the  first  English  speaking 
priest  in  Ohio. 

(1)  Shea,  Am.  Oath.  Missions,  p.  203. 

(2)  Shea,  Church  in  U.  S.,  Vol.  IH,  p.  330. 


IN   NORTHERN   OHIO.  5 

"The  Rev.  Edmund  Burke  was  born  in  Ireland  about  1743. 
He  came  to  Canada  May  IG,  1787,  according  to  the  Abbe  Tan- 
guay,  who  adds  that  he  was  for  some  years  parish  priest  at  Saint 
Pierre  and  Saint  Laurent,  on  Isle  Orleans,  from  1791  to  1794. 
From  his  letters  he  was  evidently,  in  1794,  professor  (apparently  of 
mathematics)  in  the  Seminary  of  Quebec.  But  he  longed  for 
priestly  work,  and  seeing  that  nothing  had  been  done  to  continue 
the  work  of  the  Jesuit  Fathers  among  the  Indians  of  the  West, 
after  the  suppression  of  the  Order,  and  the  retirement  of  Father 
Dujaunai,  who  struggled  on  alone  unaided  and  hampered  for  some 
years,  he  conceived  the  project  of  a  great  Indian  mission  in  the 
West,  and  wrote  to  Archbishop  Troy,  of  Dublin,  to  induce  him  to 
apply  to  the  Sacred  Congregation  of  the  Propaganda.  The  Pre- 
fect, Cardinal  Antonelli,  wrote  to  Bishop  Hubert,  of  Quebec,  in 
regard  to  the  matter,  and  that  prelate  appointed  Rev.  Edmund 
Burke  his  vicar-general  for  Upper  Canada,  with  very  ample 
powers,  soliciting  his  attention  especially  to  the  French  mission 
on  Raisin  river,  now  Monroe,  Michigan.  He  set  out  from  Quebec. 
September  15,  1795,  encouraged  by  the  British  authorities  in 
Canada,  who  were  now  anxious  to  avail  themselves  of  the  influence 
of  Catholic  priests  over  the  western  Indians.  He  reached  Detroit, 
and  was  at  Raisin  river,  where  he  dedicated  the  church  to  St. 
Anthony  of  Padua.  But  on  the  2d  of  February,  1796,  he  wrote 
from  the  'Miamis'  to  Archbishop  Troy.    He  says: 

"  'I  wrote  from  Quebec,  if  I  rightly  remember,  the  day  before 
departure  for  this  country;  am  now  distant  about  five  hundred 
leagues  from  it,  on  the  western  side  of  Lake  Erie,  within  a  few 
miles  of  the  Miami  fort,  lately  built  by  the  British  government. 
*  *  *  I'm  here  in  the  midst  of  Indians,  all  heathens.  This  day 
a  grand  council  was  held  in  my  house  by  the  Ottawas,  Chippewa's 
and  Pottowatomis.  These  people  receive  a  certain  quantity  of 
Indian  corn  from  the  government,  and  I  have  been  appointed  to 
distribute  it.  That  gives  me  a  consequence  among  them  which  I 
hope  will  be  useful,  as  soon  as  I  can  speak  their  language,  which  is 
not  very  difficult. 

"  'This  (is)  the  last  and  most  distant  parish  inhabited  by  Cath- 
olics on  this  earth ;  in  it  is  neither  law,  justice  nor  subjection.  You 
never  meet  a  man,  either  Indian  or  Canadian,  without  his  gun  in 
his  hand  and  his  knife  at  his  breast.  My  house  is  on  the  banks  of 
a  river  which  falls  into  the  lake,  full  of  fish  and  fowl  of  all  sorts; 
the  finest  climate  in  the  world,  and  the  most  fertile  lands.  *  *  * 
Next  summer  I  go  on  three  hundred  leagues  towards  Mackina,  or 
Lake  Superior,  where  there  are  some  Christian  Indians,  to  see  if  I 
can  collect  them.' 

"He  solicited  the  erection  of  a  Prefecture  of  the  Indian  Terri- 


6  A  HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

tory  of  the  West,  independent  of  yuebec,  Baltimore  and  Louisi- 
ana, but  this  was  not  carried  out.  This  letter,  I  think,  enables  us 
to  fix,  pretty  nearly,  the  spot  where  he  was.  The  fort  was  that 
erected  by  the  English  on  the  Maumee,*  and  near  which  Wayne 
defeated  the  JMiamis  and  their  confederates.  There  were  probably 
some  Catholics  among  the  soldiers  in  the  fort,  and  his  letter  shows 
he  had  Canadians.  His  house,  where  he  must  have  said  Mass,  was 
three  miles  from  the  fort,  and  evidently  surrounded  by  the  Indian 
camps.  He  wrote  from  Detroit  in  May,  but  in  August,  1796,  in  a 
letter  from  Quebec  to  Archbishop  Troy,  says  that  he  received  his 
letter  of  November  30,  1795,  at  the  Miamis  in  February — that  is, 
of  course,  February,  1796.  His  stay,  or  visits  to  Ohio,  therefore, 
extended  at  least  from  February,  1795,  to  February,  1796,  and 
possibly  a  little  longer. 

"He  seems,  after  some  practical  experience,  to  have  aban- 
doned his  plans  of  great  Indian  missions.  In  1797  he  was  at  Fort 
Niagara.  In  1803  he  was  sent  by  the  Bishop  of  Quebec  to  Halifax 
as  its  first  settled  pastor.  There  he  erected  the  Glebe  House,  which 
1  believe  is  still  the  residence  of  the  Archbishop,  and  he  made  the 
plans  and  laid  the  foundation  of  St.  Mary's  cathedral.  He  visited 
Rome  in  1816,  and  the  next  year  (July  4,  1817),  was  appointed  by 
Pius  VII,  Bishop  of  Sion  and  Vicar  Apostolic  of  Nova  Scotia.  He 
died  at  Halifax,  December  1,  1820,  according  to  Archbishop  Han- 
nan's  sketch,  in  his  seventy-eighth  year. 

"This  gives,  I  think.  Reverend  dear  friend,  another  Ohio 
priest,  short  as  was  his  stay,  and  one  too  conspicuous  to  be  over- 
looked. I  find  allusion  to  his  presence  in  the  West,  in  some  letters 
of  Bishop  Carroll,  and  a  wandering  Dominican  Father,  Le  Deu, 
and  it  would  seem  that  when  the  English  finally  retired  from  the 
posts  which  they  had  held  in  contravention  of  the  treaty  of  1783, 
Rev.  Mr.  Burke  wrote  to  Bishop  Carroll,  and  may  have  thought 
of  coming  to  the  Diocese  of  Baltimore. 

'T  should  be  most  ungrateful  if  I  did  not  mention  that  Bishop 
Maes,  of  Covington,  who  has  written  a  sketch  of  the  Church  at 
Monroe,  first  told  me  of  Bishop  Burke's  having  been  at  Raisin 
river;  then  I  found  him  in  the  Register  at  Quebec.     *     *     * 

Yours  most  sincerely, 
Rev.  G.  F.  Houck.  John  Gilmary  Shka." 

After  Father  Burke  left  his  unpromising  charge,  about  Febru- 
ary, 1796,  no  priest  visited  or  was  stationed  in  Northern  Ohio, 
until  1817.  During  this  period  of  twenty  years  a  number  of  Cath^ 
olic  families  came  from  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania  and  settled, 


♦Fort   Meigs,   near  the  present  site  of  Perrysburg,    and    opposite   the   present   town    of 
Maumee,   Lucas  county,   Ohio. — H. 


.;j^.^aftw«rss? 


JJ^B^- 


ST.   JOHN'S   CATHEDRAL   SCHOOL,    CLEVELAND. 


IN   NORTHERN   OHIO.  7 

some  in  Columbiana  county,  as  early  as  1812.  others  a  few  years 
later,  in  Stark  and  Wayne  counties.  The  See  of  Bardstown,  Ky.. 
was  erected  by  Pius  VII  in  1808,  and  the  Rt.  Rev.  Benedict  J. 
Flaget  was  appointed  its  first  Bishop.  Ohio,  with  all  the  territory 
northwest  of  the  river  of  that  name,  was  placed  temporarily  under 
his  charge.^  In  1812  the  saintly  Dominican  Father,  Edward  Fen- 
wick,  was  commissioned  by  him  to  look  after  the  spiritual  w^elfare 
of  the  Catholics,  sparsely  settled  in  Southern  and  Central  Ohio, 
and  to  arrange  for  regular  pastoral  attendance.  In  1817  Father 
Fenwick  paid  his  first  visit  to  the  few  Catholic  families  settled  in 
northeastern  Ohio,  many  of  whom  had  not  seen  a  priest  for  years. 
From  this  visit  dates  the  actual  history  of  Catholicity  in  Northern 
Ohio,  as  since  then  there  has  been  no  intermission  in  Catholic 
worship  in  that  part  of  the  State. 

(1)    Shea,  Church  in  U.  S.,  Vol.  HI,  p.  234. 


A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 


CHAPTER  II 

THE  RELIGIOUS  ORDERS;    SECULAR  CLERGY; 
CHURCHES;  1817— 1847. 

1.  THE  DOMINICANS.— THEIR  missions  in  Columbiana,  mahoning  and 

WAYNE  counties— FIRST  CATHOLIC  SETTLERS  IN  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY 
—FATHER  FENWICK'S  FIRST  VISIT  TO  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY— FATHERS 
YOUNG  AND  HILL— EARLY  CATHOLICITY  IN  CANTON  AND  WOOSTER— 
FATHER  FENWICK  APPOINTED  FIRST  BISHOP  OF  CINCINNATI— DOMINI- 
CANS GIVE  UP  THEIR  MISSIONS   IN  NORTHERN  OHIO. 

2.  THE     REDEMPTORISTS.— FATHERS     saenderl.     haetscher     and 

TSCHENHENS  TAKE  CHARGE  OF  MISSIONS  IN  HURON,  ERIE,  SANDUSKY, 
CRAWFORD,  WYANDOT  AND  SENECA  COUNTIES— BISHOP  PURCELL,  SECOND 
BISHOP  OF  CINCINNATI— THE  REDEMPTORISTS  RESIGN  THEIR  MISSIONS. 

3.  THE  SANGUINISTS.— THE  very  rev.  f.  s.  brunner  and  other  san- 

GUINIST  FATHERS  TAKE  CHARGE,  IN  1844,  OF  THE  MISSIONS  RELIN- 
QUISHED BY  THE  REDEMPTORISTS— SANGUINIST  CONVENTS  ESTABLISHED 
AT  NEW  RIEGEL,  THOMPSON— THE  SUCCESS  OF  THE  SANGUINIST  MISSIONS. 

4.  THE  SECULAR  CLERGY.-1824-1847. 

5.  CHURCHES  IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.-1820-1847. 

6.  FEMALE    RELIGIOUS    COMMUNITIES.-sanguinist    sisters,    at 

NEW    RIEGEL— NOTRE    DAME  SISTERS,  AT  TOLEDO. 

7.  BISHOPS  FENWICK  AND  PURCELL. 

1.    THE  DOMINICANS. 

COLUMBIANA,  Mahoning  and  Wayne  counties  are  the 
cradle  of  Catholicity  in  Northern  Ohio,  and  the  Domini- 
cans its  first  missionaries.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the 
records  of  the  early  labors  of  these  pioneer  priests  in  Northern 
Ohio  are  sadly  deficient.  In  fact,  as  the  writer  v^as  informed  some 
years  ago  by  the  Very  Rev.  Provincial  of  the  Dominicans  in  the 
United  States,  no  records  were  kept  by  the  Dominicans,  either  by 
themselves  while  attending  to  their  scattered  missions,  or  by  their 
convents  in  Kentucky,  and  in  Perry  county,  Ohio,  whence  they 
were  sent  to  Northern  Ohio.  This  account  of  their  early  labors, 
based  chiefly  on  information  gathered  from  historical  sketches  of 
churches  under  their  pastoral  care,  must  therefore  necessarily  be 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  9 

incomplete;  and  although  meagre,  it  is  hoped  it  will  not  fail  to 
prove  of  interest  to  the  reader. 

About  the  year  1812  a  few  Catholic  families  came  to  America 
from  Ireland.  After  a  long  and  tedious  journey  westward  from  the 
seaboard,  and  over  the  Allegheny  mountain  range,  they  crossed 
the  Ohio  river  near  Pittsburg  and  settled  in  the  dense  forest  of 
Columbiana  county,  about  eight  miles  southwest  of  its  county 
seat,  New  Lisbon,  then  containing  only  a  few  log  houses  and  frame 
shanties.  These  families  were  the  first  Catholic  settlers  in  Nor- 
thern Ohio.  For  the  reception  of  the  Sacraments  they  were 
obliged  to  go  to  Pittsburg,  eighty  miles  distant,  as  there  was 
neither  church  nor  priest  nearer.  Owing  to  the  great  difificulty  of 
making  this  long  journey  it  naturally  followed  that  it  was  seldom 
made,  and  in  consequence  the  faith  of  these  people  grew  lukewarm. 
When  Father  Fenwick  made  his  first  visit  to  Perry  county,  Ohio, 
in  1816,  he  heard  that  there  was  a  Catholic  settlement  of  farmers 
near  Hanover,  a  few  miles  distant  from  the  present  village  of  Dun- 
gannon,  in  Columbiana  county.  In  June  of  the  following  year  he 
extended  his  pastoral  tour,  so  as  to  include  in  his  visit  the  above 
mentioned  Catholic  settlers.  Great  w-as  their  joy  to  welcome  that 
pioneer  priest  of  Northern  Ohio,  the  first  to  enter  their  homes 
since  they  had  left  Ireland.  Father  Fenwick's  visit  deeply  im- 
pressed them  and  aroused  in  them  their  dormant  faith.  He  said 
Mass,  preached  and  administered  the  Sacraments  in  a  log  cabin 
on  the  farm  of  Daniel  McAUister,  whose  guest  he  was  during  his 
stay  in  the  settlement.  In  1818  he  came  again,  accompanied  by 
his  nephew,  the  Rev.  Nicholas  D.  Young,  also  a  Dominican,  who 
had  been  ordained  the  year  previous.  Arrangements  were  now 
made  for  regular  visits.  For  a  more  extended  account  of  rehgion 
in  this  part  of  Columbiana  county,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the 
parish  sketch  of  Dungannon,  which  is  the  oldest  congregation  in 
Northern  Ohio — the  present  diocese  of  Cleveland,  In  December, 
1818,  Father  Fenwick  was  directed  to  establish  a  convent  of  his 
Order  near  Somerset,  Perry  county,  Ohio,  on  a  tract  of  land  given 
the  Dominicans  for  that  purpose  by  Mr.  P.  Dittoe,  a  fervent  and 
generous  Catholic. 

This  convent  was  the  residence  of  the  Dominican  Fathers  who 
attended  at  regular  intervals  the  missions  entrusted  to  their  pas- 


10  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

toral  care  in  Columbiana,  Stark,  Mahoning  and  Wayne  counties. 
Fathers  Fenwick  and  Young  were  soon  joined  by  others  of  their 
Order,  each  of  whom  had  charge  of  one  or  more  missions  in  Nor- 
thern and  Central  Ohio.  The  following  is  a  complete  list  of  their 
names,  viz. :  The  Revs.  Vincent  De  Raymacher,  Charles  P.  Mont- 
gomery, John  A.  Hill,  John  G.  Alleman,  Joseph  S.  Alemany, 
P.  Fochenkress,  J.  O'Meara,  Thomas  H.  Martin,  A.  Fahey, 
Thomas  McGrady,  D.  J.  O'Leary,  A.  F.  Van  de  Weyer  and 
Richard  P.  Miles.  They  labored  with  zeal  and  success  and  left 
their  impress  on  all  the  missions  under  their  charge.  Hardships 
and  difificulties  and  disappointments  they  bore  cheerfully.  They 
laid  the  foundation  of  religion  deeply,  so  that  their  successors 
might,  as  they  did,  build  thereon  a  solid  edifice. 

Among  them,  Fathers  Fenwick,  Young  and  Hill  were 
markedly  successful.  Their  names  are  intimately  associated  with 
the  early  Catholic  history  of  Northern  Ohio;  the  first  two  as 
founders  of  flourishing  congregations  in  Columbiana  and  Wayne 
counties,  and  Father  Hill  as  the  founder  of  St.  John's,  Canton. 

In  connection  with  this  brief  narrative  of  the  missionary 
labors  of  the  Dominican  Fathers  in  Northern  Ohio,  the  following 
extracts  are  taken  from  the  U.  S.  Catholic  Miscellany,  published 
at  Charleston,  S.  C,  by  Bishop  England: 

"Canton,  Stark  County,  June  1,  1827. 

"*  *  The  missionary  Fathers,  Revs.  N.  D.  Young  and 
J.  I.  Mullon,  traveled  through  Belmont,  Harrison,  JefTerson  and 
Columbiana  counties  to  Canton,  Stark  county.  Here  they  were 
received  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  [he  had  preceded  them  from 
Zanesville  to  visit  the  pastor  of  Canton,  Very  Rev.  John  A.  Hill, 
then  seriously  ill]  who  was  anxiously  awaiting  their  arrival  to 
commence  the  Jubilee  in  St.  John's  Church,  sooner  than  in  other 
circumstances  we  could  have  desired.  *  *  In  this  settlement  a 
church  is  now  on  hand,  and  we  hope  will  be  in  readiness  for  service 
against  the  next  visit  of  their  worthy  pastor  [V.  Rev.  J.  A.  Hill,  of 
Canton.]" 

In  a  later  issue  of  the  same  periodical  is  found  the  following: 

"Wooster,  Ohio,  September  1,  1827. 

"From  Dungannon  the  missionaries  went  to  Wooster,  the 
county  town  of  Wayne  county,  where,  at  the  request  of  some  of  its 
most  respectable  citizens,  one  of  them  [Rev.  Father  Mullon] 
preached  in  the  court  house  to  an  audience,  chiefly  composed  of 


ST.   MICHAEL'S  CHURCH  (Side  Aisle).   CLEVKLA.VD 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  11 

Protestants  of  the  different  sects,  among  whom  was  the  Presby- 
terian preacher  of  that  place.  *  *  In  the  vicinity  of  the  place 
several  very  respectable  Catholic  families  reside,  the  most  of  whom 
were  converts  from  Presbyterianism.  The  first  priest  who  visited 
this  part  of  the  State  was  our  present  zealous  Bishop.  About  ten 
years  ago  he  made  his  first  visit  to  this  sequestered  part,  from 
Kentucky,  where  he  then  resided.  Hearing  that  a  Catholic  gentle- 
man resided  in  Wooster,  who  wished  to  have  the  consolation  of 
religion,  Doctor  Fenwick,  whose  zeal  for  the  salvation  of  souls  was 
never  dormant  since  he  entered  into  the  sacred  ministry,  hastened 
to  this  part  of  the  State  for  the  purpose,  though  distant  nearly  one 
hundred  miles  out  of  his  usual  route ;  the  fatigues  of  the  journey, 
the  many  privations  he  had  to  endure,  were  no  obstacles  to  him. 
On  his  arrival  he  found,  as  he  was  informed,  only  one  Catholic  in 
the  town,  a  native  of  Ireland,  who  by  his  industry  and  correct  de- 
portment had  become  independent,  and  was  at  the  time  engaged  in 
mercantile  business.  Before  Dr.  Fenwick  left  this  gentleman's 
house  he  had  the  consolation  to  receive  into  the  communion  of  the 
Church  his  whole  family." 

The  following  item  appeared  in  the  U.  S.  Catholic  Miscel- 
lany, of  February  28,  1828  : 

"Canton,  February  10,  1828. 
"Thirty  Catholic  families  arrived  from  Lorraine,  France,  at 
Canton,  Stark  county.  The  chief  motive  that  induced  these  indus- 
trious and  respectable  emigrants  to  locate  themselves  in  this 
vicinity  was  the  convenience  of  having  a  Catholic  church  at 
Canton.  They  and  several  congregations,  though  far  asunder, 
are  attended  at  present  by  the  Very  Rev.  John  A.  Hill,  V.  G." 

Bishop  Flaget  finding  it  impossible  to  attend  to  the  vast 
territory  under  his  jurisdiction,  petitioned  the  Holy  See  for  relief. 
The  result  was  the  erection  of  the  Diocese  of  Cincinnati,  embrac- 
ing the  States  of  Ohio  and  Michigan,  and  the  appointment  of 
Father  Fenwick  as  its  first  Bishop.  Reluctantly  he  accepted  the 
burden,  and  was  consecrated  at  Bardstown,  Ky.,  January  13,  1822. 
Till  his  death,  in  1832,  he  loved  to  visit  the  field  of  his  early  mis- 
sionary labors  and  was  always  most  cordially  welcomed  by  his 
former  co-laborers  and  parishioners. 

The  Dominicans  gradually  gave  up  to  secular  priests  their 
pastoral  charges  in  the  above  named  counties  till,  in  1842,  they 
withdrew  entirely,  St.  John's,  Canton,  being  their  last  mission  in 
Northern  Ohio. 


12  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

2.     THE  REDEMPTORISTS. 

About  1829  the  Very  Rev.  Frederick  Rese,  Vicar  General  of 
the  Diocese  of  Cincinnati,  was  sent  to  Europe  by  Bishop  Fenwick 
for  the  purpose  of  securing  priests  and  financial  aid  for  the  Ohio 
and  Michigan  missions.  Whilst  in  Vienna  he  visited  the  Redemp- 
torist  Fathers,  located  there.  His  pathetic  appeal  for  priestly  help 
in  the  immense  missionary  fields  in  America,  w^here  the  harvest 
was  great  and  the  laborers  few,  aroused  in  the  heart  of  many  a  son 
of  St.  Alphonsus  the  desire  to  establish  in  that  far  distant  country 
the  Congregation  of  the  Most  Holy  Redeemer.  This  desire  took 
effect  in  1832  when  three  Redemptorists  were  sent  in  answer  to 
Father  Rese's  appeal.  They  were  the  Rev.  Fathers  Simon 
Saenderl,  Francis  X.  Haetscher  and  Francis  X.  Tschenhens,  who 
had  as  their  companions  three  lay  brothers.  They  arrived  in  New 
York  on  June  20,  1832,  and  a  few  days  later  set  out  for  Cincinnati. 
There  a  most  cordial  welcome  was  given  them  by  Vicar  General 
Rese,  Bishop  Fenwick  being  absent  at  the  time  on  an  episcopal 
visitation  of  his  diocese,  then  embracing  all  of  Ohio,  the  territory 
of  Michigan  and  the  eastern  part  of  the  territory  of  Wisconsin. 
After  a  short  rest  the  Fathers  were  assigned  to  their  respective 
posts  of  duty.  Father  Haetscher  was  sent  to  Norwalk,  Tiffin  and 
the  adjoining  smaller  missions  in  Huron,  Erie,  Sandusky,  Craw- 
ford, Wyandot  and  Seneca  counties,  which  had  received  a  con- 
siderable influx  of  Catholics,  principally  from  Germany.  Father 
Saenderl  was  sent  to  Michigan  and  Father  Tschenhens  remained 
for  a  short  time  in  Cincinnati  to  minister  to  the  Catholic  Germans 
there  settled.  Father  Saenderl  found  little  response  to  his  labor 
and  zeal  in  Michigan  and  so  asked  to  be  relieved  of  his  charge. 
Bishop  '"''urcell,  successor  to  Bishop  Fenwick,  granted  this  request. 
In  1834  liishop  Purcell  sent  Father  Tschenhens  to  Northern  Ohio 
to  take  charge  of  the  scattered  missions  which  Father  Haetscher 
had  been  attending,  with  the  assistance  of  a  few  secular  priests. 
Father  Saenderl  assisted  Father  Tschenhens  at  Peru  and  Norwalk 
for  a  few  weeks  in  1835,  when,  at  the  invitation  of  Bishop  Rese,  he 
returned  with  Father  Haetscher  to  Michigan. 

Bishop  Purcell  assigned  to  the  Redemptorist  Fathers,  as 
their  place  of  residence,  Peru,  Huron  county,  where,  since  1829,  a 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  13 

congregation  of  Catholic  Germans  had  been  organized.^  Later 
they  were  joined  by  the  Rev.  Fathers  Czakert  and  Prost. 

Soon  these  good  and  zealous  priests  found  as  little  con- 
solation here  as  did  their  brethren  in  Michigan.  Their  appeals  to 
the  generosity  of  their  people  in  Peru,  for  the  erection  of  a  new 
and  much  needed  church,  and  for  other  parochial  wants,  met  with 
no  response.  The  spirit  of  the  congregation  was  bad ;  insult  and 
abuse  were  the  return  given  the  priests  for  their  labors  and  self- 
sacrifice.  This  was  most  painful  to  good  Father  Tschenhens,  who 
had  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  the  spiritual  welfare  of  his  con- 
gregation. However,  in  spite  of  ill-treatment,  he  and  his  faithful 
co-laborers  continued  to  discharge  their  duty,  hoping  against  hope 
for  a  change  of  spirit. 

Father  Tschenhens  himself  now  took  charge  of  the  scattered 
missions  in  the  adjoining  counties,  visiting  at  regular  intervals, 
often  over  roads  that  were  almost  impassable,  Sandusky,  Norwalk, 
Liberty,  Tiffin,  Bucyrus,  Wolfs  Creek  (now  New  Riegel),  Mc- 
Cutchenville  (no  longer  existing  as  a  mission),  and  occasionally 
Canton.  Whilst  he  was  thus  engaged  Father  Czakert  attended 
Peru,  Norwalk  and  the  neighboring  missions,  going  long  distances 
afoot  or  horseback  to  do  so. 

No  change  for  the  better  taking  place  in  the  spirit  of  the  con- 
gregation at  Peru,  the  Redemptorist  Fathers  asked  their  Provin- 
cial for  permission  to  give  up  this  charge.  Their  request  was 
granted,  and  on  Low  Sunday,  1839,  the  Rev.  Father  Prost  an- 
nounced to  the  congregation  that  he  and  his  brethren  intended 
to  leave  them,  giving  as  a  reason  for  so  doing,  the  continued  un- 
kindness  and  ingratitude  show^n  the  Fathers  in  return  for  their 
labors  among  the  people  entrusted  to  their  pastoral  care. 

All  the  Redemptorist  Fathers  left  as  announced,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Tschenhens,  who  a  few  months  later 
followed  his  associates  to  Pittsburg,  where  they  founded  a  monas- 
tery and  took  charge  of  the  present  very  flourishing  congregation 
of  St.  Philomena. 

In  1841,  at  the  earnest  solicitation  of  Bishop  Purcell.  Father 
Tschenhens  again  took  charge  of  the  congregation  at  Peru. 
It  had  been  without  a  priest  for  months,  owing  to  dissensions 

(1)    Berger,  Life  of  Bishop  Neumann,  C.  SS.  R.,  p.  222. 


14  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

which  caused  the  removal  of  the  secular  priest  in  charge,  the 
Rev.  Joseph  Freigang.  Father  Tschenhens,  assisted  by  the 
Redemptorist  Fathers.  Revs.  J.  N.  Neumann  and  L.  M.  AHg, 
remained  from  June,  1841,  to  November,  1843.  Meanv^hile  he 
also  attended  Tiflfin  and  a  few  other  missions  in  Seneca  and 
Wyandot  counties.  On  the  date  last  mentioned  the  labors  of  the 
Redemptorists  in  Northern  Ohio  terminated. 

3.      THE  SANGUINISTS. 

In  1837  the  Venerable  Dom  Caspar  de  Bufalo,  an  Italian 
priest,  founded  at  Rome  a  Congregation  of  priests,  naming  it  the 
Society  of  the  Most  Precious  Blood,  and  known  later  in  the  United 
States  as  Sanguinists.  The  object  of  the  Society  was  to  give 
missions  to  the  peasantry  of  Italy  and  thus  to  arouse  the  faith  then 
dormant  among  them  in  that  country.  The  Very  Rev.  Francis  de 
Sales  Brunner,  a  native  of  Switzerland,  learning  of  this  infant 
Society  and  of  its  successful  work  in  Italy,  went  to  Rome  in  1838, 
determined  to  join  it,  and  also  to  introduce  it,  if  possible,  into  his 
own  country  and  Germany,  and  later  on  into  the  United  States. 
His  ardent  desire  was  soon  realized,  and  shared  also  by  a  number 
of  Swiss  priests  who  followed  his  example.  They  became  members 
of  the  Sanguinist  Society  and  under  the  leadership  of  Father 
Brunner  did  much  for  religion,  especially  in  Switzerland.  To  put 
into  effect  his  long  cherished  plan,  to  establish  the  same  Society  in 
the  United  States,  he  went  to  Rome  again  in  1842,  to  obtain  the 
sanction  of  the  Father  General,  who  succeeded  the  Venerable 
Founder  at  the  latter's  death,  in  1838.  The  permission  was  cheer- 
fully granted,  and  Pope  Gregory  XVI  encouraged  and  blessed 
him.  bidding  him  God-speed  in  his  proposed  missionary  w^ork  in 
far  distant  America.  On  his  return  to  Germany  a  letter  awaited 
him  from  the  Very  Rev.  John  M.  Henni,  Vicar  General  of  Bishop 
Purcell.  inviting  him  and  his  associates  to  come  to  the  Diocese  of 
Cincinnati.  The  invitation  was  gladly  accepted,  and  on  the  28th 
of  September,  1843,  Father  Brunner,  accompanied  by  the  Revs. 
M.  Anton  Meier,  John  Wittmer,  Martin  Probst,  Jacob  Ringeli, 
Peter  A.  Capeder,  John  Van  den  Broek,  John  B.  Jacomet  and  two 
lay  brothers,  set  out  for  America.  After  visiting  the  celebrated 
shrine  at  Einsiedeln,  Switzerland,  and  spending  a  few  days  in  Paris, 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  15 

they  reached  Havre  on  October  13,  where  they  were  obhged  to 
await  weather  propitious  for  saiHng.  While  thus  detained  they  met 
Bishop  Purcell.  who  had  visited  Rome,  and  had  missed  by  one  day 
the  ship  on  which  he  had  intended  to  return  to  America.  The 
meeting  between  prelate  and  priests — his  future  co-laborers  in 
Ohio — was  most  joyful.  October  19,  1843,  their  ship  set  sail,  and 
after  a  very  stormy  passage  the  missionaries  reached  New  Orleans 
on  December  21  following.  They  boarded  a  steamboat  for  Cin- 
cinnati, where  they  arrived  January  1,  1844.  Bishop  Purcell,  who 
had  taken  passage  on  a  sailing  vessel  for  New  York,  and  thus  pre- 
ceded the  Sanguinist  Fathers  by  a  few  weeks,  gave  them  a  most 
cordial  welcome  on  their  arrival.  After  a  short  rest  from  the 
fatigue  of  their  long  journey,  six  of  the  Fathers  set  out  for  Peru, 
Huron  county,  the  field  of  labor  assigned  them  by  the  Bishop, 
Father  Probst  remaining  at  Cincinnati  for  a  time.  They  took 
passage  on  a  steamboat  up  the  Ohio  river,  as  far  as  Wellsville,  and 
thence  crossed  the  country,  using  wagons  to  convey  themselves 
and  their  baggage  to  their  destination  in  the  wnlds  of  Northern 
Ohio.  On  the  way  to  Peru  they  passed  a  number  of  villages  and 
towns.  Wherever  they  found  a  Catholic  settlement  they  made  a 
short  stop  to  say  Mass  and  preach.  Among  the  places  thus  visited 
were  Dungannon,  Canton,  Massillon,  Wooster,  and  lastly  Nor- 
walk,  a  short  distance  from  Peru.-^  On  their  arrival  at  Peru,  about 
January  15,  1844,  they  took  charge  of  St.  Alphonsus'  congrega- 
tion as  successors  to  the  Redemptorists.  They  also  accepted 
charge  of  the  missions  attended  by  their  predecessors,  besides  at- 
tending to  the  Catholic  Germans  in  Cleveland,  and  the  scattered 
missions  in  Lorain,  Medina,  Wayne,  Portage  and  Stark  counties. 

The  advent  of  these  devoted  priests  was  hailed  with  delight 
wherever  they  were  sent.  Their  labors  were  signally  blessed.  In 
December,  1844,  Father  Brunner  established  a  convent  for  this 
Society  at  New^  Riegel,  in  1845  one  at  Thompson,  and  in  1848 
another  at  Glandorf.  Each  of  these  places  became  a  center  of 
Catholicity  for  the  surrounding  country,  and  from  them  the 
neighboring  missions  were  regularly  attended.  In  1847  the  con- 
gregation of  Peru,  completely  changed  in  spirit  by  the  prayerful 
labors  of  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  was  resigned  by  them.     It  was 

(1)    Sanguinists  in  the  U.   S..   pp.  40-62. 


K;  a    history    of    CATHOLICITY 

then  placed  in  charge  of  secular  priests,  and  has  remained  so  ever 
since. 

The  Sanguinist  Fathers,  under  the  leadership  of  their  saintly 
Provincial,  did  noble  missionary  work  for  the  cause  of  God  and  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  souls  within  the  limits  of  the  territory  now 
constituting  the  nourishing  Diocese  of  Cleveland,  and  they  were 
one  of  the  principal  factors  in  promoting  the  wonderful  growth  of 
the  Church  therein.  By  their  indomitable  energy  and  simple  piety, 
by  their  burning  zeal  and  utter  forgetfulness  of  self,  by  their  labors 
"in  season  and  out  of  season,"  they  helped  to  build  up  the  King- 
dom of  God  in  men's  souls.  They  succeeded  in  awakening  the 
Faith,  and  in  enkindling  the  fire,  of  Catholic  Charity  in  the  hearts 
of  the  people  who  had  settled  at  an  early  date  in  northwestern 
Ohio.  Most  of  them  had  come  from  countries  in  Europe  where 
Jansenism  and  Josephism  had  put  their  deadly  blight  on  religious 
life ;  and  many,  after  finding  a  home  in  the  New  World,  had  long 
been  left  spiritually  destitute,  not  having  seen  a  priest  for  years. 
The  Sanguinist  missionaries  fanned  the  dying  embers  of  faith  into 
a  vigorous  flame,  and  the  succeeding  generation  was  brought  up 
in  a  true  Catholic  spirit.  The  result  was,  that  religion  soon  flour- 
ished in  all  the  missions  under  their  watchful  care,  and  hence  it  is 
but  true  to  say,  that  the  healthy  growth  of  Catholicity  in  Northern 
Ohio  may,  under  God,  in  a  great  measure,  be  justly  ascribed  to  the 
untiring  zeal  of  these  excellent  pioneer  priests. 

4.    THE  SECULAR  CLERGY. 

Together  with  those  of  the  religious  orders,  recorded  in  the 
preceding  pages,  the  priests  belonging  to  the  Secular  clergy  also 
deserve  special  mention.  They  too  labored  in  this  part  of  the 
Master's  vineyard  amid  trials,  difficulties  and  hardships,  often  side 
by  side  with  their  brethren  of  the  Regular  clergy,  already  men- 
tioned, more  often  alone  in  these  scattered  missions.  And  their 
labors  have  borne  fruit  a  hundred  fold.  They  did  yeoman's  ser- 
vice ;  they  blazed  the  way  for  those  who  succeeded  them,  and  laid 
the  foundation  for  many  missions  that  have  long  since  developed 
into  strong,  vigorous  and  prosperous  congregations. 

The  first  secular  priest  to  do  missionary  work  in  Northern 
Ohio  was  the  Rev.  Ignatius  J.  Mullon,  a  learned  and  pious  clergy- 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  17 

man.  He  was  stationed  at  the  Cathedral  in  Cincinnati,  between 
1824  and  1834,  and  was  repeatedly  sent  by  his  bishop  to  the 
missions  in  Stark  and  Columbiana  counties,  also  to  Tiffin  and 
Fremont,  remaining  for  longer  or  shorter  periods  in  each  place. 
His  first  visit  to  Northern  Ohio  was  shortly  after  his  ordination, 
in  1824.  The  Rev.  Francis  Marshall  was  the  next  secular  priest, 
doing  pastoral  work  at  Chippewa,  (near  Doylestown)  in  1827.  In 
1830  the  Rev.  John  M.  Henni  was  appointed  resident  pastor  of  St. 
John's,  Canton,  remaining  till  1834.  During  this  time  he  also 
attended  missions  in  Columbiana,  Stark  and  Wayne  counties. 
Next  in  point  of  time  was  the  Rev.  Edmund  Quinn,  first  resident 
pastor  of  St.  Mary's,  Tiffin,  1831-35.  His  mission  covered  all  of 
Northwestern  Ohio.  In  1833  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Horstmann  came  to 
Northern  Ohio  and  founded  a  colony  on  land  he  purchased  in 
Putnam  county  from  the  government.  Here  also  he  established 
St.  John's  congregation,  Glandorf.  The  Rev.  James  Conlon  had 
charge  of  missions  in  Columbiana  and  Mahoning  counties,  and  the 
eastern  portion  of  Stark  county,  from  1834.  In  1835  the  Rev. 
Matthias  Wuertz  was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  John's,  Canton,  and 
attended  Massillon,  Louisville,  Navarre,  and  several  stations  in 
Stark  and  Wayne  counties.  He  remained  till  1845.  The  Rev. 
John  Dillon  was  the  first  resident  pastor  of  Cleveland,  from  1835 
to  1836,  and  during  this  short  time  attended  stations  in  Summit 
and  Lorain  counties.  He  died  in  Cleveland,  October  16,  1836. 
The  Rev.  Basil  Schorb,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  was  appointed 
resident  pastor  of  Chippewa  in  1837,  and  had  charge  of  Canal 
Fulton,  Massillon,  Canton,  Liverpool,  Randolph  and  Wooster. 
He  returned  to  Pennsylvania  in  1843.  The  Rev.  George  Boehne 
was  on  the  mission  in  Putnam  county,  notably  at  Fort  Jennings, 
from  1841. 

The  Rev.  Patrick  O'Dwyer  had  pastoral  charge  of  the 
Catholics  of  Cleveland  from  1837  to  1839,  and  commenced  their 
first  church  in  1838. 

Between  1838  and  1840  the  Rev.  Michael  McAleer  did 
pastoral  duty  at  Canton,  Dungannon  and  Navarre.  From  1839  to 
1847,  the  Rev.  Joseph  McNamee  was  resident  pastor  of  St.  Mary's, 
Tiffin.  For  several  years  he  also  had  charge  of  all  the  stations  and 
missions  in  Northwestern  Ohio,  covering  the  same  territory  as  his 
predecessor.  Father  Quinn. 


38  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

The  Rev.  Projectus  J.  Macliebeuf  had  charge  of  the  missions 
in  Sandusky.  Henry,  Ottawa,  Wood  and  Lucas  counties  from 
1880.  till  he  was  transferred  to  Sandusky,  as  first  resident  i)astor. 
in  December,  1S40.  From  Sandusky  he  attended  missions  in 
Sandusky,  Erie  and  Pluron  counties. 

In  1840  the  Revs.  Amadeus  Rappe  and  Louis  De  Goesbriand 
came  to  Ohio.  The  latter  was  sent  by  Bishop  Purcell  to  take 
charge  of  St.  Louis'  congregation,  Louisville,  Stark  county. 
Father  Rappe  resided  about  six  months  at  Chillicothe.  In  1841  he 
was  sent  to  Toledo,  where  he  organized  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  con- 
gregation, and  attended  all  the  missions  and  stations  in  Lucas, 
Paulding,  Williams,  Defiance  and  Henry  counties.  In  1846  he  was 
joined  by;  Father  De  Goesbriand,  who  shared  with  him  the  priva- 
tions and  labors  connected  with  this  difificult  charge.  Father 
Rappe  remained  at  Toledo  till  his  elevation  to  the  Episcopacy  in 
1847. 

The  Rev.  Peter  McLaughlin  was  resident  pastor  at  Cleveland 
from  1840  to  1846.  Shortly  after  his  arrival  he  had  the  interior 
of  St.  Mary's  church,  on  the  Flats,  completed.  The  church  was 
dedicated  June  7,  1840.  Father  McLaughlin  also  attended 
missions  in  Lake,  Lorain  and  Summit  counties. 

The  Rev.  Maurice  Howard  was  on  the  mission  in  Northern 
Ohio  about  ten  years.  He  came  in  1842.  Among  his  charges 
were  Doylestown,  Cleveland  and  Tiffin.  He  also  attended 
missions  in  Wayne,  Summit,  Richland,  Portage,  Medina,  Mahon- 
ing, Lake,  Huron  and  Geauga  counties. 

In  1843  the  Rev.  John  J.  Doherty  was  appointed  pastor  of  St. 
John's,  Canton,  where  he  remained  about  five  years.  He  also 
attended  Massillon,  Canal  Fulton  and  Navarre. 

In  1844  the  Revs.  John  H.  Luhr  and  John  O.  Bredeick  were 
assigned  charges  in  Northern  Ohio.  Father  Luhr  was  first 
stationed  at  St.  John's,  Canton,  October,  1844.  In  1845  he 
organized  St.  Peter's,  Canton,  whose  pastor  he  was  till  1847. 
Father  Bredeick  was  the  founder  of  Delphos,  and  of  St.  John's 
congregation  at  the  same  place.  The  Rev.  Peter  Peudeprat 
arrived  from  France  in  1845,  and  was  sent  to  Sandusky  as  assistant 
to  Father  Machebeuf,  where  he  remained  till  the  following  year, 
when  he  was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  Louis'  church,  Louisville, 
Stark  county. 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  19 

From  1844  to  1846  the  Rev.  Cornelius  Daley  was  first  resident 
pastor  of  St.  Vincent's,  Akron,  and  from  1846  to  1847  pastor  at 
Doylestown.  The  Rev.  Philip  Foley  was  stationed  at  Massillon 
in  1846,  and  attended  Wooster,  where  he  directed  the  building-  of 
the  first  church,  commenced  in  1847  and  finished  two  years  later. 

Besides  the  above  mentioned  secular  priests  the  following 
were  also  on  the  mission  in  Northern  Ohio :  the  Revs.  Michael  A. 
Byrne,  at  Cleveland,  1845-47 ;  J.  Freigang,  at  Peru  and  Norwalk, 
1840-41;  H.  Herzog,  at  Fort  Jennings,  1840;  J.  Hoffmann,  at  St. 
John's,  Canton,  with  charge  of  Louisville  and  Doylestown, 
1836-37;  H.  D.  Juncker,  at  Canton  and  Tiffin,  1836-37;  J.  Kear- 
ney, who  attended  East  Liverpool  and  Wellsville  from  Steuben- 
ville,  1845-46;  F.  X.  Roth,  at  Avon,  1845-47;  E.  Thienpont,  at 
Tiffin,  1834-35 ;  J.  V.  Conlan,  at  Dungannon,  in  1847. 

The  Very  Revs.  Stephen  T.  Badin  and  Edward  T.  Collins  also 
visited  some  of  the  missions  in  Northern  Ohio  between  1835  and 
1837,  the  former  ministering  to  the  Catholics  at  Canton,  Canal 
Fulton,  Fremont  and  Tiffin,  the  latter  to  those  of  Dungannon, 
Toledo  and  along  the  Maumee  river. 

This  brief  narrative  contains  the  names  of  all  the  secular 
priests  who,  at  any  time  between  1824  and  1847,  were  either 
stationed  in  Northern  Ohio,  or  attended  missions  located  therein. 
As  this  sketch  would  hardly  permit  more  than  the  mere  mention  of 
their  names,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  biographical  notices  of 
these  priests,  many  of  whom  are  deeply  enshrined  in  the  memory 
of  those  who  knew  them  and  their  disinterested  work  in  the  cause 
of  religion. 

The  following  is  a  complete  list  of  secular  priests  stationed  in 
Northern  Ohio,  October,  1847.  when  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland 
was  erected:  the  Revs.  G.  Boehne,  Glandorf;  J.  O.  Bredeick, 
Delphos;  James  Conlan  and  J.  Vincent  Conlan,  Dungannon;  Louis 
De  Goesbriand,  Toledo;  John  J.  Doherty,  St.  John's,  Canton; 
Philip  Foley,  Massillon ;  Maurice  Howard,  Cleveland ;  J.  B.  Jaco- 
met,  assistant,  St.  Peter's,  Canton;  John  H.  Luhr,  St.  Peter's, 
Canton;  Projectus  J.  Machebeuf,  Sandusky;  Casimir  Mouret, 
Doylestown;  Peter  Peudeprat,  Louisville;  Amadeus  Rappe, 
Toledo — in  all,  fourteen  secular  priests. 


20  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 


5.    CHURCHES. 


As  heretofore  stated,  Father  Fenwick  came  to  Northern  Ohio 
for  the  first  time  in  1817,  visiting  among  others  in  Colum- 
biana and  Stark  counties,  the  few  Cathohc  families  settled  near  the 
present  village  of  Dungannon.  Here  also,  under  his  direction,  in 
1820,  was  built  the  first  church  in  Northern  Ohio.  It  was  a  small 
brick  building,  dedicated  to  St.  Paul  the  Apostle,  and  served  its 
purpose  till  1840,  when  the  present  church  in  Dungannon  was 
erected.  Three  years  later  the  Catholics  in  Canton  also  built  a 
brick  church,  dedicated  to  St.  John  the  Evangelist.  It  was  re- 
placed in  1872  by  the  present  very  beautiful  church.  These  were 
the  only  two  churches  in  Northern  Ohio,  until  1829,  when  a  third 
was  built  at  Chippewa,  near  the  present  village  of  Doylestown.  It 
was  primitive  in  style,  small  in  size  and  built  of  logs.  In  1831  two 
more  log  churches  were  erected,  one  at  Randolph,  Portage  county, 
the  other  between  Lawrence  and  Canal  Fulton,  in  Stark  county. 
In  1832  a  small  brick  church  (St.  Mary's)  was  opened  for  divine 
service  at  Tiffin.  It  was  built  under  direction  of  the  Rev.  Edmund 
Quinn,  and  was  enlarged  by  a  frame  addition  built  during  the 
pastorate  of  Father  McNamee  in  1845.  In  1833  three  log  churches 
were  erected,  viz:  at  Glandorf,  Putnam  county;  Navarre  (Bethle- 
hem), Stark  county,  and  at  New  Riegel  (Wolf's  Creek),  Seneca 
county.  In  1834  the  Catholics  of  Peru  built  a  frame  church  under 
the  direction  of  the  Redemptorist  Father,  Rev.  F.  X.  Tschenhens, 
who  had  it  dedicated  to  St.  Alphonse,  the  founder  of  the  Redemp- 
torists.  In  1835  a  brick  church  was  built  at  Louisville,  Stark 
county,  and  another  (frame)  at  La  Porte,  Lorain  county.  In  1836 
a  frame  church  was  erected  at  Shelby  Settlement,  Richland 
county,  and  another  the  following  year  at  McCutchenville, 
Wyandot  county,  eight  miles  south  of  Tiffin.  In  1839  a  log  church 
was  erected  at  Thompson,  Seneca  county.  Cleveland's  first  church 
(frame)  was  begun  in  1838,  and  opened  for  divine  service  in  1840. 
During  the  latter  year  the  Catholics  of  East  Liverpool,  Colum- 
biana county,  erected  a  neat  brick  church.  Five  churches  were 
added  to  this  list  in  1841.  Father  Rappe  secured  by  purchase  two 
Protestant  frame  meeting  houses,  one  of  them  unfinished.  They 
were  located  at  Toledo  and  Maumee.  The  first  was  dedicated  to 
St.  Francis  de  Sales.     Log  churches  were  erected  at  La  Prairie. 


IN   NORTHERN   OHIO.  21 

Sandusky  county,  and  New  Washington.  Crawford  county;  also 
one  of  wood,  near  Norwalk,  dedicated  to  St.  Peter.  The  last  men- 
tioned church  is  still  in  use. 

In'  1842  churches  were  built  at  Sandusky  (Holy  Angels'), 
Abbeyville,  Landeck,  Liberty,  Liverpool,  Sheffield,  and  St. 
Stephen's  Settlement,  the  first  of  stone,  the  last  of  wood ;  the 
others  were  log  churches. 

In  1844  a  log  church  was  erected  at  Delphos  by  Father 
Bredeick.  Frame  churches  were  built  at  Akron  (St.  Vincent's), 
Defiance  (St.  John's),  and  Fremont  (St.  Ann's),  and  one  of  stone, 
at  Massillon  (St.  Mary's).  At  French  Creek  an  old  frame  building 
was  bought  and  fitted  up  for  church  purposes;  it  served  as  such 
till  the  erection  of  a  second  frame  edifice  in  1849. 

In  1845  brick  churches  were  built  at  Canton  (St.  Peter's), 
and  New  Berlin,  Stark  county;  Providence,  Lucas  county;  Tiffin 
(St.  Joseph's),  Seneca  county.  During  the  same  year  a  frame 
church  was  also  built  at  Harrisburg,  Stark  county.  In  1846  a  log 
church  was  erected  at  Bismarck  (Sherman),  and  one  of  same  kind, 
in  1847,  at  New  Bavaria  (Poplar  Ridge).  Total  number  of 
churches  built  or  bought  between  1820  and  October,  1847,  was 
42.  viz:  stone,  2;  brick,  9;  frame,  14;  log,  17. 

6.    THE  FEMALE  RELIGIOUS  COMMUNITIES. 

The  Very  Rev.  Provincial  F.  S.  Brunner.  C.  PP.  S.,  founded 
a  community  of  Sanguinist  Sisters  in  July,  1844,  at  Wolf's  Creek, 
(New  Riegel).  Their  convent,  the  first  in  Northern  Ohio,  was  a 
log  house.  The  community  numbered  but  three  sisters.  Mother 
Mary  A.  Albrecht,  Sister  Rose  and  a  novice. 

December,  1845,  Father  Brunner  also  founded  a  community 
at  Thompson,  and  there,  as  at  Wolf's  Creek,  a  log  house  was  the 
convent  building  and  contained  a  chapel.  As  soon  as  the  Sisters 
were  established  in  their  respective  convent  homes  at  Wolf's  Creek 
and  Thompson,  they  at  once  began  the  perpetual  adoration  of  our 
Lord  in  the  Blessed  Eucharist,  as  directed  by  their  Rule.  They  and 
their  successors  have  ever  since  continued,  day  and  night,  the  ob- 
servance of  this  part  of  their  Rule,  as  a  reparation  for  the  insults 
and  outrages  committed  against  our  blessed  Lord  in  the  most 
Holy  Sacrament  of  the  Altar.     They  also  supported  at  their  own 


22  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

expense  a  number  of  orphan  girls  in  each  of  these  convents, 
notably  at  New  Riegel,  and  have  continued  to  the  present  day  this 
work  of  charity. 

At  the  request  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Purcell,  a  small  colony 
of  Notre  Dame  Sisters  was  sent  in  1840  from  Namur,  Belgium,  to 
Cincinnati.  During  their  voyage  they  were  under  the  care  of  the 
Rev,  Amadeus  Rappe,  then  also  on  his  way  to  America.  Later 
on,  when  he  was  appointed  resident  pastor  of  Toledo,  he  desired 
to  obtain  the  aid  of  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  in  caring  for  the 
little  ones  of  his  fold.  Though  his  request  was  earnestly  seconded 
by  Bishop  Purcell,  it  could  not  be  granted,  because  of  the  small 
number  of  sisters.  In  1845,  however,  their  community  at  Cin- 
cinnati received  an  increase  from  Namur,  which  enabled  the 
Superioress  to  grant  Father  Rappe's  urgent  petition.  Accord- 
ingly, in  the  early  part  of  September,  five  sisters,  with  Mother 
Louis  Gonzaga  as  superioress,  embarked  for  Toledo  on  a  canal 
boat.  After  a  tedious  ride  of  two  days  and  two  nights  they 
reached  their  destination.  Bishop  Purcell,  with  his  usual  paternal 
solicitude,  was  there  with  Father  Rappe  to  meet  them. 

The  Sisters  were  conducted  to  their  future  convent  home, 
consisting  of  two  frame  houses,  at  the  corner  of  Cherry  and  Erie 
streets.  Here  they  opened  school  on  October  20,  1845.  It 
promised  good  results,  the  children,  though  few  in  number,  prov- 
ing most  docile  and  diligent.  One  serious  difficulty,  however, 
stood  in  their  way.  Toledo,  in  those  days,  was  a  swampy  and 
unhealthy  place,  where  malignant  fevers  prevailed;  and  the  Sisters 
to  whom  the  variable  climate  of  America,  with  its  sudden  changes, 
was  most  trying,  quickly  succumbed  to  its  unfavorable  influences. 
When  they  returned  to  Cincinnati  in  the  summer  of  1846  for  their 
annual  retreat  they  were  all  completely  prostrated,  so  that  some  of 
them  could  not  return  at  the  close  of  vacation.  The  succeeding 
years  proved  even  more  disastrous,  for  not  only  the  Sisters  felt  the 
evil  effects  of  the  climate,  but  their  pupils  also  contracted  the 
"Maumee  fever."  Indeed,  almost  every  family  in  the  town  lost 
some  beloved  member  by  death.  A  novice  of  the  community, 
Sister  Ann  Louise,  returned  to  Cincinnati  and  died,  and  Sister 
Xavier,  whose  remains  rest  in  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  Cemetery, 
Toledo,  also  sank  a  victim  to  the  dread  fever.    All  this  determined 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  23 

the  Superioress  of  the  Cincinnati  community  to  withdraw  the 
Sisters  from  Toledo  in  July,  1848,  the  third  year  after  their  arrival 
there. 

'7.     BISHOPS  FENWICK  AND  PURCELL. 

To  the  Rt.  Rev.  Edward  Fenwick  has  been  given  most  justly 
the  title  of  "Apostle  of  Ohio,"  as  he  was  the  first  missionary  of 
Ohio,  who  penetrated  its  wilds,  through  trackless  forests,  from 
Cincinnati  to  the  counties  in  Northern  Ohio,  to  preach  the  Gospel 
and  break  the  Bread  of  Life  to  famishing  souls.  He  was  conse- 
crated Bishop  of  Cincinnati,  January  13,  1822,  and  had  as  a  part  of 
his  jurisdiction  the  whole  of  the  State  of  Ohio. 

When  he  took  charge  of  his  diocese  there  was  but  one  church 
in  Northern  Ohio  (near  Dungannon),  and  no  priest  resided  within 
that  limit  of  territory.  At  the  time  of  his  death,  September,  1832, 
there  were  six  churches,  viz:  near  Dungannon,  Doylestow-n  and 
Canal  Fulton,  and  at  Canton,  Randolph  and  Tififin.  Of  resident 
priests  there  were  three — at  Canton,  Dungannon  and  Tiliin. 

Bishop  Fenwick,  though  not  of  robust  health,  was  almost 
constantly  engaged  in  visiting  his  vast  jurisdiction,  comprising 
not  only  Ohio,  but  also  part  of  Michigan.  Unfortunately  for  the 
historian,  the  published  records  of  his  visitations,  that  no  doubt 
would  be  full  of  edification  and  interest  were  they  known,  are  very 
meagre.  The  only  two  items  published  concerning  his  visits  to 
Northern  Ohio  are  the  following,  which  appeared  in  the  Cincinnati 
Catholic  Telegraph,  October  29,  1831: 

"*  *  After  a  short  stay  at  St.  Joseph's  [Michigan],  the 
Bishop  proceeded  to  Detroit,  and  thence  to  Canton,  a  flourishing 
town  in  Stark  county,  Ohio.  Here  he  found  the  congregation 
much  increased  under  the  pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Mr.  Henni.  Three 
new  churches  were  commenced  within  twenty  miles  of  Canton,  a 
fourth  near  Norwalk  [Peru],  in  Huron  county,  and  a  fifth 
[St.  Mary's],  in  Tiflin,  a  new  and  flourishing  county  seat  in 
Seneca.     *     *" 

"We  learn  from  a  communication  to  the  Bishop  of  Cincinnati, 
that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Henni,  pastor  of  the  Catholic  church 
[St.  John's]  in  Canton,  has  within  the  last  two  years  received  21 
adult  persons  into  the  church,  besides  many  children  who  followed 
their  parents;  that  he  administered  the  Sacrament  of  Baptism  to 
269.     This  truly  zealous  and  indefatigable  missionary  has  been 


24  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

C()ini)cnsated  for  his  toils  and  hardships,  in  witnessing  tlie  rapid 
and  astonishing  increase  of  his  flock." 

The  Very  Rev.  Frederick  Rese,  who  had  been  Bishop  Fen- 
wick's  Vicar  General  for  several  years,  was  appointed  administrator 
of  the  Diocese  of  Cincinnati  shortly  after  the  death  of  the  Bishop. 
With  energy  and  prudence  he  discharged  his  onerous  duties  till 
the  advent  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  John  B.  Purcell,  who  at  the  age  of 
thirty-three  years  was  consecrated  second  Bishop  of  Cincinnati, 
October  13,  1833.  He  had  jurisdiction  of  Northern  Ohio  till 
October.  1847.  during  which  time  Catholicity  made  wonderful 
strides  in  this  part  of  the  State.  A  large  influx  of  immigrants 
necessitated  the  erection  of  churches,  and  the  establishment  of 
missions  and  stations  in  nearly  every  county  in  Northern  Ohio, 
notably  in  Columbiana,  Er-ie,  Lorain,  Lucas,  Portage,  Putnam, 
Sandusky  and  Seneca  counties.  It  is  true,  these  churches  were 
not  remarkable  for  architecture,  material  or  size,  but  they  served 
their  purpose,  and  accommodated  the  faithful  who  frequented 
them  w^ith  perhaps  more  fervor  and  piety  than  do  many  of  their 
descendants  the  beautiful  and  costly  temples  which  replaced  them. 

Bishop  Purcell  visited  Northern  Ohio  at  frequent  intervals, 
and  always  with  gratifying  results.  Master  of  a  facile  pen,  he 
regularly  sent  to  the  Cincinnati  Catholic  Telegraph  full  and  inter- 
esting accounts  of  his  Episcopal  visits.  Replete  with  facts,  por- 
traying the  condition  of  Catholicity  in  those  early  days,  as  the 
bishop  saw*  them  with  his  keen,  discerning  eye,  they  form  a  most 
important  chapter  of  Catholic  history  in  Ohio.  At  an  expense  of 
much  time  and  labor  the  writer  culled  from  the  files  of  the 
Cincinnati  Catholic  Telegraph  all  he  could  find  of  Bishop  Purcell's 
reports  of  his  visits  to  Northern  Ohio. 

With  very  slight  alterations,  such  as  names  of  places,  changed 
since  these  reports  were  written,  they  are  given  verbatim  in  the 
following  chapter. 


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IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  25 


CHAPTER  III 

HISTORICAL   DATA   OF    CATHOLICITY    IN    NORTHERN 
OHIO,  PRIOR  TO  1847.     WRITTEN  FOR  THE  CATH- 
OLIC TELEGRAPH  BY  BISHOP  PURCELL. 

1834—1847 

1.  REPORT  OF  BISHOP  PURCELL'S  FIRST  VISIT  TO  NORTHERN 

OHIO  IN  1834.— DUNGANNON.  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY.i 

"*  *  After  a  late  Mass  on  Monday,  9th  of  June,  the  Bishop 
left  the  house  of  Mr.  Gallagher,  *  *  and  visited  the  family  of 
Mr.  JefTers,  where  he  had  the  satisfaction  to  see  ten  interesting 
converts ;  thence  he  proceeded,  accompanied  by  Mr.  Belong,  (who 
numbers  not  fewer  than  seventy  relatives,  converted  like  himself, 
to  the  Catholic  faith),  on  the  road  to  St.  Paul's  church,  [now 
St.  Philip's,  Dungannon],  in  Columbiana  county,  where  he  arrived 
on  Saturday,  14th  inst.,  having  visited  several  Catholic  residences 
in  the  intervening  towns.  Rev.  Mr.  Henni,  of  Canton,  had  arrived 
the  day  previous  at  St.  Paul's  and  commenced  preparing  the 
attending  members  of  the  congregation  for  the  holy  sacraments. 
The  interests  of  this  church  had  been  for  some  time  grievously 
neglected  and  the  ecclesiastical  property  attached  to  it  misapplied. 
The  exertions  of  the  present  pious  clergymen  and  the  measures 
taken  during  the  episcopal  visitation,  will,  it  is  hoped,  efficiently 
arrest  the  two-fold  evil.  The  church  of  St.  Paul  is  a  substantial 
brick  edifice,  recently  much  enlarged,  but  still  inadequate  to  the 
increasing  numbers  of  the  congregation.  It  is  attended  by  the 
Catholics  of  New  Lisbon,  Hanover,  and  a  thickly  settled  territory 
of  ten  or  twelve  miles  round.  The  Catholics  worshipping  at  the 
church  are  variously  estimated  at  from  eight  hundred  to  one 
thousand  souls.  They  have  no  resident  pastor.  There  were  only 
six  reputed  sufficiently  well  instructed  to  be  admitted  to  con- 
firmation, and  it  was  truly  distressing  to  observe  that  many  had 
been  suffered  to  reach  their  twentieth  year  without  having  been 
*  imbued  with  the  first  elements  of  a  religious  education,  or  received 
any  other  sacrament  than  baptism.     *     * 

2.  ST.  JOHN'S,  CANTON,  STARK   COUNTY;    VERY   REV.   JOHN    A. 

HILL;     LOUISVILLE,     CANAL       FULTON,       DOYLESTOWN, 
WOOSTER,  ETC.2 

"Mansfield.  Richland  Co..  July  3,  1834. 
"Our  first  station,  after  having  left  St.  Paul's  church   [near 

(1)  Catholic  Telegraph,  June  27,  1834. 

(2)  Catholic  Telegraph,  July  18,  1834. 


26  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

DungaiinoiiJ.  was  at  Mr.  Crevaisicr's,  in  Hanover,  where  a  few 
persons,  unable  to  attend  church,  received  the  holy  communion, 
and  one  child  was  baptised.  Similar  consolations  were  allorded  to 
the  Catholics  of  Paris,  fifteen  miles  distant,  in  the  house  of  Mr. 
James  Cassilly.  Passing  by  Osnaburg  in  the  public  stage,  we  had 
not  time  to  visit  several  Catholic  families,  chiclly  Germans,  in- 
habitants of  that  town  and  vicinity.  Having  rendered  our  accus- 
Uomed  and  solemn  homage  to  the  Adorable  Sacrament  on  our 
arrival  in  the  church  of  Canton  [St.  John's],  the  seat  of  Stark 
county,  and  knelt  in  the  cemetery  by  the  remains  of  the  once 
animated  temples  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  destined  to  rise  more 
splendid  from  their  present  ruins,  we  became  unconsciously 
absorbed  in  reflection  at  the  humble  grave  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hill. 
How  many  associations,  pleasing  and  melancholy  to  the  soul,  did 
not  that  sad  memory  awaken !  What  consistent  testimony  did  not 
its  peaceful  occupant  render  to  the  truth !  What  a  contrast 
between  his  and  the  conversion  of  certain  modern  proselytes ! 
Willingly  did  he  descend  from  exalted  station,  relinquish  country, 
debar  himself  of  the  pleasures  of  society  which  he  was  so  eminently 
qualified  to  grace  and  adorn,  and  sever  the  dearest  ties,  to  worship 
at  the  shrine  of  that  mysterious  Catholic  religion,  always  black- 
ened by  calumny,  but  ever  bright  with  holiness,  always  assaulted 
by  error,  but  never  overcome,  and  which  is  now  going  forth 
through  the  New  World,  as  it  has  gone  through  the  old.  "con- 
quering and  to  conquer."  The  following  epitaph,  a  tribute  of 
classic  as  well  as  sacerdotal  piety  to  the  memory  and  virtues  of  the 
deceased  ornament  of  the  American  priesthood,  is  inscribed  on  a 
plain  white  slab  placed  against  the  south  side  of  the  church.  It  is, 
we  understand,  the  composition  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Henni,  associate 
pastor  of  the  Canton  congregation  : 

D.  O.  M. 

Reverendus  Sacerdos  Dominus 
JOHANNES  AUGUSTINUS  HILL. 


Relictis  centuris  castris, 
Minervaj  induit  arma 
Adscriptis  Dominici  choro 
Patris  premit  vestigia 
Patri  ignotis  in  Sylvis : 
Pius  mitisque  animo 
Carus  et  ore  facundus 
Obiit  iii  o  Non.   Sept.  MDCCCXXVIII. 
Pulveri  eheu !  fave  pulvis 
Nova  dum  silet  turba. 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  27 

"On  Sunday  Rev.  V.  Raymacher  [Dominican]  sang  Mass, 
and  the  Bishop  preached  in  the  morning,  and  again  addressed  a 
large  audience  in  the  afternoon.  The  Tuesday  following,  Feast  of 
St.  John  Baptist,  patron  of  the  church,  the  sacrament  of  confirma- 
tion was  administered  to  105  persons,  all  of  whom  received  the 
divine  Eucharist,  on  the  same  day.  The  order  observed  during 
the  dispensation  of  the  sacred  rite  was  truly  edifying.  The  pro- 
gress of  Catholicity  in  this  section  of  the  State  may  be  estimated 
from  the  fact  that  there  are  at  present  upwards  of  2,000  com- 
municants in  part  of  the  district,  attended  by  two  clergymen,  the 
only  priests  in  Stark  county,  where,  ten  years  ago,  there  were 
scarcely  thirty  resident  Catholic  families.  This  extraordinary 
increase  will  appear  from  the  annexed  statement,  on  the  correct- 
ness of  which  full  reliance  can  be  placed : 

"Canton,  800  communicants;  Beechland  [Louisville],  7  miles 
distant,  240;  Paris,  120;  Moreck,  15  miles  to  the  east,  100;  [Canal] 
Fulton,  130;  Sugar  Creek,  60;  Randolph,  in  Portage  county,  18 
miles  north  of  Canton,  120;  the  remainder  are  in  Medina,  Chip- 
pewa [Doylestown]  and  Tuscarawas,  where  there  is,  unfortu- 
nately, no  one  to  gather  the  harvest  into  the  barns  of  the  Father  of 
the  family,  but  tenacious  Catholic  faith  alone  preserves  the  love  of 
our  holy  institutions,  cementing  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the 
bond  of  peace.  A  few  only  of  the  congregations  did  we  find  time 
to  visit.  Beechland  [Louisville]  is  principally  a  French  settle- 
ment. Church  is  held  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Joseph  Menegay,  which 
was  formerly  occupied  as  a  place  of  meeting  by  a  Baptist  minister 
and  his  congregation.  Bricks  to  the  amount  of  120,000,  for  a  new 
church,  are  now  in  the  kiln,  and  a  lot  of  three-fourths  of  an  acre, 
in  an  eligible  position,  near  a  recently  laid  off  site  for  a  new  town, 
has  been  given  by  Mr.  Lutzenheizer.  The  ground  for  a  grave 
yard  is  the  grant  of  Mr.  Bideau,  and  forty-nine  acres  of  prime  land, 
generously  donated  by  Messrs.  James,  Richard  and  Patrick  Mof^t, 
to  which  five  others  had  been  added  by  the  good  Mr.  Menegay, 
are  now  recorded  in  the  Bishop's  name,  as  a  provision  for  the 
support  of  a  pastor. 

"In  the  [Canal]  Fulton  church,  a  log  building  fifty  by  thirty, 
built  on  an  acre  lot  presented  by  Mr.  McCue  and  not  yet  dedicated, 
there  were  fourteen  confirmed,  of  whom  five  were  converts. 
Messrs.  Patton,  Bayle,  McCadden  and  Eddington  are  among  the 
most  zealous  of  the  little  flock,  and  names  which  we  record  with 
much  satisfaction. 

"In  Sugar  Creek  church,  [Marshallville?]  Wayne  county, 
likewise  a  log  edifice,  small  and  inconveniently  situated,  there  were 
fourteen  communicants  and  four  confirmed  on  the  first  of  July. 
The  Arnolds,  of  Allegheny  county,  Maryland,  have  planted  the 


28  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

mustard  seed,  and  they   now   cherish    its   growth    in    this    lonely 
place.     Among  the  baptized  there  was  one  convert. 

WOOSTER. 

"Reaching  Wooster  late  at  night,  we  greatly  regretted  that 
we  could  not  sojourn,  at  least  one  day,  with  the  excellent 
Catholics  near  that  town.  The  dreariness  of  the  hour  and  the 
stormy  state  of  the  weather  were  in  perfect  accord  with  the  feel- 
ings inspired  by  the  sight  of  the  room  in  which  the  late  Bishop 
died,  forlorn  by  every  one  but  his  God.  Filled  with  the  most 
serious  but  salutary  impressions  of  the  precarious  tenure  by  which 
we  hold  to  the  present  life,  we  left  the  town,  after  a  short  and 
broken  rest,  and  proceeded  over  a  wretched  road,  33  miles,  to 
Mansfield.  There  are  two  English  and  several  German  Catholic 
families  in  this  town,  but  many  more  in  the  neighborhood.  They 
are  very  irregularly  attended.  Notwithstanding  the  briefness  of 
the  notice,  there  were  fifteen  communicants  and  four  confirmed  in 
the  house  of  Mr.  William  Downey.  Deprived,  for  want  of  time,  of 
the  pleasure  of  visiting  Chippewa  [near  Doylestown],  where 
Messrs.  G.  Whitman  and  Peter  Marshall,  brother  to  the  Rev. 
Francis  Marshall  of  Maryland,  have  lately  conveyed  eighty  acres 
of  good  land  to  the  Bishop,  towards  the  support  of  a  priest;  and 
unable,  for  the  same  reason,  to  see  the  numerous  Catholic  families 
newly  settled  near  Bucyrus,  Crawford  county,  of  whose  attachment 
to  their  faith  and  praiseworthy  exertions  for  the  building  of  a 
church  we  have  heard  much  that  edified,  we  left  Mansfield  on  the 
3d  of  July,  hoping  to  reach  Paris  byTruxville  the  same  day.  In  this 
we  were  disappointed;  and  after  a  costly,  dangerous  and  unsuccess- 
ful effort  to  cross  the  flooded  headwaters  of  the  Mohican 
[Wyandot?],  were  compelled,  with  well  drenched  clothes  and 
broken  carriage,  to  return  and  think  of  the  patience  and  joy  of  the 
Apostles  in  greater  labors  and  disasters,  while  we  enjoyed  the  fire- 
side of  our  kind  host.  Tomorrow,  God  willing,  we  shall  renew  the 
effort  to  reach  Norwalk  by  Sunday,  and,  we  hope,  with  better 
success.     *     * 

3.     REPORT  OF  BISHOP  PURCELL'S  VISIT  TO  NORTHERN  OHIO, 
IN  1834.1 

"Dayton,  23d  July,  1834. 

"We  shall  here  conclude  our  notes  of  the  episcopal  visitation. 

Reports,  which,  we  trust,  we  shall  find  to  have  been  exaggerated, 

having  reached  us,  of  the  reappearance  of  cholera,  under  alarming 

circumstances,  at  Cincinnati,  induce  the  Bishop  to  defer  visiting 

(1)      Catholic  Telegraph,  August   1.   1834. 


IN    NORTHERN    OHIO.  29 

the  remaining  Catholic  stations  on  his  route,  and  repair  promptly 
to  his  see,  in  order  to  unite  with  his  reverend  and,  he  fears,  over- 
burdened fellow-laborers,  in  rendering  to  that  beloved  portion  of 
his  flock  the  spiritual  consolation  and  relief  of  which  it  may  be  in 
need. 

"From  Mansfield  to  Paris  there  are  many  scattered  Catholics; 
we  had  time  to  visit  none  but  the  numerous  and  edifying  family  of 
Mrs.  Trux,  residing  near  the  last  mentioned,  new  and  rapidly 
growing  town.  The  number  of  professors  of  'the  faith  once 
delivered  to  the  saints,'  increased  as  we  approached 

NORWALK, 

seat  of  Huron  county.  Three  miles  from  the  town  is  a  well  built 
frame  church  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Tschenhens, 
of  the  Holy  Order  of  the  Redeemer,  founded  by  the  lately  canon- 
ized Alphonso  de  Liguori,  an  Italian  bishop.  The  church,  which 
has  been  lately  erected,  was  dedicated  to  the  Almighty  God, 
under  the  invocation  of  that  Holy  Prelate  and  zealous  patron 
of  missions.  Previously  to  the  ceremony  of  its  benediction 
the  Bishop  addressed  the  congregation  (to  whom  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Henni,  of  Canton,  subsequently  delivered  an  eloquent 
and  impressive  discourse  in  the  German  language)  and  was 
obviously  much  impressed  with  the  necessity  of  the  prayers 
he  preferred  to  heaven  being  granted,  when  he  besought  the 
Divine  Disposer  of  every  good  gift,  to  cherish  and  mature 
the  mustard  seed,  thus  sown  under  the  fostering  care  of  the 
Redemptorists,  and  thence  to  diffuse  the  blessings  of  the  only  true 
and  loving  faith  over  an  extensive  territory,  where  its  influence  has 
hitherto  been  but  little  felt.  Rev.  Mr.  Tschenhens  is  now  aided 
by  two  pious  lay  brothers,  and  is  soon  to  be  joined  by  a  zealous 
clergyman  of  his  Order,  from  Michigan,  and  a  considerable  rein- 
forcement from  Vienna,  who  are  thought  to  be  now  on  their 
voyage  to  the  distant  and  unknown  settlement  in  the  West.  After 
the  dedication  of  the  church,  the  cemetery  was  blessed,  and  19 
were  confirmed. 

"At  the  request  of  several  of  the  citizens,  the  Bishop  preached 
in  the  court  house  at  Norwalk.  The  day  following  he  was  accom- 
panied by  Revs.  Messrs.  Henni  and  Tschenhens  to  Lower 
Sandusky  [Fremont]  where  the  divine  sacrifice  was  offered  at  the 
residence  of  Madame  Beaugrand.  There  are  not  many  Catholics 
settled  in  this  town,  but  several  families  have  lately  arrived  in  its 
vicinity.  A  lot  for  a  church  was  promised  by  esteemed  friends  to 
the  holy  cause  of  truth,  and  pecuniary  assistance  w^ill  not.  it  is 
believed,  be  withheld  when  the  seasonable  time  for  the  commence- 
ment of  the  church  shall  have  arrived. 


30  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

TIFFIN. 

"We  were  iiuich  disappointed  at  finding  the  church  [St. 
Mary's]  of  Tiffin  still  unfiinshed.  It  has  not  yet  been  dedicated. 
On  Sunday,  13th  of  July,  there  were  100  communicants,  and  on 
the  following  Tuesday  26  were  confirmed.  Exclusive  of  the 
Germans,  to  whom  Revs.  Messrs.  Henni  and  Tschenhens  fre- 
quently preached  during  their  stay  in  the  town,  there  is  a  large  and 
fervent  congregation  from  the  neighborhood  of  Emmittsburg, 
Mt.  St.  Mary's  and  Westminster,  Frederick  county,  Md.  They 
are  the  hope  of  religion  and  will  long  continue,  as  we  fondly  and 
devoutly  trust,  to  enhance  their  Bishop's  joy  and  pastor's  crown  in 
the  remote  and  peaceful  habitations  they  have  chosen.  Rev.  Mr. 
Ouinn,  who  has  hitherto  attended  this  congregation,  resides  at 
the  distance  of  five  [?]  miles  from  Tiffin,  and  has  had  to  administer 
to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  Catholics  of  a  circumference  of  nearly 
forty  miles,  the  roads  at  any  season  of  the  year,  but  particularly  in 
the  winter,  being  of  the  very  worst  description. 

McCUTCHENVILLE. 

"In  McCutchenville,  10  miles  from  Tiffin,  a  charming  lot  of 
2^  acres  has  been  ceded  to  the  Bishop  and  his  successors  in 
ofiice  by  Mr.  William  Arnold,  and  a  considerable  sum  has  been 
subscribed  by  Messrs.  McLaughlin,  Berton,  Noel  and  other 
Catholics  and  Protestants  for  the  erection  of  a  church.  Two  other 
churches  are  spoken  of,  and  would  indeed  be  necessary,  for 
Gernian  congregations,  five  miles  in  different  directions  from 
Tiffin. 

4.     REPORT  OF  EPISCOPAL  VISIT  TO  NORTHERN  OHIO,  MADE 
BY  BISHOP  PURCELL  IN   1835.1 

DUNGANNON.— NEW  LISBON. 

"St.  Paul's  [near  Dungannon]  was  visited  on  the  first  Sunday 
of  August.  The  Bishop  found  the  congregation  much  increased 
and  anxious  to  secure  the  services  of  a  resident  priest.  This  was  a 
favor  which  it  was  not  in  his  power  to  grant.  However,  on  two 
Sundays  of  every  month,  until  God  is  pleased  to  send  more  numer- 
ous, pious  and  efficient  laborers  into  His  vineyard,  the  spiritual 
wants  of  the  congregation  will  be  supplied  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Conlan 
from  Steubenville.  The  number  of  Catholics  in  the  town  of  New 
Lisbon,  six  miles  from  St.  Paul's,  has  likewise  been  much  aug- 
mented by  the  contractors,  laborers  and  men  of  business  attracted 
to  the  spot  since  the  commencement  of  the  Sandy  and  Beaver 
canal.  The  divine  mysteries  were  celebrated  in  the  house  of  a 
French  Catholic,  and  on  Monday  evening  the  Bishop  preached  in 

(1)    Catholic  Telegraph, Septemher  4,  1835. 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  31 

the  court  house  to  a  large  and  attentive  audience.  The  Catholics 
of  New  Lisbon  are  anxious  for  the  erection  of  a  new  church,  but  it 
has  been  recommended  to  them  to  enlarge  and  finish  the  building 
at  St.  Paul's,  before  they  undertake  to  build  another  so  near  it.  In 
time,  we  trust,  there  will  be  a  creditable  church  in  either  place. 

CLEVELAND. 

"The  Catholic  congregation  of  Cleveland  has  been  very 
recently  organized.  It  consists  of  not  more  than  three  hundred 
members.  They  are  all  poor  in  this  world's  wealth,  but  rich  in  the 
faith  and  hope  which  ensure  their  professors  those  treasures  which 
rust  cannot  consume,  nor  earthly  distinction  affect,  and  which  are 
forfeited  by  vice  and  wilful  error.  A  merchant  of  Cleveland,  Mr. 
Clark,  has  presented  a  lot  in  Brooklyn,  which  is  connected  and 
almost  identified  with  Cleveland  by  a  bridge  thrown  over  the 
Cuyahoga  river.  On  this  lot  [not  used ;  first  church  was  built  on 
'Flats'  in  Cleveland  centre. — H.]  it  is  intended  to  erect  a  church 
during  the  present  season,  and  from  the  friendly  and  liberal  spirit 
evinced  by  the  Protestant  citizens  of  the  town  and  the  spirited 
exertions  which  the  Catholics  are  resolved  to  make,  we  have  no 
doubt  but  that  the  voyager  on  Lake  Erie  will  soon  be  cheered,  in 
his  approach  to  this  safe  harbor,  by  the  aspect  of  the  Sign  of  our 
Redemption.  We  were  delighted  to  hear  how  greatly  the 
religious,  moral  and  social  condition  of  the  Catholics  in  the 
vicinity  of  Cleveland,  who  had  previously  enjoyed  no  means  of 
instruction,  has  been  improved  by  the  unremitting  exertions  of 
their  pastor,  Rev.  Mr.  Dillon.  May  the  divine  blessing  continue 
to  remove  the  obstacles  w^hich  could  mar  the  projects,  or  impede 
t\  ".  success  of  this  interesting  little  flock. 

CUYAHOGA  FALLS. 

"At  this  place,  which  is  thirty  miles  from  Cleveland,  there  are 
a  few  Catholics,  but  many  more  dispersed  through  the  country 
around.  Many  of  the  influential  citizens,  who  belong  to  no 
religion,  but  who  are  shocked  at  the  disreputable  acts  resorted  to, 
for  the  disparagement  of  the  Catholics  among  a  people  who  have 
little  opportunity  of  judging  of  them  but  from  the  caricatures 
exhibited  by  sectarians,  have  strongly  urged  with  promises  largely 
to  contribute  to  the  building  of  a  Catholic  church.  [No  church 
built  at  C.  F.  till  1884. — H.]  It  will  be  impossible  to  accede  to 
their  request  before  the  completion  of  the  church  in  Cleveland. 
Meantime,  they  shall  hear  the  word  of  Catholic  truth  announced 
at  stated  visits,  bv  Rev.  Mr.  Dillon. 


32  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

RANDOLPH. 
"The  first  movement  of  German  Catholics  in  a  new  settle- 
ment is  to  build  a  church  and  school  house  of  the  cheapest  and 
most  accessible  materials.  To  improvements  in  the  condition  of 
the  country,  and  their  own,  they  wisely  adjourn  the  construction 
of  more  costly  and  substantial  edifices.  Within  one  mile  of 
Randolph  [Centre]  in  Portage  county,  there  is  a  Catholic  German 
congregation  who  have  raised  a  small,  but  remarkably  neat  log 
chapel  and  school  house,  thereby  evincing  a  laudable  attention  to 
the  instruction  of  their  children,  and  a  becoming  zeal  for  the 
religion  of  their  fathers.  The  congregation  consists  of  forty-five 
families,  and  of  this  little  community,  it  is  said,  in  addition  to  other 
praise,  that  there  is  not  a  solitary  instance  of  habitual  or  occasional 
intemperance  to  stain  its  early  and  humble  history !  On  the  22d 
inst.  [August,  1835],  Rev.  Mr.  Saenderl  [Redemptorist],  who 
accompanied  the  Bishop,  sang  High  Mass,  in  which  the  entire 
congregation,  young  and  old,  joined  in  admirable  accordance; 
there  were  fifty-three  communicants  and  twelve  confirmed. 
Several  Catholic  families,  not  before  heard  of,  attended  from  a 
distance  of  ten  or  fifteen  miles,  or  requested  through  those  who 
were  able  to  come,  that  they  may  be  visited  by  a  priest.  Measures 
were  promptly  taken  to  alTord  them  this  consolation.     *     * 

5.     REPORT    OF    EPISCOPAL    VISIT    TO    NORTHERN    OHIO    BY 
BISHOP  PURCELL  IN  1835.1 

LOUISVILLE.  O. 

■'Beechland  [near  Louisville],  Stark  county. — This  congre- 
gation has  suffered  from  the  want  of  pastoral  attention  for  several 
months.  Still  the  members  of  the  building  committee  have  not 
neglected  the  collection  of  materials  for  the  erection  of  a  church 
in  the  newly  located  and  fast  progressing  town  of  Louisville. 
Eighty-one  thousand  brick,  and  much  of  the  gross  timber  for  the 
construction  of  the  church,  are  now  on  the  selected  site,  and  the 
Bishop  w-as  cordially  seconded  in  his  earnest  desire  for  the  com- 
pletion of  at  least  the  shell  of  the  building,  before  the  setting  in  of 
the  winter.  The  resources  of  the  congregation  are  fully  adequate 
to  the  support  of  a  priest,  and  promises  have  been  given,  which  it 
is  hoped  the  Divine  Lord  of  the  harvest  will  enable  us  to  realize, 
that  a  worthy  laborer  shall  be  speedily  placed  at  their  head,  to  lead 
them  onward  in  union,  strength  and  piety.  The  holy  mysteries 
were  celebrated  in  the  large  dwelling  of  Mr.  Eck,  a  Catholic  lately 
arrived  from  Pennsylvania,  and  many  persons  were  admitted  to 
holv  communion  and  confirmation. 


(1)    Catholic  Telegraph,  September  11.  1835. 


IN   NORTHERN    OHIO.  33 

ST.  JOHN'S,  CANTON. 
"This  healthy  and  popular  town  appears  destined  to  enjoy  its 
share  of  the  growing  prosperity  of  the  West.  Its  citizens  are  now 
engaged  in  urging  on  to  completion  a  cross-cut  from  the  Ohio 
and  Erie,  or  Sandy  and  Beaver  canal.  The  church  is  far  too  small 
for  the  greatly  increased  numbers  of  the  congregation,  and  not- 
withstanding the  contemplated  formation  of  several  distinct 
missions  in  its  neighborhood,  it  will  be  necessary  to  erect  a  new 
church  on.  or  near,  the  site  of  the  old  one,  to  accommodate  the 
Catholics  and  numerous  enquirers  after  religious  truth  at  present 
residing  in  the  town.  At  the  request  of  many  of  the  citizens  the 
Bishop  preached  to  an  unusually  large  assemblage  in  the  court 
house  on  Sunday  evening,  August  23d.  The  Rev.  gentleman  of 
the  Order  of  St.  Dominic,  to  whose  arduous  and  untiring  efforts 
for  the  promotion  of  faith  and  morals,  during  many  years,  the 
diocese  of  Ohio  owes  a  large  debt  of  gratitude,  has  lately  sur- 
rendered^ the  Canton  congregation  to  the  care  of  the  Bishop.  This 
measure  was  exclusively  owing  to  the  impossibility,  on  the  part  of 
the  Order,  of  attending  to  this  distant  mission,  while  the  congre- 
gations of  Zanesville,  Somerset  and  Lancaster  require  more  than 
the  time  and  pains  which  have  been  bestowed  on  their  spiritual 
instruction  and  improvement  in  former  years.  Rev.  Mr.  Saenderl, 
Superior  of  the  Redemptorists,  and  Rev.  Mr.  O'Bairne  have  been 
entrusted  by  the  Bishop  with  the  care  of  the  congregation. 

6.     REPORT    OF    BISHOP    PURCELL'S     VISIT     TO      NORTHERN 
OHIO  IN  1836.2 

TIFFIN.  ST.  MARY'S. 

"Very  Rev.  S.  T.  Badin  and  Rev.  H.  D.  Juncker  having 
reached  Tififin  several  days  before  the  Bishop,  prepared  the  con- 
gregation for  the  reception  of  the  Sacraments.  There  were  only 
23  confirmed.  The  church  is  under  the  care  of  the  Redemptorists 
[stationed  at  Peru,  Huron  Co.]  whose  number,  we  regret  to  say, 
has  not  been  hitherto  large  enough  to  admit  of  their  devoting  the 
necessary  time  to  the  instruction  and  spiritual  wants  of  the  diocese. 
Four  clergymen,  at  least,  would  be  required  for  Seneca  county, 
in  which  are  five  [four?]  churches  at  the  present  time  [Tiffin, 
Thompson,  Wolf's  Creek  and  McCutchenville]  in  process  of 
building.  Numerous  sects,  of  whose  very  name  the  Bishop 
had  never  heard  before,  are  swarming  through  the  villages  in  this 
and  Crawford  county. 

"The  Tiffin  and  McCutchenville  congregations  are  comprised 


(1)    The    Dominicans   reassumed   charge   of   St.    John's,   Canton,   about  1837,   retaining 
it  till  1842.— H. 

(2)    Catholic  Telegraph,   September  15,  1836. 


34  A   HISTORY   OF  CATI  lOI.lClTV 

of  the  vcr\'  best  materials;  they  ha\e  heeii  lalel_\'  iiiucli  augmented 
by  eiiiigrants  from  Maryhiiul,  I'emis\lvania  and  some  parts  of 
Europe.  The  Germans  in  their  \icinity  are  peaceful,  industrious 
and  full  of  zeal  for  the  diffusion  of  our  holy  religion,  fcjr  their  own 
edification  and  the  instruction  of  their  children.  The  Tifhn 
church,  the  shell  of  which,  only,  lias  been  so  long-  built,  will  be 
comjileted  and  ready  for  dedication  this  fall.      *     * 

FREMONT;  LA  PRAIRIE. 

"Lower  Sandusky  [Fremont]  and  the  French  congregation 
of  Muddy  Creek  [La  Prairie],  consisting  of  20  or  30  families,  are 
still  destitute  of  a  church.  From  the  well  known  liberality, 
respectability  and  imelligence  of  many  of  the  inhabitants,  we  have 
no  doubt  but  means  will  soon  be  furnished  to  erect  in  this  interest- 
ing" vicinity  a  new  and  neat  little  monument  to  the  Faith  of  ages. 
We  shall  look  with  confidence  for  its  completion  by  the  coming 
vear.     *     * 

CANTON.  ST.  JOHN'S.i 

'Tvev.  Dr.  Hoffmann  will  \isit  the  Catholics  of  Columbus  at 
the  feast  of  Christmas.  He  will  thence  proceed  direct  to  Canton, 
where,  we  are  happy  to  announce,  will  be  his  future  residence  as 
pastor  of  the  Catholic  congregation.  Cordially  do  we  congratulate 
our  brethren  at  Canton  on  their  acquisition  of  so  learned  and 
zealous  a  spiritual  guide  as  Dr.  HoiYmann,  and  w^e  sincerely  hope 
that  his  pious  instructions  and  edifying  manners  will  soon  make 
them  forget  their  late  destitution  of  pastoral  encouragement  and 
succor.  We  trust  some  of  the  prominent  members  of  the  congre- 
gation wall,  without  delay,  prepare  the  presbytery  for  his  reception. 

EAST  LIVERPOOL.  0HI0.2 

"Measures  are  in  progress  for  the  erection  of  a  church  in  this 
flourishing  village  [East  Liverpool].  *  *  A  lot  has  been 
secured  and  a  subscription  commenced.  This  is  owing  to  the  zeal 
of  Rev.  James  Conlan,  pastor  of  Steubenville,  w^ho  attends  [this 
and]  several  neighboring  missions.  *  *  Rev.  Mr.  Conlan  is 
making  an  appeal  to  our  Catholic  brethren  in  behalf  of  this  infant 
congregation,  to  which  we  hope  there  will  be  a  liberal  response. 

7.  DEDICATION  OF  THE  CHURCH  OF  "OUR  LADY  OF  THE 
LAKE,"  [ST.  MARY'S  ON  THE  "FLATS"],  CLEVELAND,  O., 
JUNE  7.  1840.3 

"Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  de  Forbin-Janson,  Bishop  of  Nancy  and  Toul, 
France,   and   Bishop   Purcell,   of   Cincinnati   left    Buffalo   on    the 

(1)  Catholic  Telegraph,  December  23,   1836. 

(2)  Catholic  Telegraph,  June  6,  1839. 

(3)  Catholic  Telegraph.  June  20.   1840. 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  35 

Steamboat  Constitution  at  8  p.  ni.  on  Friday,  5th  of  June,  for  Cleve- 
land. At  Fairport,  30  miles  from  the  last  mentioned  place,  they 
were  overtaken  by  a  violent  storm,  during  which  the  vessel,  which 
was  very  heavily  laden,  labored  a  great  deal  and  made  but  little 
headway,  so  that  they  did  not  reach  their  destination  for  many 
hours  after  the  usual  time  employed  in  making  the  trip.  They 
were  both,  as  were  nearly  all  of  their  fellow-travelers,  gloriously 
sea-sick  and  soaked  with  surf  from  the  swollen  waters,  and  the 
good  Bishop  of  Nancy  was  moreover  at  one  moment  in  imminent 
danger  of  serious  injury  from  the  falling  of  a  high  and  heavy  pile 
of  cases  of  merchandise  in  a  sudden  lurch  of  the  ship.  Finally  they 
disembarked  in  safety,  at  5  a.  m.,  on  Sunday  morning,  Auspice 
Maria. 

"The  Bishop  of  the  diocese  was  agreeably  surprised  to  find 
that  all  the  work  which  he  had  directed  to  be  done  at  the  new- 
church  by  Mr.  Golden,  the  architect,  had  been  not  only  faithfully 
performed,  but  that  the  altar  and  the  plastering,  etc.,  had  likewise 
been  very  neatly  executed.  He  accordingly  resolved  not  to  lose 
so  favorable  an  occasion  of  dedicating  it.  The  zealous  Bishop  of 
Nancy,  who  seems  to  have  never  known  what  it  is  to  be  weary  in 
well  doing,  kindly  consented  to  dedicate  the  church,  which  he  did 
according  to  the  Roman  ritual,  and  in  full  pontificals,  after  which 
he  celebrated  High  Mass,  which  was  wonderfully  well  sung  in 
plain  chant  by  the  choir.  *  '^  Bishop  Purcell  preached  to  a 
very  intelligent  and  attentive  auditory,  before  and  after  the  cere- 
mony. 

"The  church  measures  81  by  53  feet,  having  four  well 
wrought  Doric  colunms  in  front,  a  light  but  substantial  gallery, 
or  organ  loft,  handsome  ceiling,  etc.,  and  conveniently  situated  on 
Columbus  street,  between  the  two  [  ?]  congregations  of  Cleveland 
and  Ohio  City  [?].  *  *  [Church  was  taken  down  September, 
1888.— H.] 

8.     REPORT  OF  BISHOP  PURCELL'S  VISIT  TO  NORTHERN  OHIO, 
IN  1840.1 

LIVERPOOL.   MEDINA   COUNTY. 

"After  his  departure  from  Cleveland  [June  8],  the  Bishop 
visited  two  Catholic  families  near  Strongville  [Cuyahoga  Co.] 
who  had  not  been  favored  with  the  presence  of  a  priest  for  several 
years.  *  *  *  pje  was  there  met  by  a  deputation  of  German 
Catholics,  of  Liverpool,  Medina  county,  by  whom  he  was  attended 
to  the  residence  of  Mr.  Lawling,  in  which  service  is  generally  held 
for  the  neighboring  Catholic  inhabitants.  The  next  morning  a 
large  number  of  the  faithful,  living  on  the  east  and  west  banks  of 


(1)    Catholic  Telegraph,  July  4,  1840. 


3G  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Rocky  river,  assembled  on  the  occasion,  in  virtue  of  a  previous 
notice  sent  there  from  Cleveland.  These  formed  in  procession  and 
proceeded,  chanting  the  Miserere,  to  the  graveyard,  where  the 
Bishop,  in  mitre  and  crosier,  blessed  the  graves  of  a  few  persons 
thus  solitary  buried,  and  gave  an  instruction  to  the  bystanders  on 
the  nature  of  the  ceremony  and  the  circumstances  under  which 
one  or  two  of  their  brethren,  who  were  there  interred,  had  died. 
Rev.  Mr.  O'Dwyer  then  offered  the  holy  sacrifice,  and  the  Bishop 
preached  on  the  worth  of  the  soul.  Many  well-inclined  Protestants 
were  present.  It  was  thought  expedient  to  recommend  the  con- 
struction of  two  churches,  one  at  each  side  of  the  river,  which  is 
often  too  much  swollen  to  admit  of  being  safely  forded.  Materials 
have  been  prepared  for  these  purposes,  and  we  hope  to  learn  soon 
that  the  churches  have  been  built.  [In  1842  a  log  church  (St. 
Mary's)  was  built  east  of  Rocky  River,  in  the  hamlet  of  Abbey- 
ville,  later  replaced  by  a  brick  structure,  but  long  since  abandoned. 
In  the  same  year  a  log  church  was  also  erected  west  of  same  river, 
one  mile  from  Liverpool  Centre.  This  was  replaced  in  1861  by  the 
present  brick  edifice,  known  as  St.  Martin's,  Liverpool,  Medina 
Co.— H.] 

DOYLESTOWN. 

"About  noon  the  Bishop  left  [Liverpool]  for  Chippewa 
[near  Doylestown]  in  Wayne  county,  accompanied  by  five  of  the 
congregation,  on  horseback.  *  *  After  straying  a  few  miles 
from  the  right  road,  the  party  reached,  before  sundown,  the  resi- 
dence of  Rev.  Mr.  Schorb,  pastor  of  the  congregation.  Next  day 
the  Bishop  visited  Mr.  Marshall  and  Mr.  Whitman,  two  zealous 
Maryland  Catholics,  who  have  given  a  valuable  tract  of  seventy- 
eight  acres  of  land  for  the  support  of  a  presbytery,  and  who  are 
now  engaged  in  redeeming  a  pledge  by  them  voluntarily  and 
generously  given  to  build  a  church  and  a  dwelling  for  a  priest  at 
their  own  expense.  The  cost  of  the  buildings  cannot  be  under 
seven  or  eight  hundred  dollars.  Other  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion rival  their  charity  in  supplying  the  church  with  suitable  vest- 
ments, and  in  no  other  part  of  the  diocese  has  the  Bishop  witnessed 
more  zeal,  humility  and  fervor  than  in  this  sequestered  and  delight- 
ful spot.  Surely  the  divine  mercies  are  for  such  a  people.  The 
number  of  communicants  has  been  more  than  doubled  since  the 
arrival  of  the  pastor,  being  now  eighty-five.  In  [Canal]  Fulton, 
on  the  canal,  nine  miles  distant,  there  are  eighty-four  communi- 
cants ;  in  Liverpool,  eighty-one ;  in  Randolph,  fifty ;  in  Akron, 
twenty,  (not  including  the  English-speaking  portion,  which  is  con- 
siderable);  in  Wooster,  Ashland  [?]  and  Shelby  [Settlement], 
the  communicants  amount  to  one  hundred  and  nineteen.     All  the 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  37 

places  are  attended  [from  Chippewa]  by  Rev.  Mr.  Schorb,  to 
whom  the  Bishop  promised  an  assistant,  for  whose  support  ample 
means  will  be  furnished  at  the  glebe-house.  The  church  [at  Chip- 
pewa], though  yet  unfinished,  is  still  used  for  divine  service.  It 
was  filled  on  Corpus  Christi,  when  the  Bishop  and  the  reverend 
pastor  alternately  officiated ;  the  former  preached  on  the  great 
mystery  of  the  divine  love  in  the  Adorable  Eucharist,  and  after 
having  praised  the  zeal  and  piety  of  this  fine  little  flock,  exhorted 
all  to  perseverance  and  renewed  effort  to  obtain  all  that  is  yet 
wanting  for  the  instruction  of  the  youth  of  the  congregation  and 
the  decency  and  dignity  of  the  worship  of  God.     *     * 

CANTON,  ST.  JOHN'S. 

"On  Thursday  afternoon  [June  11],  the  Bishop  reached 
Canton  in  company  with  Rev.  Mr.  Schorb.  He  there  witnessed 
and  heard,  with  inexpressable  pleasure,  the  good  done  by  the  inde- 
fatigable Rev.  Mr.  Juncker,  and  had  reason  to  bless  the  Almighty's 
goodness  that  a  constitution,  naturally  delicate,  had  not  sunken 
under  an  accumulation  of  arduous  duties.  The  new  pews,  the 
decent  altar,  the  handsome  antependium,  speak  the  man  of  God, 
prepared  for  every  good  work.  He  had,  up  to  this  date,  eighteen 
hundred  and  forty-three  communicants,  [of  these  there  were]  in 
Canton,  five  hundred  and  forty-eight;  Massillon,  seventy-four; 
Bethlehem  [Navarre],  seventy-five;  Norwalk  [Peru],  three  hun- 
dred; Tiffin  and  German  Settlement  [New  Riegel],  five  hun- 
dred; Sandusky  City,  twenty-four;  Thompson's  Settlement 
[Thompson],  eighty-five;  Cleveland,  twenty-four. 

"These  are  not  all  the  Easter  communicants  in  the  several 
places  named,  but  all  that  Rev.  Mr.  Juncker  was  enabled  to 
instruct  and  otherwise  prepare  for  the  reception  of  the  holy  sacra- 
ments. He  was  assisted  by  his  Reverend  and  worthy  confrere, 
Mr.  Wuertz,  in  Bethlehem,  Norwalk,  Tifiin,  and  the  adjacent 
stations. 

EAST  LIVERPOOL,  JUNE  25,  1840.1 

"The  town  of  East  Liverpool,  Columbiana  county,  which  was 
laid  out  nearly  thirty  years  ago,  but  which  began  to  be  improved 
only  a  few  years  past,  is  one  of  the  healthiest  and  most  agreeably 
situated  on  the  Ohio  river.  *  *  Mr.  James  Blakely  [of  East 
Liverpool,  and  a  convert]  with  a  liberality  which  we  have  pleasure 
in  recording,  and  which  we  trust  will  find  many  imitators  in  the 
congregations  of  the  diocese,  gave  four  hundred  dollars  [for  the 
church  just  built],  and  in  connection  with  four  other  gentlemen, 

(1)    Bishop  Purcell.  In  Catholic  Telegraph,  July  18,  1840. 


38  A    IIISTOKV    OF  CATllOl.ICITY 

viz:  Messrs.  Alilchell.  Maiisley,  Cooke  and  Siniili,  prcscnicNl  three 
town  lots  for  the  sacred  building.  The  first  two  of  tlicsc  four 
q'cntlenien  have  also  paid  $100  each  towards  the  erection  of  the 
church.  Mr.  John  Blakely,  a  convert  like  his  brother  mentioned 
above,  has  offered  one  hundred  dollars.  Mr.  Kcrrins.  architect  of 
St.  Paul's  church.  Pittsburgh,  who  resides  here,  has  also  given 
one  hundred  dollars  for  a  new  altar;  and  his  wife,  who  is  a  convert, 
has  done  and  contributed  much,  in  company  with  the  family  of 
another  estimable  convert,  Mr.  Bayley.  together  with  Mrs. 
Blakely,  and  others,  to  decorate  the  sanctuary,  if  not  to  build  up 
the  very  walls  of  our  little  Sion.  Mr.  John  J.  Murphy  has  also 
been  a  liberal  benefactor,  and  incurred  responsibilities  towards 
forwarding"  the  good  work.  Messrs.  Buchheit  and  Diettrich, 
German  Catholics,  the  former  being  the  first  Catholic  who  settled 
here,  largely  participated  in  the  merit  of  the  forementioned.  Many 
other  names  might  be  added,  but  they  do  not  occur  to  us  at 
present.  The  pious  pastor.  Rev.  Mr.  [James]  Conlan.  lodges  at 
the  hospitable  residence  of  Mr.  Fortune.  *  *  And  it  is  not  for 
ostentation,  or  any  intention  of  flattering  a  fondness  for  even 
amiable  fame,  which  is  very  far.  we  believe,  from  the  minds  of  all 
those  who  have  engaged  in  this  pious  undertaking,  that  we  have 
written  the  foregoing,  but  only  to  do  as  we  see  done  in  other 
places  where  lists  of  the  benevolent  are  kept  and  occasionally 
published,  for  the  double  purpose  of  acknowledgment  and 
emulation  in  well  doing. 

"The  church  is  of  brick,  substantially  built,  with  stone 
foundation  and  water  courses,  70  x  40  ft.  in  dimensions,  and  has 
already  cost  three  thousand  dollars.  The  resources  of  the  com- 
mittee, and  indeed  of  the  congregation,  are  nearly  exhausted,  and 
though  the  Bishop  has  come  to  their  assistance  as  generously  as  his 
means  and  the  numberless  demands  made  on  him  will  allow\  they 
are  compelled  by  the  hard  times  to  leave  the  work  unfinished  for 
the  present.     *     * 

PASTORAL  APPOINTMENTS. 

"Rev.  Peter  McLaughlin  has  been  appointed  pastor  of. the 
congregation  of  "Our  Lady  of  the  L-ake."  Cleveland,  and  of  the 
various  stations  hitherto  attended  by  Rev.  Mr.  O'Dwyer,  in 
Cuyahoga  and  the  adjoining  counties. 

"Rev.  Air.  Louis  de  Goesbriand  succeeds  Rev.  Mr.  Wuertz 
(removed  to  Canton  in  the  absence  of  Rev.  Mr.  Juncker,  who  has 
obtained  leave  from  the  Bishop  to  make  a  short  visit  to  Europe), 
as  pastor  of  St.  Louis'  Church  [Louisville],  in  Stark 
county.     *     *^ 

(1)    Catholic  Teleqraj)h,  October  10,  1840 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  .  39 

9.     BISHOP    PURCELL'S   VISIT  TO    NORTHERN     OHIO.    IN    1840.1 

McCUTCHENVILLK. 

"The  church  of  AlcCutchenville  might  have  been  dedicated, 
as  the  Bishop  and  Very  Rev.  Mr.  Henni.  on  their  way  from  Marion 
to  Crawfordsville,  had  to  pass  by  Tymochtee.  which  is  only  a  few- 
miles  from  it,  but  they  were  not  aware,  when  they  heard  that  the 
church  was  handsomely  finished,  that  thev  should  have  to  ap- 
proach so  near  to  that  part  of  Seneca  [Wyandot]  county  during 
the  visitation.  This  duty  devolves  on  the  reverend  pastors  of 
Tiffin  according  to  the  request  made  by  the  Bishop  to  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Machebeuf.     *     * 

FIND  LAY. 

'Tn  Fort  Findlay,  Hancock  county,  they  [Bishop  Pureed  and 
Father  Henni]  w^ere  agreeably  surprised  to  find  more  Catholics 
than  they  believed  to  reside  there.  Church  was  held  at  Mr.  Engel- 
mann's,  a  friendly  Protestant  married  to  a  Catholic  lady  from  near 
Emmittsburg.  and  some  children  were  baptized.  [Mr.  E.  later 
became  a  convert. — H.] 

"From  Ottawa  [Glandorf?]  we  started  for  the  Catholic 
station  at  Fort  Jennings,  but  the  state  of  the  creeks  did  not  admit 
of  our  going  farther  in  that  direction  than  Kalida,  and  during  this 
short  journey  we  had  to  roll  away  the  fallen  timber  and  make 
frequent  use  of  the  axe  to  cut  down  saplings  that  interrupted  our 
path. 

"Our  next  resting  place  was  Lima,  in  Allen  county.  Plere  we 
could  not  learn  that  there  were  any  Catholics.     *     * 

GLANDORF. 

"With  much  difficulty  we  [Bishop  Purcell  and  Very  Rev. 
Father  Flenni]  procured  a  wagon  at  Findlay  to  transport  us  some 
thirty  miles  over  a  very  bad  road,  to  Ottawa.  We  were  benighted 
before  we  reached  the  village,  but  as  the  rain,  which  had  fallen 
during  the  day  in  torrents,  had  fortunately  ceased,  we  procured  a 
guide  and  lantern  and  ventured  to  ford  the  Blanchard  river  on 
horseback,  that  we  might  reach  Glandorf,  the  settlement  of 
Rev.  Mr.  Horstmann,  before  Sunday  morning.  We  accomplished 
this  task  in  little  more  than  an  hour,  and  were  cordially  w'elcomed 
by  this  learned  professor,  devoted  pastor  and  fervent  solitary. 
Rev.  Mr.  Horstmann  is  a  native  of  Prussia.  He  purchased  a 
section  of  land  in  this  par:  of  Ohio  [Putnam  county],  in  1834. 
A  few-  of  his  compatriots. followed  him,  and  a  Catholic  settlement 


(1)    Catholic  Telegraph,  December  12,   1840. 


40  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

was  commenced.  Its  increase  may  be  estimated  by  the  following 
data:  In  1835  there  were  2  baptisms;  in  1836,  20;  in  1837,  23;  in 
1838.  21);  in  1839  only  28,  and  in  1840,  to  the  30th  of  October,  33. 
There  were  this  year  590  communicants,  122  families,  3G  con- 
firmed, and  5  deaths  in  the  settlement. 

"The  church,  in  point  of  material  and  style,  is  well  suited  to 
the  forest  scene  around.  The  pulpit,  from  which  the  spiritual 
Zaccheus  not  only  sees  Christ  in  his  law,  but  also  shows  Him  to  a 
faithful  people,  is  formed  from  the  hollow  trunk  of  a  sycamore. 
The  dome  of  the  sacred  edifice,  now  canopied  only  by  the  firma- 
ment, consists,  in  summer  at  least,  of  the  arched  branches,  grape- 
vine, and,  for  aught  we  know  to  the  contrary,  the  ante-deluvian 
oak. 

"Near  the  church,  and  similarly  constructed,  stands  the 
school  house.  The  priest  was  for  eighteen  months  the  school 
master,  and  it  is  worthy  of  record  that  the  common  school  fund 
furnished  a  fair  contingent  of  his  salary.  We  are  happy  to  say  that 
this  is  not  the  only  instance  of  such  rare  justice  to  the  Catholic 
population  of  Ohio.  In  Minster  and  Wapakoneta  we  shall  have 
occasion  to  notice  the  same  honesty  and  fairness,  in  giving  our 
people  a  portion  of  the  education  money.     *     * 

10.     REPORT     OF     BISHOP     PURCELL'S     VISIT     TO     NORTHERN 
OHIO,  IN  1841.1 

PERU;  ST.  PETER'S,  NORWALK,  ETC. 

"*  *  A  clergyman  [Rev.  Joseph  Freygang]  from  another 
diocese  [Detroit],  who  had  been  recently  admitted,  with  much 
dil^culty,  into  Ohio  *  *  had  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  a 
party  [which  under  his  direction  left  Peru  and  organized  St. 
Peter's,  Norwalk,  contrary  to  the  Bishop's  positive  prohibition] 
and  thus  proved  the  occasion  of  much  disturbance  of  the  peace  and 
edification,  for  which  this  congregation  [St.  Alphonsus',  Peru], 
had,  with  very  few  exceptions,  been  at  all  times  remarkable.  *  * 
The  Bishop  experienced  great  satisfaction  at  meeting  here  the 
former  pastor  [Rev.  F.  X.  Tschenhens],  who  had  returned  [from 
Pittsburgh]  to  resume  the  care  of  his  beloved  flock.  This  zealous 
priest  had  been  diligently  employed  for  several  days  in  preparing 
the  candidates  for  confirmation,  of  whom  about  twenty-five  or 
thirty  received  that  sacrament  [June  20].  The  Bishop  preached  at 
High  Mass  on  the  necessity  of  obedience  to  the  spiritual  authority 
which  Christ  has  established  in  His  church  for  the  maintenance  of 
good  government,  happiness  and  order,  and  the  prevention  of  the 
guilt    and    wretchedness    inseparable    from    schism.     *     *     The 

(i;    Catholic  Telegraph,  July  17.  1841. 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  41 

church  was  crowded  with  a  Catholic  audience,  most  of  whom  were 
affected  even  to  tears,  and  all  united  in  addressing  the  most  ferv^ent 
l)rayers  to  heaven  for  the  restoration  of  the  alienated  affections  of 
those  who  had  hitherto  been  of  one  mind  with  them  in  exhibiting 
the  good  and  pleasant  scene  of  brethren  dwelling  together  in 
unity.  *  *  After  High  Mass  the  Bishop  preached  in  a  little 
grove,  near  the  church,  on  the  sacrament  of  penance ;  and  the  fol- 
lowing evening,  at  the  request  of  the  sheriff  and  a  large  number  of 
the  principal  citizens  of  Norwalk,  he  preached  in  the  court  house. 
On  Tuesday  evening  [June  22],  the  Bishop  preached  in  the  school 
house  at  New  Haven,  twelve  miles  from  Norwalk,  and  on  the  next 
day  held  'station'  at  the  house  of  Mr.  James  Patton,  where  there 
were  some  communicants,  and  three  persons  were  confirmed.  We 
thence  proceeded  to 

THE  CHURCH  OF  THE  SACRED  HEART  [SHELBY  SETTLEMENT]. 

"In  this  church,  attended  by  about  100  families  of  German 
and  Irish  Catholics,  we  were  kept  pretty  constantly  busy  in  giving 
instructions  and  administering  the  sacraments.  On  the  evening  of 
the  second  day,  the  Bishop  preached  by  request  in  the  Methodist 
meeting-house  at  Shelby,  four  miles  from  the  church.  After  the 
sermon  the  Bishop,  accompanied  by  Rev.  Mr.  Tschenhens,  left 
Shelby  for  Bucyrus,  14  miles  distant  [June  24th].  Rev  Mr.  Henni, 
who  had  arrived  at  Norwalk  from  Columbus,  where  he  had  offt- 
ciated  the  previous  Sunday,  returned  [from  Shelby  Settlement]  to 
Norwalk,  with  the  intention  of  reaching  Tif^n  for  the  next  Sunday. 
There  are  but  tw'o  or  three  Catholic  families  in  Bucyrus,  although 
there  are  many  at  various  distances  in  the  country  around.  These 
we  could  not  visit,  and  therefore  we  took  a  stage  to  Scipio,  or 
Republic,  a  new  and  for  the  present  thriving  village,  being  the 
termination  of  the  finished  portion  of  the  Mad  River  and  Lake 
Erie  railroad,  commencing  at  Sandusky  City,  26  miles  distant. 
This  distance  is  traveled  in  the  cars,  propelled  by  a  locomotive  at 
the  rate  of  about  12  miles  an  hour. 

TIFFIN,  ST.  MARY'S. 

"The  church  at  Tif^n  which  was  visited  on  Sunday,  June 
27th,  is  so  small  that  not  more  than  one-third  part  of  the  congre- 
gation can  find  place  in  it.  *  *  The  neatness  of  the  church  and 
the  piety  of  the  congregation  never  fail.  *  *  Rev.  Mr.  Mc- 
Namee,  ordained  at  Cincinnati,  has  charge  of  this  interesting  flock. 
He  is,  through  the  mercy  of  God,  another  happy  instance  of  the 
devotedness  and  success  with  which  the  alumni  of  the  diocese 
commence  to  labor  in  sowing  in  tears  and  garnering  in  joy  the 


42  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

spiritual  harvest.  I  besides  Tiriin,  the  congrejT^ation  of  McCutchen- 
viUe  [ceased  to  exist  since  1870]  and  the  German  settlement  in 
iV\'^  Sprino-  township  [New  Rieg-el],  Attica  [St.  Stephen's], 
Maumce.  Perrysbur^"  f?].  Toledo.  Defiance,  etc.,  *  "'  are  at- 
tended frt)ni  Tiffin  and  Xorwalk. 

McCUTCHENVILLE,  WYANDOT  COUNTY. 

"The  church  of  McCutchenville,  a  neat,  frame  edifice,  wanting 
but  a  fraction  of  the  dimensions  of  the  church  at  Tiffin,  was  dedi- 
cated to  God  I  June  I'dJ.  under  the  title  of  The  Visitation.  In  few 
places  of  this,  or,  as  it  is  beliex'ed,  of  any  other  diocese,  has  more 
been  done  by  a  few  families  than  has  been  accomplished  [here] 
towards  the  building-  and  decoration  of  a  church. 

NEW   RIEGEL,   SENECA   COUNTY. 

"The  church  of  the  German  settlement  [then  called  Wolf's 
Creek,  near  New  Riegel],  six  miles  from  McCutchenville,  is  called 
St.  Boniface.  It  is  frequented  by  120  families,  chiefly  Germans- 
all  whose  children,  planted  like  young  olives  on  each  side  of  an 
avenue  of  trees  leading  to  the  church,  received  on  their  knees  the 
blessing  of  the  Bishop  as  he  approached  the  church.  Very  Rev. 
Mr.  Henni  consoled  the  congregation  by  one  of  his  eloquent  and 
fervent  sermons,  after  which  10  persons  were  confirmed.  The 
Easter  communicants  in  all  the  Tiffin  range  this  year  were  662 ; 
baptism  from  1st  of  July,  1810,  to  1st  of  July,  1841,  310;  confirmed 
at  Tififin,  65  ;  marriages,  11 ;  interments,  25. 

SANDUSKY. 

"Rev.  Mr.  Machebeuf  is  stationed  at  Sandusky,  on  the  lake, 
county  seat  of  the  new  county  of  Erie.  Church  is  held  in  a  large 
hall  kindly  loaned  for  this  purpose  by  the  proprietor.  Judge  Mills, 
an  old  and  tried  friend  of  Catholics,  though  not  himself  a  Catholic. 
Five  years  ago  this  benevolent  man  offered  the  Bishop  three  lots 
and  a  handsome  subscription  towards  a  church.  The  want  of  a 
priest,  which,  thank  God,  no  longer  exists,  only  debarred  the 
acceptance  of  this  liberal  offer  and  the  execution  of  the  long 
cherished  prospect.  In  this  city  and  immediate  vicinity  there  have 
been  110  communicants,  this  Easter;  20  baptisms  since  Lst  of 
January,  20  confirmed,  3  marriages,  3  first  communions.  After 
preaching  in  meeting  rooms  and  in  the  court  house,  on  Tuesday 
in  the  afternoon  [June  20],  the  Bishop,  attended  by  the  Very  Rev. 
Mr.  Henni  and  Rev.  Mr.  Machebeuf,  held  a  meeting  of  the  con- 
gregation, at  which  he  stated  that  besides  the  three  lots,  the  sum 
of  $530  in  cash  was  offered  by  the  family  of  Mr.  Mills.  The  sub- 
scriptions of  the  congregation,  very  many  of  whom  have  not  yet 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  43 

been  called  upon,  raised  the  amount  to  upwards  of  $1,600.  An 
estimate  hastily  drawn  up  by  Air.  Robert  Cassidy,  stone  mason, 
showed  that  the  walls  of  a  church,  60  x  46,  with  basement  of  8  ft., 
and  height  from  principal  floor,  of  due  proportions,  would  require 
730  perch  of  stone.  The  work  can  be  done  here  with  certainty  for 
$1.50  per  perch,  all  materials,  etc.,  furnished.  A  building  com- 
mittee to  aid  the  pastor,  who  must  frequently  be  absent  from  home, 
was  appointed  by  the  Bishop,  and  all  other  preliminary  arrange- 
ments made,  so  that  the  foundations  could  be  blessed  and  corner 
stone  placed  with  one  solemnity.  The  zeal,  prudence  and  piety  of 
the  pastor,  and  the  excellent  spirit  of  the  flock  lead  us  to  hope 
with  confidence  that  their  new  church  will  be  covered  in  before 
bad  weather.     The  church  will  be  styled  'Holy  Angels.' 

11.     REPORT     OF     BISHOP     PURCELL'S     VISIT     TO     NORTHERN 
OHIO.  IN  1841.1 

SANDUSKY;  FREMONT;  MAUMEE.  ETC. 

"Before  leaving  Sandusky  the  Bishop  established  there  a 
Total  Abstinence  Society.  *  *  It  was  at  the  earnest  request  of 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Machebeuf,  their  devoted  pastor,  that  this  effort 
was  made,  and  the  success  was  such  as  to  leave  a  strong  ground 
for  hope  that  the  example  of  Cleveland  will  be  here  followed.    *    * 

"*  *  Our  way  [from  Sandusky  City]  to  Lower  Sandusky 
[Fremont]  lay  through  the  woods  profusely  adorned  with  beauti- 
ful wild  roses,  interspersed  with  rich  clusters  of  the  orange  lily. 
We  missed  the  road,  but  arrived  in  good  time  at  our  destination. 
Here,  as  in  Sandusky  City,  church  is  kept  in  a  large  room,  origin- 
ally built  for  a  store ;  but  a  commencement  has  been  made  towards 
the  erection  of  a  church  on  an  eligible  lot  presented  for  this 
purpose  by  Charles  Brush,  Esq.,  of  Columbus;  and  an  old  and 
faithful  friend  of  the  Catholic  congregation,  Rudolph  Dickinson, 
Esq.,  at  whose  hospitable  residence  the  clergy  have  always  found 
a  welcome,  has,  besides  other  help,  ofl^ered  all  the  brick  that  may 
be  required  for  the  building.  The  Bishop  and  Rev.  Mr.  Henni 
preached  here  several  times,  the  former  in  the  court  house,  where 
he  always  finds  a  large  and  courteous  auditory.  In  this  little  con- 
gregation, which  has  greatly  improved  since  it  has  received  more 
pastoral  care  than  it  was  possible  to  bestow  on  it  while  there  was 
only  one  priest  for  this  and  the  Tiffin  missions,  21  were  confirmed; 
and  there  have  been  since  January  1st,  of  this  year,  19  baptisms. 
102  Easter  communions,  16  first  communions.  3  marriages  and 
2  interments.     *     * 

"At  the  French  settlement  [La  Prairie].  9  miles  from  Lower 

il)     Catholic  Telegraph,  July  31.  1841. 


44  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Sandusky,  there  was  a  neat  little  rural  chapel  dedicated  to  St. 
Philomena.  We  could  not  help  thinking  of  the  early  missionaries, 
as  we  approached  this  sequestered  spot  in  a  boat,  and  again  darted 
by  it  at  our  departure,  stretched  in  a  light  canoe.  There  is  another 
French  settlement  [Toussaint]  on  the  Toussaint  river,  10  miles 
from  Lower  Sandusky,  which  we  had  not  time  to  visit.  Besides 
these  there  are  several  other  stations,  such  as  Marblehead,  Port 
Clinton,  etc.,  which  receive  as  much  pastoral  care  as  the  extent  of 
the  mission  will  allow.     *     * 

MAUMEE. 

"From  Lower  Sandusky  to  Perrysburg,  united  by  a  bridge 
there  over  the  Maumee  river,  below  Fort  Meigs  to  Maumee  City, 
the  road  lies  through  the  Black  Swamp,  31  miles  in  length.  The 
road  is  one  of  the  best  macadamized  in  the  Union.  *  *  * 
There  were  fewer  signs  of  temporal  prosperity  around  Perrysburg 
[Maumee]  since  we  visited  there  four  years  ago  than  we  had  an- 
ticipated. It  is,  however,  too  soon  yet  to  see  the  beneficial  results 
of  the  great  public  works,  canals,  railroads  and  turnpikes  that 
terminate  or  intersect  here.     *     * 

"The  members  of  the  congregation  [at  Maumee]  had,  as  is 
everywhere  the  case,  greatly  increased ;  and  one  of  the  handsomest 
churches  in  the  State,  owing  to  the  zeal  of  Rev.  Mr.  McNamee,  the 
proverbial  generosity  of  the  Irish  Catholics  on  the  public  works, 
and  the  kindness  of  a  few  citizens  of  other  denominations,  belongs 
to  them.  It  was  built  in  part  for  the  Episcopalians,  who,  for  some 
reason  or  other,  have  never  occupied  it.  This  church  is  frame, 
65  X  35  feet,  of  proportionate  height,  surmounted  by  tower  and 
steeple.  *  *  it  will  be  dedicated  to  God,  under  the  patronage 
of  St.  Joseph.  We  remained  here  four  days,  and  though  we  are 
three  in  number,  viz :  Rev.  Messrs.  Machebeuf,  McNamee  and  the 
Bishop,  we  were  constantly  employed.  We  had  preaching  three 
or  four  times  a  day.  On  Sunday  there  was  no  service  in  any  of  the 
other  churches,  many  of  whose  people  came  to  ours,  as  they  did 
during  the  week,  and  several  among  them  heard  with  astonishment 
what  undeniable  testimony  the  Scripture  exhibits  to  sustain  those 
peculiar  tenets  of  our  Holy  Faith,  with  which  the  prejudices  of  their 
education  had  hitherto  taught  them  to  consider  utterly  incom- 
patible. 

"The  Methodist  clergyman  in  charge  invited  the  Bishop  to 
preach  a  temperance  address  in  his  church,  but  he  politely  declined, 
remarking  that  the  Catholic  church  was  large  enough,  he  thought, 
for  any  audience  that  could  be  collected,  and  he  preferred  to  see 
Catholics  frequent  no  church  but   their  own,   on  any  occasion. 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  45 

Indeed,  he  had  stated,  in  detail,  the  previous  Sunday,  many  per- 
emptory reasons  why,  on  the  subject  of  temperance,  as  well  as  any 
others,  Catholics  should  go  to  hear  no  preacher  who  could  not 
offer  them  a  sufficient  guarantee  that  he  was  not  likely  to  rush 
into  the  wildest  extremes  of  fanaticism  and  error.  The  church  was 
thronged  at  the  temperance  address.     *     * 

"There  were  twenty-five  confirmed.  Three  or  four  priests 
would  have  more  than  enough  to  do  in  this  part  of  the  diocese. 
And  yet  the  harvest  is  rotting  for  want  of  laborers ! 

12.     REPORT  OF  BISHOP  PURCELL'S  VISIT  TO  NORTHERN  OHIO, 
IN  1841.1 

CANTON— ST.  JOHN'S. 

''*  *  We  reached  Canton  at  sundown,  on  Saturday,  6th 
November.  Rarely  have  we  been  more  consoled  than  we  were  at 
this  visitation,  seeing  and  hearing  of  the  peace  which  reigns 
throughout  this  congregation,  and  of  the  assiduity  of  its  members 
in  approaching  the  holy  sacraments,  under  the  pastoral  care  of 
Rev.  Matthias  Wuerz.  One  hundred  and  twenty  were  confirmed, 
and  the  faithful,  after  sermons  in  English  and  German  [in  the 
latter  language  by  Very  Rev.  Fr.  Henni,  who  accompanied  Bishop 
Purcell  on  his  visitation],  were  exhorted  to  build  at  least  one 
church  more  for  the  use  of  the  German  Catholics,  the  present 
being  a  great  deal  too  small  for  either  portion  of  the  congregation. 

LOUISVILLE. 

"*  *  The  following  Thursday,  one  hundred  and  forty 
persons  received  the  same  sacrament  [confirmation]  at  St.  Louis' 
Church,  Louisville,  Stark  county,  where  Rev.  Mr.  de  Goesbriand 
is  stationed  among  a  flock  composed  chiefly  of  French  emigrants. 
*  *  It  would  be  impossible,  we  think,  to  witness  more  solemnity 
and  decorum  than  we  here  observed  in  the  reception  of  the  sacra- 
ments, or  in  the  assistance  at  the  Divine  Sacrifice.     *     * 

RANDOLPH. 

"On  Friday  morning  we  attended  at  St.  Martin's  [St. 
Joseph's],  near  Randolph  [Centre],  where  a  beautiful  frame 
church  was  consumed  [  ?]  three  years  ago,  with  its  furniture,  by 
some  base  incendiary,  whom  the  spirit  of  the  first  schismatic  is 
suspected,  we  fear  but  too  truly,  to  have  instigated  to  the  sacri- 
legious deed.  Very  Rev.  Mr,  Henni  preached  a  most  affecting 
sermon  on  the  occasion,  and  all  the  congregation,  with  only  one  or 

(1)    Catholic  Telegraph,  December  11,  1841. 


46  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

at  most  two  exceptions,  knelt  down  with  aljundance  of  tears  to  ask 
pardon  from  God  and  the  grace  of  repentance  for  the  perpetrators 
of  so  deadly  a  crime.  From  this  place  Rev.  Mr.  Henni  went  to 
Hanover.  Columbiana  county,  at  ihe  re(|uest  of  the  German  [?] 
congregation  of  St.  J'auTs  [then  near  Dungannon]. 

AKRON. 

•'*  *  ji-,g  Bishop  proceeded  [alone]  to  Akron,  where  he 
said  Mass  in  the  house  of  a  German,  Mr.  Meyer,  and  with  some 
Irish  Catholics  and  other  friends  endeavored  to  provide  for  the 
erection  of  a  church  for  the  Catholics  of  this  rapidly  growing  town, 
and  Cuyahoga  Falls,  three  miles  north. 

CHIPPEWA  [DOYLESTOWN]. 

"*  *  We  were  at  St.  Francis  Xavier's  Church  (Rev.  Mr. 
Schorb's)  on  the  following  Sunday  [November  14th].  The 
church  was  then  dedicated  and  thirty-eight  persons  were  con- 
firmed. We  know  not  if  a  larger  assembly  was  ever  before  con- 
gregated in  so  small  a  space.  The  building  should  have  been 
three  or  four  times  as  large  to  afford  room  for  all  who  crowded  to 
the  ceremony,  and  yet  the  most  perfect  order  was  observed  during 
the  holy  sacrifice  and  the  instruction.     *     * 

WOOSTER. 

*'On  Tuesday  evening,  [Nov.  16],  the  Bishop  preached  to  a 
crowded  audience  in  the  court  house  at  Wooster,  standing,  as  it 
were,  according  to  his  own  observation,  on  the  grave  of  his 
venerated  predecessor,  whose  heroic  sacrifices  and  sublime  devo- 
tion in  the  work  of  an  apostle  would,  he  hoped,  obtain  more  Jhan 
human  ef^cacy  for  his  feeble  words.  Next  morning,  after  church 
at  Mr.  Christian  Juncker's,  he  preached,  again  by  request,  in  the 
court  house,  on  the  Catholic  doctrine  of  Transubstantiation.  We 
noticed  four  preachers  of  different  sects  taking  notes  of  his 
sermon. 

"We  heard  with  exceeding  regret  of  several  in  this  neighbor- 
hood who  had  joined  'other  religions,'  because  there  w^as  none 
of  their  own  to  go  to.  *  *  It  is  confidently  hoped  that  with 
the  generously  promised  aid  of  a  few  Catholics  we  shall  soon  have 
a  church  in  Wooster,  where  nearly  all  the  sects  have  anticipated  us 
in  the  erection  of  'meeting  houses.'  After  arrangements  to  this 
effect  the  Bishop  left  in  a  little  carriage,  placed,  for  a  week,  at  his 
disposal  by  its  proprietor,  Mr.  John  Carroll,  a  sound-hearted  Irish 
Catholic,  and  arrived  same  day  at  Mt.  Eaton.     *     * 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  47 

CANAL  FULTON  ;    CANTON  ;    MASSILLON  ;   NAVARRE. 

"*  *  Next  morning  [Nov.  IS)]  we  reached  the  church  near 
Fulton  [between  Canal  Fulton  and  Lawrence]  before  the  congre- 
gation was  assembled.  Here  the  Bishop  preached.  *  *  At 
early  candle-light,  same  evening,  the  Bishop  preached  in  the 
Methodist  meeting-house  at  [Canal]  Fulton,  and  again,  in  the 
same  place,  the  following  day,  after  Mass,  at  which  there  were 
many  communicants — at  Mr.  Jesse  Patton's.  In  the  evening 
[November  21]  he  preached  to  a  verv  crowded  assembly  in  the 
court  house  at  Canton,  and  proceeded  same  night  to  Massillon, 
where  he  held  service  at  Mr.  Finnegan's.  and  preached  in  a  large 
public  hall  to  a  respectable  and  very  attentive  audience.  There 
should  be  a  church  in  this  place,  and  we  trust  there  soon  will  be 
one  worthy  of  our  faith  and  of  the  prosperity  of  this  very  thriving 
town.     *     * 

"The  church  of  St.  Clement  at  Bethlehem  [Navarre]  was  our 
next  point  of  labor  and  rest.  '''  *  We  shall  not  exhaust  the 
patience  of  our  readers,  already,  perhaps,  too  heavily  taxed  by  this 
lengthy  communication,  by  giving  utterance  to  the  numerous 
reflections  on  the  rapid  growth,  the  present  urgent  necessities  and 
future  prospects  of  the  Church  in  this  diocese,  which  the  present 
visitation  has  suggested.  One  thing  is  certain,  it  would  require  the 
constant  attention  of  two  bishops  and  a  hundred  priests,  as  humble, 
disinterested,  patient,  healthy,  prudent,  painstaking,  pious  and 
learned  as  men  can  be  in  this  world  of  trial,  to  preserve  the  faith- 
ful, convert  the  erring,  reclaim  the  sinful,  found  schools  and  build 
churches  necessary  over  such  an  extensive  spiritual  territory. 
From  the  depths  of  our  own  sense  of  our  insufficiency  for  the 
arduous  task,  we  can  only  implore  the  Almighty  God  io  scud 
laborers  into  His  vineyard ! 

13.     REPORT    OF    BISHOP     PURCELL'S     EPISCOPAL     VISIT     TO 
NORTHERN  OHIO,  IN  1846. 

SANDUSKY  ;    FREMONT,    ETC.l 

"Confirmation. — This  sacrament  was  administered  by  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  of  the  diocese  to  55  persons  in  the  church  of  the 
Holy  Angels,  Sandusky  City,  [Trinity  Sunday,  June  7].  Amongst 
the  number  were  several  converts  whose  entrance  into  the  true 
fold  created  quite  a  sensation  in  the  denominations  they  had  left. 
The  church  was  blessed  on  the  occasion  by  the  Bishop,  assisted  by 
Rev.  Messrs.  Machebeuf  and  Byrne.  In  the  chapel  of  St.  Philo- 
mena,  on  the  Sandusky  river  [La  Prairie],  there  were  36  persons 

a)    Catholic  Telegraph,    June  18,  1846. 


48  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

confinnccl  on  Monday.  8th  of  June,  and  4r)  at  Lower  Sandusky 
[St.  Ann's,  l-'reniontj  where  a  new  church  was  dedicated 
[June  8th]. 

CLEVELAND  ;  TOLF.no  ;    FERU  ;     NORWALK  ;     NEW    RIFGFL  ; 

TIFFIN,   ETC.l 

"On  the  feast  of  Pentecost  [May  31]  102  persons  were  con- 
firmed in  St.  Mary's  church,  Cleveland,  and  16  in  the  church  of  St. 
John  of  the  Cross,  near  Laporte,  on  the  following  Tuesday.  Forty- 
one  persons  were  confirmed  in  the  church  of  St.  Francis,  at  Toledo, 
on  the  14th  of  June  *  *  and  41  in  the  church  of  St.  Alphonso 
[Peru]  near  Norwalk,  on  the  festival  of  Corpus  Christi  [June 
11th].  There  was  a  very  large  and  edifying  procession  in  the 
majestic  \voods  near  this  church  in  the  forenoon,  and  in  the  after- 
noon the  large  and  beautiful  church  of  St.  Peter's,  Norwalk,  was 
dedicated. 

"Sixty-five  persons  were  confirmed  at  St.  Boniface's,  Wolf's 
Creek  [New  Riegel],  where  there  was  also  a  solemn  procession 
on  the  Sunday  within  the  octave  [of  Corpus  Christi].  The  'old 
[log]  church,'  so  called,  though  built  but  a  few  years  ago,  has  to 
be  taken  dowai,  and  a  new  one,  larger  and  to  meet  the  wants  of  the 
fast  increasing  congregation,  to  be  erected  in  its  place. 

"There  were  60  persons  confirmed  [June  21]  in  St.  Mary's 
church.  Tiffin,  to  w^hich  an  addition  [frame]  twice  the  size  of  the 
original  [brick]  building,  and  in  better  style  of  finish,  has  been 
recently  made. 

"The  Roman  Catholic  Germans  have  also  built  at  Tiffin  a 
new,  large  and  beautiful  church  of  brick,  which  was  dedicated  to 
God  on  the  same  day  [June  21],  in  honor  of  St.  Joseph.  These 
two  congregations  walked  in  procession  through  the  town  to 
assist  at  the  dedication:  The  High  Mass  was  sung  by  the  Rev. 
Matthias  Kreusch,  [C.  PP.  S.],  and  the  sermon  in  German  was 
preached  by  the  Rev.  Francis  de  Sales  Brunner,  [Provincial  of  the 
Sanguinists].  *  *  The  church  of  St.  Bernard,  New  Washing- 
ton, is  under  roof. 

DUNGANNON,   ETC.2 

"Episcopal  Visitation.  *  *  Tuesday,  [July  7th],  the 
Bishop  [Purcell]  confirmed  forty-six  at  St.  Paul's,  Columbiana 
county.  The  corner-stone  of  a  new  church  [St.  Philip  Neri's, 
Dungannon],  one  mile  from  the  old  one,  which  is  now  too  small, 
will  be  laid  on  the  ITAh  of  August,  and  also  of  another  [at  Summit- 

(1)  Catholic  Telegraph,  July  2,  1S46. 

(2)  Catholic  Telegraph,  July  16,  1846. 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  49 

ville?],  so  much  have  the  Catholics  in  that  vicinity  increased  under 
the  pastoral  care  of  tlie  Rev.  [James]  Conlan. 

WOOSTER.i 

"The  corner-stone  of  a  new  Catholic  church  was  laid  on  last 
Friday  [August  20],  in  Wooster,  Wayne  county,  Ohio,  by  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Purcell,  assisted  by  the  pastor,  Rev.  Philip  Foley, 
and  Rev.  Messrs.  J.  H.  Luhr  and  C.  Daly.  The  church  *  '■'  is 
to  be  sixty-five  by  thirty-eight  feet.  It  will  be  built  of  brick,  with 
a  solid  stone  foundation,  and  situated  on  a  lot  of  two  and  one-half 
acres  on  the  edge  of  town.  A  portion  of  the  ground  is  to  be  used 
as  a  cemeter}^ 

"At  the  close  of  the  ceremony  the  Bishop  addressed  an  atten- 
tive audience  in  English,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Luhr  in  German.  The 
pastor  and  flock  are  entitled  to  much  credit  for  their  generous 
exertions  to  build  their  church  in  the  thriving  town  of  Wooster. 
where  the  number  of  Catholics  is  still  small,  but  with  the  best 
prospects  of  increase,  both  from  immigration,  conversion,  or 
reversion  of  many  who  have  forgotten  their  baptism  in  the 
Church,  or  their  having  sprung  from  Catholic  parentage. 


AKRON.  ST.  VINCENT'S;    MASSILLON,  ETC.2 

"We  are  pleased  to  learn  that  Rev.  Mr.  Daly  has  built  a  con- 
siderable addition  to  the  church  of  St.  Vincent  de  Paul,  of  Akron, 
and  that  the  spirited  Catholics  of  Doylestown,  \\'ayne  county,  and 
its  vicinity,  have  resolved  to  build  a  new  and  beautiful  church  at 
the  last  mentioned  place,  one  mile  from  the  site  of  the  church  of 
St.  Xavier  [at  Chippewa],  now  too  small  for  the  congregation. 

"Massillon. — The  new  church  at  Massillon  [St.  Mary's], 
a  solid  stone  building,  7S  x  40  feet,  was  dedicated  on  the  22d  of 
August. 

"Canal  Fulton,  August,  1847. — The  church  of  Canal  Fulton. 
*  *  a  handsome  frame,  64  x  37,  was  dedicated  to  Almighty 
God,  in  honor  of  the  holy  Apostles,  Philip  and  James,  on  the  24th 
of  the  same  month  [August].  These  two  churches  are  under  the 
pastoral  care  of  Rev.  Mr.  Foley.  We  are  indebted  to  Judge  Gris- 
wold,  of  Canton,  agent  for  the  proprietor  in  New  York,  for  the  gift 
of  three  lots  in  [Canal]  Fulton,  on  which  the  church  is  eligibly 
situated. 


(1)  Catholic  Telegraph.  August  26,  1847. 

(2)  Catholic  Telegraph,  September  9.  1S47. 


50  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

"Canton. — St.  Pcter'.s  Cluncli,  Canton,  was  dedicated  on  the 
2!»lli  of  Augn.'^t.  It  is  of  brick.  ".KS  x  45,  a  cliea]).  solid  and  beantifnl 
building-.     *     * 

"New  Berlin. — The  church  of  New  Berlin  *  *  and  that 
of  Ilarrisburgh  *  *  are  under  roof.  There  have  been  nine 
churches  built  in  as  many  years,  within  a  radius  of  fourteen  miles 
from  Canton. 

"Voungstown. — On  the  1st  of  September  [1847]  church  was 
held  in  the  house  of  Mr.  James  Moore,  in  Youngstown,  Mahoning 
county.  *  *  We  were  gratified  at  the  large  increase  of 
Catholics  near  Youngstown,  and  the  size  and  site,  the  best  in  town, 
given  us  for  a  church  by  the  Hon.  David  Tod. 

"Akron. — Mr.  James  V.  Conlan,  a  student  of  the  diocesan 
seminary,  received  tonsure  and  minor  orders  in  St.  Vincent's 
Church,  Akron,  on  the  2d  of  September,  sub-deaconship  on  the 
3d,  the  holy  order  of  Deacon  on  the  4th,  and  on  Sunday,  the  5th, 
he  will  be  ordained  priest." 


IN    NORTHERN    OHIO.  61 


CHAPTER  IV. 

REMINISCENCES  OF  MISSIONARY  LIFE  IN 
NORTHERN  OHIO. 

1.  REMINISCENCES  OF  THE  REV.   PROJECTUS   J.    MACHEBEUF. 

—FATHER  MACHEBEUF  ARRIVES  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES  IN  1839— SENT  TO 
TIFFIN— ATTENDS  MISSIONS  IN  NORTHWESTERN  OHIO— AT  TOLEDO  AND 
ALONG  THE  MAUMEE  RIVER— STATIONED  AT  SANDUSKY— FATHERS  RAPPE, 
LAMY,    DE    GOESBRIAND   AND  PEUDEPRAT. 

2.  REMINISCENCES  OF  THE  REV.  LOUIS  DE  GOESBRIAND. 

—FATHER  RAPPE  ARRIVES  FROM  FRANCE  IN  1840— HIS  MISSIONARY  LABORS 
ALONG  THE  MAUMEE  (MIAMI)  CANAL— AT  TOLEDO— FATHER  DE  GOESBRI- 
AND AT  TOLEDO— ATTENDS  MISSIONS  IN  NORTHWESTERN  OHIO— FATHER 
RAPPE'S  SUCCESS  AS  A  MISSIONARY  PRIEST— APPOINTED  BISHOP  OF 
CLEVELAND— BISHOP  RAPPE  COMMENCED  CATHEDRAL  IN  1848— DEDICATED 
IN   1852— ESTABLISHES    DIOCESAN  SEMINARY  AND  TWO  ORPHAN  ASYLUMS. 

1.     REMINISCENCES  OF  THE  REV.   PROJECTUS   J.    MACHEBEUF. 

AS  the  late  Bishop  Machebeuf,  of  Denver,  Col,  had  been  a 
priest  on  the  mission  in  Northern  Ohio  for  over  ten  years, 
from  September,  1839,  the  writer  asked  him,  in  the  summer 
of  1888,  to  kindly  send  his  reminiscences  of  those  years  of  toil  in 
the  now  flourishing  Diocese  of  Cleveland.  The  good  bishop 
graciously  consented,  and  a  few  months  later  furnished  the  manu- 
script. With  slight  changes  as  to  language  and  some  necessary 
omissions,  his  reminiscences  were  published  in  two  installments,  in 
the  Catholic  Universe,  October  18,  1888,  and  January  31,  1889.  As 
they  form  an  authentic  and  interesting  account  of  priestly  pioneer 
life  in  Northern  Ohio,  as  witnessed  by  Father  Machebeuf  himself, 
they  are  given  in  the  following  pages : 

"In  the  fall  of  1838  the  young  Bishop  of  Cincinnati,  the  Rt. 
Rev.  J.  B.  Purcell,  made  his  first  visit  to  Rome,  and  from  Paris 
wrote  to  the  Very  Rev.  Father  Comfe,  his  former  professor  of 
theology  at  St.  Sulpice,  and  at  this  time  superior  of  the  seminary 
of  Mont-Ferrand,  Diocese  of  Clermont,  to  procure  for  him  some 
missionaries  for  his  new  diocese.  Rev.  J.  B.  Lamy  and  myself  hav- 
ing several  times  expressed  our  intention  of  going  to  the  foreign 


52  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

iiiissions,  were  notified  to  be  ready  to  go  in  the  spring  with  Bishop 
Piircell  to  Cincinnati.  In  the  meantime  we  succeeded  in  finding 
three  more  priests  disposed  to  ofi^er  their  services  to  the  zealous 
bishop.  They  were  the  Rev.  Father  Gagon,  who  spent  his  mission- 
ary life  at  St.  Martin,  Brown  county,  and  died  there  as  chaplain  of 
the  Ursuline  convent;  the  Rev.  William  Cheymol,  who  succeeded 
him  as  chaplain ;  and  the  Rev.  Father  Navarron,  who  established  a 
mission  in  Clermont  county,  and  died  as  pastor  of  the  parish  he 
had  organized. 

"In  company  with  Bishop  Purcell,  Bishop  Flaget,  of  Bards- 
town,  Ky.,  Rev.  John  McGill,  afterwards  Bishop  of  Richmond, 
three  priests  from  some  other  diocese,  and  two  Sisters,  in  all 
fifteen  persons,  we  set  sail  from  Havre  May  9,  1839.  After  a 
tedious  voyage  of  forty-four  days,  we  landed  safely  in  New  York. 
Traveling  by  canal  and  stage  coaches,  we  arrived  in  Cincinnati 
August  22d  following.  Of  all  my  coinpagnons  de  voyage  I  am  the 
only  one  left  in  this  world ;  all  the  others  have  gone  to  their 
reward. 

"After  a  few  days'  rest  we  all  received  our  appointments : 
Father  Lamy,  as  pastor  of  Danville,  in  Knox  county,  a  large 
settlement  of  Catholic  Americans  who  had  come  from  Maryland, 
and  a  few  good  German  families.  I  was  sent  to  Tififin,  Seneca 
county,  as  assistant  to  Rev.  Joseph  McNamee,  a  very  pious  Irish 
priest,  but  very  sickly.  After  the  Redemptorist  Fathers  of  Peru, 
near  Norwalk,  had  been  called  away  from  Ohio  (April,  1839),  only 
one  Father,  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Tschenhens,  had  been  left  to  attend  all 
the  missions  of  the  northwest.  During  the  three  months  I  spent 
in  Tiffin,  from  August  to  December,  I  visited  the  different 
missions,  saying  Mass  and  commencing  to  speak  some  broken 
English,  and  even  to  hear  confessions.  Father  McNamee,  unable 
to  undertake  distant  missions,  took  pastoral  charge  of  Tif^n  and 
vicinity.  In  the  beginning  of  November,  1839,  I  visited  for  the 
first  time  the  Irish  laborers  working  on  the  National  or  macadam- 
ized road,  then  being  built  through  the  'Black  Swamp,'  from 
Fremont  (at  that  time  known  as  Lower  Sandusky)  to  Perrysburg, 
on  the  Maumee  river.  I  first  visited  Lower  Sandusky,  where  I 
received  the  kind  hospitality  of  Mrs.  Dickinson  and  of  Mrs. 
Rawson,  very  respectable  French  ladies,  married  to  Protestant 
gentlemen.  In  Lower  Sandusky  I  learned  that  nine  or  ten  miles 
down  the  river  a  good  number  of  Canadian  farmers  had  settled  on 
Mud  Creek  (in  French,  Riz'icrc  an  Nasc).  I  went  there  imme- 
diately and  found  over  thirty  families,  mostly  from  Detroit  and 
Monroe,  Mich.  In  the  few  days  I  spent  with  them  I  had  the 
greatest  consolation.  All  of  them  received  the  sacraments  and 
showed  the  best  disposition.     I  appointed  some  pious  ladies  to 


ST.    MICHAEL'S    CHURCH    (INTERIOR).     CLEVELAND. 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  53 

teach  catechism  on  Sundays,  and  two  or  three  times  during  the 
week,  to  a  large  number  of  children.  A  good  widow  lady  gave  a 
beautiful  site  on  the  bank  of  the  river  for  a  church,  or  rather  a 
chapel.  *  *  Before  leaving  these  good  and  pious  people  I 
promised  to  visit  them  every  month,  and  in  order  to  facilitate  my 
visits  I  bought  on  credit  a  Canadian  pony,  borrowed  a  saddle,  and 
after  resting  another  day  at  Lower  Sandusky,  commenced  the 
tedious  and  long  journey  through  the  Black  Swamp  to  the 
Maumee  river,  traveling  only  a  few  miles  a  day.  The  National 
road  was  graded  and  partly  macadamized,  but  very  rough.  I  had 
gone  only  five  or  six  miles  to  the  river  when  some  good  Irishmen, 
breaking  the  stone  for  the  road,  recognized  me  as  a  priest.  They 
called  me  to  a  large  log  cabin  to  attend  a  sick  man;  but  there  was 
no  sick  man !  It  was  a  pious  fraud  to  keep  me  for  the  next  day, 
which  was  Sunday.  Whilst  I  was  warming  myself  my  pony  was 
taken  to  a  stable,  and  the  women  were  preparing  another  cabin 
for  me,  making  a  good  fire ;  it  was  in  November,  and  the  weather 
was  wet  and  cold.  Well,  I  cheerfully  resigned  myself  to  spend  the 
Sunday  with  these  good  people.  Early  the  next  day  I  put  up  an 
altar  and  prepared  everything  for  Mass.  *  *  j  then  said  Mass 
and  ventured  to  address  them  a  few  words  of  broken  English. 
After  Mass  I  had  four  or  five  children  to  baptize,  and  the  generous 
men  were  so  thankful  for  having  a  chance  to  hear  Mass  in  that 
wild  country  and  to  have  their  children  baptized  that  they  gave  me 
almost  enough  money  to  pay  for  my  pony.  Promising  to  visit 
them  again  on  my  return,  I  started  the  next  day  for  Perrysburg. 

"At  that  time  Perrysburg  was  a  poor,  little  village,  on  the 
east  side  of  the  Maumee  river.  There  I  found  only  one  family, 
poor  Canadians,  in  a  little  cabin.  How  glad  I  was  then  that  I  had 
been  called  on  Saturday  for  that  sick  (?)  man. 

"After  Mass  in  the  cabin  of  the  Canadian  I  crossed  the 
bridgeless  river  with  great  dii^culty  and  went  to  Maumee  'City' 
on  the  opposite  side,  where  I  found  two  or  three  Catholics,  said 
Mass  for  them,  and  then  set  foot  for  Toledo. 

"Toledo,  today  a  beautiful  large  city,  with  eleven  parishes. 
Catholic  schools,  educational  and  charitable  institutions,  was  then 
[1839]  a  real  mud  hole,  on  the  banks  of  the  Maumee  river.  It 
comprised  a  few  frame  houses,  some  log  cabins,  swamps,  ponds  of 
muddy  water,  and  worse  yet,  a  number  of  persons  sick  with  the 
Maumee  fever.  There  were  a  verv'  few  Cathouc  families  and  five 
or  six  single  men.  I  said  Mass  for  eight  or  ten  persons  in  the 
frame  shanty  of  a  poor  Canadian.  As  they  knew  of  a  few  families 
along  the  river  and  in  the  country,  I  remained  at  Toledo  a  few  days 
to  give  them  a  chance  to  hear  Mass  and  go  to  confession.  But 
there  being  no  suitable  house  I  spent  some  time  looking  for  a  room 


64  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

large  enough.  This  I  found  over  a  little  drug-store.  As  Toledo 
was  the  town  which  had  the  best  prospects  for  future  growth  and 
permanency  we  rented  that  room,  called  a  'hall,'  and  made  up 
some  kind  of  an  altar  with  dry  goods  boxes.  A  few  yards  of 
colored  calico  served  as  an  antependium.  In  many  later  visits  I 
found  a  few  benches  and  two  brass  candlesticks.  It  was  the  first 
'church'  of  good  Father  Rappe,  when  in  1841  he  was  sent  there 
from  Chillicothe,  where  he  had  spent  some  time  to  learn  English 
in  the  house  of  Major  Anderson,  a  pious  convert  who  could  speak 
French.  It  was  in  Mr.  Anderson's  house  I  met  Father  Rappe  for 
the  first  time. 

"After  spending  a  few  days  in  Toledo  I  w^ent  back  to  Maumee 
and  kept  visiting  the  little  towns  along  the  banks  of  the  Maumee 
river,  e.  g.,  Providence  and  Napoleon.  The  most  of  the  Catholics 
in  this  section  were  Irishmen  working  on  the  canal,  chiefly 
near  Napoleon.  As  they  all  lived  in  miserable  tents,  crowded 
and  filthy,  I  could  not  find  any  corner  for  me.  I  engaged  what 
was  called  the  'parlor,'  at  the  village  tavern,  and  on  my  return  at 
night  from  saying  Mass  in  the  mess-room,  and  visiting  a  few  sick, 
was  glad  to  find  a  quiet  room  and  a  good  fire. 

"But  I  must  relate  a  little  anecdote  which  I  mentioned  in  a 
meeting  of  the  Catholic  circles  in  Paris.  It  interested  them  very 
much,  and  gave  them  an  idea  of  the  adventures  of  missionary  life 
in  America.  One  evening,  when  I  returned  as  usual  to  my  room, 
after  visiting  the  camps  above  and  below  the  town,  I  found  a 
large  number  of  wagons  and  horses  hitched  to  the  fence,  the 
house  and  hallway  being  crowded.  I  had  to  go  in  by  the  back 
door,  and  was  told  by  the  landlord,  that  Napoleon  being  the 
county  seat,  and  his  house  the  largest  in  the  town,  and  my  room 
the  most  convenient  place  for  holding  court,  his  honor,  the  judge, 
was  occupying  my  chair,  and  the  lawyers  and  jurymen  some  rough 
benches  and  soap  boxes — in  fact,  that  court  was  being  held  in  my 
room.  I  had  therefore  to  go  to  an  old  log  cabin  which  answered 
for  a  dining  and  sitting  room,  where  I  said  my  office  and  took 
supper.  But  as  I  was  tired,  and  the  court  still  in  session,  I  passed 
through  the  crowd  of  men  into  my  room.  I  found  my  bed 
occupied  by  three  men  sitting  crossways.  I  whispered  to  them 
that  having  engaged  that  room,  and  slept  a  few  nights  in  that  bed, 
I  had  a  right  to  it.  They  rather  hesitated,  but  as  I  insisted  they 
got  out;  and  as,  fortunately,  it  had  curtains,  I  closed  them  care- 
fully and,  to  the  amusement  of  those  who  were  near  by,  I  un- 
dressed, went  to  bed  and  slept  a  few  hours  till  court  was  over,  when 
the  men,  with  their  big  boots  and  loud  voices,  aroused  me  from  my 
sleep.  The  man  who  was  tried,  and  who  had  watched  me,  came  to 
my  bed  and  asked  me  how^  I  got  along.     I  told  him  'very  well,' 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  55 

and  asked  him  what  the  decision  of  the  court  was.  He  informed 
me  that  he  got  'clear.'  He  then  left,  and  for  the  rest  of  the  night 
I  had  a  quiet  and  undisturbed  sleep.  The  next  day  I  continued  my 
visit,  going  as  far  as  Independence,  near  the  Indiana  State  line, 
where  I  found  a  few  Catholic  families. 

"Well  pleased  with  my  first  visit  to  the  public  works  I 
returned  slowly  to  Tiffin,  where  I  remained  till  the  end  of  Decem- 
ber. During  that  month  I  heard  that  Bishop  Purcell  was  expected 
in  some  town  south  of  Tiffin.  I  went  to  meet  him  there.  The 
good  bishop  received  me  very  kindly  and  kept  me  a  few  days  to 
help  him  on  the  visitation.  Before  returning  he  told  me  that  as  I 
was  able  to  get  along  fairly  well  in  English  he  appointed  me  pastor 
of  Sandusky.  Here  there  was  neither  church  nor  house,  and  only 
a  few  Catholic  families,  whose  acquaintance  I  had  made  whilst 
attending  a  sick  call  there  from  Tiffin.     *     *     * 

"I  went  to  Sandusky  to  take  pastoral  charge  of  the  place  on 
the  first  day  of  January,  1840.  From  Sandusky  I  continued  for 
some  time  to  visit  Lower  Sandusky  [Fremont],  Maumee,  Toledo, 
and  all  the  missions  of  the  northwest.  I  do  not  remember  exactly 
when  good  Father  Rappe  was  sent  to  Toledo  as  pastor.  I  think 
it  was  in  1841.  We  used  to  visit  each  other  every  few  weeks.  He 
did  not  say  Mass  very  long  in  the  room  I  had  rented.  He  had  the 
good  fortune  of  buying  (1842)  very  cheap,  a  pretty  good-sized 
Methodist  church,  all  finished  and  having  a  good  basement.  In 
the  latter  he  had  his  residence  for  some  time.  The  bell  which 
belonged  to  one  of  the  societies  was  bought  also.  As  there  was 
no  town  clock,  it  had  been  used  also  for  the  benefit  of  the  public 
to  strike  6  a.  m.,  12  noon,  and  6  in  the  evening,  for  which  a  com- 
pensation was  paid  by  the  town.  But  after  it  had  been  bought  for 
the  church  the  town  refused  to  pay  for  it ;  adieu  clock ! 

"In  1843  there  was  no  pastoral  retreat  in  Cincinnati,  and  good 
Father  Rappe  invited  Father  Lamy,  of  Mount  Vernon,  Father 
De  Goesbriand,  of  Louisville,  Stark  Co.,  and  myself,  to  make  a 
private  retreat  together.  We  all  accepted  his  invitation,  remaining 
five  days,  and  enjoying  his  hospitality,  and  his  zeal  and  piety  as 
director  of  the  retreat. 

'Tn  the  course  of  time  Father  Rappe  was  made  bishop  of 
Cleveland,  afterwards  Father  Lamy,  bishop  of  Santa  Fe ;  later 
Father  De  Goesbriand  became  bishop  of  Burlington.  Your 
humble  servant  was  the  last  to  be  made  bishop. 

'Tn  1844  family  affairs  obliged  me  to  go  to  France,  and 
Bishop  Purcell  requested  me  to  procure  him  some  more  priests 
and  a  community  of  Sisters  for  Brown  county.  As  Father  Rappe 
had  been  for  some  time  chaplain  of  the  large  and  magnificent 
convent   and   academy   of   the   Ursulines   at    Boulogne    sur-]\Ier, 


-,(;  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

l-'rancc.  he  g^ave  nic  letters  of  introduction  to  the  ^lother  Superior 
of  the  community,  h^rom  London  I  went  directly  to  Boulogne 
and  succeeded  in  getting  two  English  nuns,  both  converts,  and  an 
Irish  nun.  In  the  south  of  France  I  found  eight  more  Ursulines, 
who  went  to  llavrc,  where  we  all  met,  and  with  three  priests 
formed  a  goodly  party  of  our  own.  Before  going  to  France  I  had 
applied  for  an  assistant  priest.  As  none  was  to  be  had,  I  was  told  to 
bring  one  from  France  and  keep  him  as  an  assistant.  I  succeeded 
in  ])rocuring  a  schoolmate  of  mine,  a  very  good  and  zealous  priest, 
tlie  Rev.  Peter  Peudc])rat ;  the  other  two  were  left  at  Pittsburgh, 
at  the  request  of  Bishop  Purcell.  The  priest  I  brought  for 
mv  missions  w^as  to  be  pastor  of  Lower  Sandusky.  Well,  I  kept 
liim  with  me  in  Sandusky  till  he  could  speak  some  English.  It 
hajipened  at  that  time  that  Father  Rappe  had  also  asked  for  an 
assistant,  and  was  given  Father  De  Goesbriand,  then  (LS4G)  pastor 
at  Louisville,  O.  But  there  being  no  other  priest  to  take  his  place, 
my  assistant  was  sent  as  pastor  to  Louisville,  to  succeed  Father  De 
Goesbriand.  With  no  assistant,  and  w^ith  the  same  number  of 
missions,  I  told  Father  Rappe  that,  as  he  took  away  my  assistant, 
he  should  also  take  a  part  of  my  missions.  He  did  so,  and  they 
took  charge  of  the  missions  of  the  southwest,  leaving  to  me  the 
east,  and,  for  some  time,  the  visiting  of  the  German  settlement  of 
Peru,  near  Norwalk,  left  without  any  priest.  I  visited  it  one 
Sunday  in  each  month.      *     *     *" 

2.     REMINISCENCES    OF    THE    REV.    LOUIS     DE     GOESBRIAND. 

The  late  Bishop  De  Goesbriand  did  pastoral  work  in  Northern 
Ohio  for  over  twelve  years,  coming  here  from  France  in  1840.  At 
the  request  of  the  writer,  he  kindly  sent  the  following  account  of 
his  reminiscences  as  a  priest  on  the  mission  in  the  territory  covered 
by  the  present  Diocese  of  Cleveland.  It  was  first  published  in  the 
CatJiolic  Universe  of  December  27,  1888,  and  forms  an  interesting 
chapter  in  the  history  of  Early  Catholicity  in  Northern  Ohio. 

"Rev.  Father  Rappe  arrived  in  Cincinnati,  from  France, 
towards  the  end  of  the  year  1840,  and  was  immediately  sent  to 
Chillicothe  by  Bishop  Purcell  to  learn  English  in  the  house  of  Mr. 
Marshall  Anderson.  This  excellent  convert  to  our  faith,  between 
whom  and  the  priest  there  sprung  up  immediately  the  most  sincere 
friendship,  was  admirably  qualified  to  teach  English  to  our  future 
missionary;  but  Father  Rappe's  memory  was  none  of  the  best. 
His  ears  could  not  well  catch  the  sound  of  words  which  he  had 
never  heard  before,  and  he  experienced  serious  difficulty  in  learn- 
ing, though  he  worked  at  it  long  and  hard. 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  57 

"In  1841  Toledo  was  a  new  place,  where  there  were  but  few 
Catholics.  They  had  no  church,  no  priest.  At  this  time,  also,  the 
State  was  building  the  Maumee  canal  west  of  Toledo,  and  the 
Maumee  V'alley  was  full  of  Catholic  laborers.  The  Maumee  Valley 
at  this  time  was  literally  a  land  which  devoured  its  inhabitants. 
The  Maumee  fever  spared  no  one ;  the  disease  slowly  but  surely 
undermined  the  strongest  constitutions,  and  there  was  not  an  old 
man  to  be  seen  then  in  all  that  country.  Another  more  dreadful 
disease  reigned  amongst  the  canal  men.  They  earned  plenty  of 
money  and  spent  it  in  drinking ;  and  hence  their  temporal  and 
spiritual  condition  was  really  lamentable. 

"From  1841,  until  the  beginning  of  1846,  Father  Rappe 
attended  alone  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  Catholics  living  along 
the  Maumee  canal  and  rixer  from  Toledo  to  Indiana,  and  as  far 
south  as  Section  Ten,  in  Putnam  county.  His  labors  and  priva- 
tions must  have  been  extraordinary.  The  hatred  he  bore  the 
sin  of  intemperance  owes  its  origin  to  the  fact  that  he  saw^  it  and 
its  consequences  in  all  its  hideousness.  along  the  Maumee  Valley. 
He  felt  that  the  only  way  to  save  the  souls  of  these  poor  men  from 
hell  was  to  make  them  take  the  pledge  of  total  abstinence.  He 
began  the  work  with  a  will,  and  God  alone  knows  how  many 
families  he  saved  from  misery,  how  many  souls  he  reclaimed  from 
sin,  who  are  now  in  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  Hence  it  is  that  in 
those  days  he  was  blessed  and  welcomed  as  an  angel  of  peace,  and 
the  fame  of  his  labors  reached  far  and  wide.  During  the  four 
years  that  Father  Rappe  was  alone  in  Toledo  he  had  purchased 
(1842)  a  Protestant  church  at  that  place  and  another  (1841)  at 
Maumee  City.  A  small  church  had  been  erected  at  Providence 
and  another  was  being  erected  at  Defiance.  Before  the  beginning 
of  1846  the  canal  had  been  built  and  was  in  full  operation.  The 
bulk  of  the  canal  builders  had  left,  but  some  of  them  settled  in  the 
Maumee  Valley.  At  this  time  (1846)  Father  Rappe  had  obtained 
for  Toledo  a  branch  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Congregation  of  Notre 
Dame,  whose  Mother  House  was  at  Cincinnati.  They  had 
originally  come  from  Namur,  Belgium,  in  1840. 

"One  priest  could  not  attend  to  all  the  work,  and  it  was  in 
January,  1846.  that  I  came  to  Toledo  by  direction  of  the  Bishop  of 
Cincinnati.  The  city,  its  environs  and  the  whole  of  the  country  as 
far  as  Indiana  were  very  sickly.  At  certain  seasons  it  was  impos- 
sible to  meet  one  healthy-looking  person,  and  frequently  entire 
families  were  sick  and  unable  to  help  one  another.  Apart  from  the 
terrible  fever,  we  were  occasionally  visited  by  such  epidemics  as 
erysipelas,  and  towards  the  end  of  1847  we  saw  the  ship-fever- 
stricken  immigrants  land  on  the  docks  to  die  amongst  strangers 
after  a  few  hours.    There  were  hardly  any  Catholic  families  settled 


58  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

on  the  south  side  of  the  Maumee  river  from  Toledo  to  Defiance. 
Mass  was  now  said  regularly  every  Sunday  at  Toledo  and  fre- 
quently at  Maumee  City.  Such  settlements  as  Six-Mile-Woods, 
Providence,  Defiance,  and  Poplar  Ridge  [New  Bavaria]  were 
visited  on  week  days,  and  for  some  time  we  also  had  charge  of 
Fremont  and  LaPrairie.  The  roads  were  at  times  extremely  bad, 
and  the  mission  very  extensive,  but  as  the  Catholic  population  was 
not  very  large  in  any  settlement,  the  work  would  have  been 
pleasant  enough,  had  it  not  been  for  the  poverty  and  sickness 
which  prevailed  everywhere. 

"The  example  of  Father  Rappe,  however,  was  enough  to 
encourage  and  comfort  any  man.  He  knew  every  family  and  all 
the  members  thereof,  and  would  bring  it  about  in  such  a  way  that 
every  child  would  be  instructed.  He  had  received  a  particular  gift 
to  teach  catechism,  and  he  would  spend  weeks  in  succession  in  a 
settlement  to  prepare  a  few  children  for  their  first  communion. 
During  this  time  of  preparation  he  would  speak  to  them  as  many 
as  eight  hours  every  day,  and,  strange  to  say,  neither  he  nor  the 
children  seemed  to  be  in  any  way  fatigued.  As  soon  as  he  saw  that 
any  neglected  the  Sunday  Mass,  or  confession,  he  would  go  to 
their  houses  and  remonstrate  with  them.  If  he  met  a  stranger  who 
seemed  to  be  a  Catholic  he  would  stop  him  and  put  him  through  a 
course  of  rather  severe  questions,  if  he  saw  that  he  did  not  come 
to  Mass.  It  was  difficult  to  stand  his  rebukes,  and  more  difficult 
yet  to  resist  his  entreaties,  for  he  begged  of  them  to  have  mercy  on 
their  own  souls.  A  practice  peculiar  to  Father  Rappe,  when  he 
visited  settlements  or  public  works,  was  to  explain  the  nature  of 
the  Sacraments  before  administering  them,  and  after  they  had 
been  received,  to  make  aloud  an  extemporaneous  prayer,  implor- 
ing the  help  of  God  that  the  effect  of  the  Sacrament  might  be  full 
and  permanent.  On  such  occasions,  before  saying  Mass,  he  would 
give  a  short  explanation  of  it  and  suggest  the  dispositions 
requisite  to  hear  it,  and  at  the  end  of  Mass  he  would  return  thanks 
aloud  for  the  grace  of  receiving  Communion,  of  hearing  Mass,  of 
hearing  the  word  of  God,  and  would  in  his  prayer  draw  the  atten- 
tion of  his  hearers  to  the  most  practical  and  salient  points  of  his 
sermon.  The  most  difficult  work  had  been  done,  and  done  by 
Father  Rappe  alone,  when  I  arrived  at  Toledo;  but  I  could  well 
imagine  what  he  did  amongst  the  poor  canal  men  when  there  were 
crowds  of  them  in  the  Maumee  Valley. 

'The  Rt.  Rev.  A.  Rappe  was  consecrated  October  10,  1847, 
at  Cincinnati  by  Bishop  Purcell,  assisted  by  the  Bishop  of  Rich- 
mond. He  came  immediately  to  Cleveland,  where  Rev.  M.  How- 
ard was  pastor,  and  left  me  at  Toledo  with  a  young  priest  whom 
he  had  received  into  the  diocese.     Rev.  M.  Howard,  having  been 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  59 

Stationed  at  Tiffin,  I  was  called  to  Cleveland  in  January,  1848,  and 
appointed  Vicar  General.  The  only  church  then  in  Cleveland  was 
old  St.  Mary's,  on  the  Flats. 

"The  congregation  at  that  time  was  already  large,  and  the 
church  much  too  small.  Shortly  after  his  arrival  the  Bishop  had 
a  priest,  speaking  German,  to  attend  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the 
Catholic  Germans,  and  two  High  Masses  were  sung  every  Sunday 
in  the  old  building.  The  Bishop  resided  first  in  a  hired  house 
south  of  the  Public  Square,  but  moved  to  the  house  or  block  of 
houses  on  Bond  street,  after  he  had  bought  it,  which  was  shortly 
after  arriving  in  Cleveland. 

"To  supply  the  wants  of  the  growing  population  he  soon 
erected  a  frame  building,  30  x  60,  on  the  east  part  of  the  cathedral 
lot.  It  was  named  the  Church  of  the  Nativity,  and  here,  part  of 
the  time,  school  was  taught  on  week  days,  a  movable  partition  or 
folding  door  being  put  up  to  isolate  the  chancel.  There  were  only 
fourteen  secular  priests  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland  when  it  was 
dismembered  from  Cincinnati.  In  those  days  Bishop  Rappe  used 
to  preach  missions  in  the  churches  or  settlements  which  he  first 
visited. 

"The  Cathedral  was  begun  in  October,  1848.  The  venerable 
Administrator  of  Detroit,  Mgr.  LeFevre,  was  present  and 
preached  an  admirable  sermon  in  the  morning  at  St.  Mary's 
church,  on  the  day  of  the  blessing  of  the  corner  stone.  We  had  a 
procession  from  the  old  church,  and  the  crowd,  both  of  Catholics 
and  Protestants,  was  very  great.  In  the  fall  of  1849  the  Bishop 
started  for  Europe.  I  think  it  was  not  long  before  this  time  that  the 
venerable  Father  James  Conlan  came  [October,  1849]  to  help  the 
clergy  of  the  cathedral. 

"The  Bishop  returned  in  August,  1850,  bringing  with  him 
four  priests,  five  seminarists,  and  five  or  six  Ursuline  Sisters.  The 
present  Ursuline  convent  property  on  Euclid  avenue  had  been 
bought  by  his  direction  during  his  absence. 

"The  brick  work  and  roof  of  the  cathedral  were  finished 
before  the  winter  of  1850.  All  the  slates  were  imported  from 
Wales,  and  were  put  on  with  copper  nails.  The  drawings  for  the 
finishing  of  the  interior  were  made  by  the  now  well-known  archi- 
tect, P.  C.  Keily,  who  had  just  finished  St.  Patrick's  church  in 
Newark,  N.  J.,  and  was  then  beginning  his  career  as  an  architect. 
The  cathedral  was  consecrated  November  7,  1852.  The  Right 
Rev.  Bishop  Spalding,  of  Louisville,  preached  on  the  occasion. 

"Bishop  Rappe  had  arrived  in  Cleveland  at  the  time  of  the 
great  immigration  from  Ireland.  Hence  his  greatest  solicitude 
was  to  procure  for  his  diocese  a  sufficient  number  of  priests.  This 
was  a  very  dif^cult  matter.     Up  to  that  time  there  had  been  but 


GO  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

few  Catholic  schools  established  in  the  country.  We  had  no 
Catholic  colleges  or  seminaries  except  at  very  great  distances,  and 
among  the  young  men  from  Europe  who  offered  themselves  as 
candidates  for  the  priesthood  many  had  not  the  requisite  qualifica- 
tions. The  Bishop  admitted,  however,  a  few  students  to  his  own 
house,  and  wished  me  to  instruct  them.  This  w-as  the  beginning, 
and  a  very  imperfect  one,  of  the  present  flourishing  seminary  of 
Cleveland.  \\'hen  Rev.  A.  Caron  arrived  in  1848  he  was  given 
exclusi\e  charge  of  the  seminary,  which  continued  to  improve. 
When  the  'Spring  Cottage  property'  on  Lake  street  was  pur- 
chased in  1850,  the  seminarists  moved  thither  with  their  venerable 
and  able  director.     *     * 

"Among  the  benefactors  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland  there 
is  one  whose  name  I  have  forgotten.  The  person  I  refer  to  [Miss 
C.  Pance]  was  a  lady  from  Paris  who,  knowing  that  there  were 
many  orphans  in  Cleveland  to  be  provided  for,  volunteered  to 
come,  in  1851,  and  consecrate  her  fortune  to  the  building  of  an 
orphan  asylum.  With  her  came  two  devoted  companions,  one  of 
whom.  Miss  Ferec,  was  well  known  in  Cleveland.  The  building 
on  Harmon  street  was  erected  at  the  expense  of  the  benefactress  I 
allude  to,  but  she  died  a  few  days  before  it  was  ready  for  the  recep- 
tion of  orphans.  Her  coming  to  Cleveland  was  very  providential, 
at  a  time  when  so  many  immigrants  were  carried  away  by  ship- 
fever  or  cholera,  leaving  their  children  unprovided  for. 

"There  is  another  name  wdiich  1  desire  to  mention.  It  is  that 
of  Miss  C.  Bissonette,  of  LaPrairie,  w'ho  since  became  Mother 
Ursula,  the  first  superioress  of  the  St.  Vincent's  orphan  asylum  in 
Ohio  City  [now  Monroe  street,  Cleveland],  and  who  died  Sep- 
tember 11,  1863.  During  the  cholera  which  did  so  much  havoc  in 
Sandusky  City,  many  Catholic  children  had  lost  both  their 
parents,  and  some  poor  widows  were  left  in  the  greatest  distress. 
At  my  request,  this  courageous  young  girl,  whose  labors  at 
LaPrairie  towards  the  instruction  of  children  I  knew,  came  at  once 
to  Sandusky  City,  at  a  time  when  all  who  could  had  i^ed.  We 
made  her  take  possession  of  a  good  house  which  had  been  deserted. 
Furniture  was  obtained  by  entering  a  steamboat  which  lay 
deserted  in  the  bay.  There  this  devoted  soul  managed  to  provide 
for  the  wants  of  orphans  and  parents  till  the  terrible  scourge  had 
passed  away.  Her  vocation  to  a  religious  life  was  undoubtedly  the 
reward  for  her  generosity,  in  oiTering  her  life  for  the  sake  of  the 
orphans.  I  knew  of  few  persons  for  whom  nature  and  divine  grace 
had  done  so  much  as  for  the  venerable  Mother  Ursula.     *     *     *" 


IN    NORTHERN   OHIO.  61 


CHAPTER  V 

EARLY  CATHOLICITY  IN  CLEVELAND. 

1826—1847 

MOSES  CLEAVELAND,  FOUNDER  OP"  CLEVELAND— CATHOLICS  FIRST  SETTLED  IN 
CLEVELAND,  1826— THE  REV.  THOMAS  MARTIN,  FIRST  PRIEST  TO  VISIT 
CLEVELAND— THE  REVS.  JOHN  M.  HENNI  AND  MARTIN  KUNDIG— THE  REV. 
JOHN  DILLON,  FIRST  RESIDENT  PASTOR  OF  CLEVELAND,  1835— CATHOLIC 
SERVICES  FIRST  HELD  IN  SHAKESPEARE  HALL,  AT  FOOT  OF  SUPERIOR 
STREET— THE  REV.  PATRICK  O'DWYER  SUCCEEDS  FATHER  DILLON— TWO 
LOTS  FOR  CHURCH  SITE  DONATED  FOR  FIRST  CHURCH  IN  CLEVELAND— 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH  ON  "FLATS,"  COMMENCED  IN  183S,  AND  DEDICATED  IN 
1840— REV.  PETER  McLAUGHLIN  SECURES  LOTS  FOR  CHURCH  AT  CORNER 
OF  SUPERIOR  AND  ERIE,  IN  1845— REV.  MAURICE  HOWARD— BISHOP  RAPPE 
CONSECRATED    FIRST    BISHOP   OF  CLEVELAND,   OCTOBER  10,   1847. 

UNDER  the  direction  of  Moses  Cleaveland,  the  General  Sup- 
erintendent of  the  Commercial  Land  Company,  Augustus 
Spafford  began  in  1793  the  survey  of  a  portion  of  the  site 
covered  by  the  present  city  of  Cleveland.  The  Hon.  Harvey  Rice, 
in  his  interesting  work,  "Pioneers  of  the  Western  Reserve,"  refer- 
ring to  this  survey  says:  "Moses  Cleaveland,  with  the  eye  of  a 
prophet,  foresaw  that  a  great  commercial  city  was  here  destined  to 
spring  into  existence  at  no  distant  day,  and  accordingly  directed  its 
survey  to  be  made  into  town  lots  of  so  much  of  the  land  as  was 
included  within  the  angle  formed  by  the  lake  and  easterly  side  of 
the  river,  and  as  far  southeasterly  as  seemed  requisite  for  the  loca- 
tion of  the  predicted  city.  When  the  survey  w^as  completed — 
October  1,  1796 — he  felt  the  importance  of  selecting  a  suitable 
name  for  the  new  city,  but  was  perplexed  in  coming  to  a  satisfac- 
tory decision,  and  hence  requested  his  associates  to  favor  him  with 
their  suggestions.  They  at  once  baptized  the  infant  city  and  gave 
it  the  name  of  Cleaveland  in  honor  of  their  superior  in  authority. 
Moses  was  taken  by  surprise,  blushed  and  gracefully  acknowledged 
the  compliment.  The  letter  'a,'  in  the  first  syllable  of  his  name, 
w^as  subsequently  dropped  out  by  a  resident  editor  of  the  town, 
because  he  could  not  include  it  in  the  headline  of  his  new^spaper 


62  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

for  want  of  sufficient  space.  The  public  adopted  the  editor's 
orthography,  which  has  ever  since  been  retained."* 

In  July,  1800,  Cleveland  became  a  part  of  Trumbull  county, 
which  at  that  time  comprised  the  entire  Western  Reserve  lands, 
owned  and  controlled  by  the  above-mentioned  company,  throuj^h 
whose  influence,  also,  this  part  of  Ohio  was  settled  by  people  from 
Connecticut  and  other  New  England  States.  They  brought  with 
them  an  intense  hatred  of  Catholics  and  their  Church,  which  to 
this  day  has  been  perpetuated  in  their  descendants,  though 
gradually  in  less  marked  degree. 

Humble  and  insignificant  indeed  was  the  beginning  of 
Catholicity  in  Cleveland.  Fully  thirty  years  elapsed  after  Moses 
Cleaveland  landed  on  the  banks  of  the  Cuyahoga,  before  any 
Catholics  set  foot  on  the  territory  now  covered  by  Ohio's  metrop- 
olis. Their  advent  dates  back  to  1826,  when  many  Catholic  Irish 
were  induced  to  come  hither  to  work  on  the  construction  of  the 
Ohio  canal,  ground  for  which  had  been  broken  amid  much  enthu- 
siasm on  July  4,  1825,  in  Cleveland,  then  numbering  a  population 
of  about  five  hundred.  The  influx  of  Catholic  laborers  almost 
doubled  this  number  within  a  year. 

The  Rt.  Rev.  Edw^ard  Fenwick,  Bishop  of  Cincinnati,  was 
informed  that  many  of  his  flock  were  located  in  Cleveland,  and 
along  the  canal  as  far  as  Akron,  and  that  they  were  without  the 
ministrations  of  a  priest.  He  therefore  directed  the  Dominican 
Fathers,  stationed  in  Perry  County,  Ohio,  to  send  a  priest  to 
Cleveland,  whose  duty  it  should  be  to  visit  them  at  stated  times 
and  attend  to  their  spiritual  wants.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Martin,  a 
member  of  the  Dominican  order,  was  sent  in  compliance  with  the 
Bishop's  direction,  his  first  visit  being  made  during  the  autumn 
of  1826.  Later  on  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Very  Rev.  Stephen  T. 
Badin  (the  first  priest  ordained  in  the  United  States),  who  came 
at  irregular  intervals. 

In  the  summer  of  1833  the  Rev.  John  Martin  Henni  (who 
died  as  Archbishop  of  Milwaukee,  September  Y,  1881)  visited 
Cleveland  for  the  first  time.  He  was  met  there  by  his  friend  and 
co-laborer  on  the  Ohio  missions,  the  Rev.  Martin  Kundig,  who 
was  on  his  way  from  Cincinnati  to  Detroit.     To  the  great  joy  of 

*"Pioneers  of  the  Western  Reserve,"  pp.  47  and  48. 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  63 

the  few  Catholics  then  in  Cleveland,  both  missionary  priests  said 
Mass  and  administered  the  Sacraments  during  their  short  stay. 
The  only  place  at  their  disposal,  and  large  enough  to  accommo- 
date the  faithful,  was  the  Masonic  Hall,  which  served  them  as  a 
temporary  place  of  worship.-^  After  this  welcome  visit  there  is  no 
record  of  any  other  priests  having  come  to  Cleveland,  until  the 
advent  of  the  Rev.  John  Dillon,  who  was  sent  by  Bishop  Purcell 
in  the  early  part  of  1835,  as  the  first  resident  pastor.  He,  as  his 
predecessors,  said  Mass  in  private  houses,  as  there  was  no  other 
place  to  be  had  then.  Shortly  after  his  arrival,  however,  he  suc- 
ceeded in  securing  a  large  room,  30  by  40  feet,  known  as  Shakes- 
peare Hall.  It  was  in  the  upper  story  of  the  Mer^vin  building, 
located  at  the  foot  of  Superior  street,  near  the  present  Atwater 
block.  This  hall  he  fitted  up  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship,  as 
best  he  could  with  the  limited  means  at  his  disposal,  and  in  it  said 
Mass  for  a  short  time. 

Among  the  frequent  attendants  at  the  Catholic  services  held 
in  this  hall,  were  several  Protestant  gentlemen.  They  were 
attracted  by  the  eloquence  of  Father  Dillon,  for  whom  they  had 
conceived  a  great  regard  and  admiration,  because  of  his  talent  and 
amiability.  One  of  these  gentlemen  was  the  Hon.  Harvey  Rice, 
who  died  in  1891,  and  who  was  one  of  Cleveland's  most  dis- 
tinguished citizens.  He  settled  in  Cleveland  in  1824,  two  years 
before  a  Catholic  priest  or  layman  had  come.  He  was,  therefore,  a 
living  witness  to  the  wonderful  growth  of  Catholicity  in  Cleveland, 
and  to  him  the  writer  is  greatly  indebted  for  much  of  the  informa- 
tion here  given  in  connection  with  the  early  history  of  the  CathoHc 
Church  in  this  city.  Of  Father  Dillon  he  said,  that  he  was  a 
cultivated  and  scholarly  gentleman,  polished  in  manner  and  an 
eloquent  preacher;  that  his  zeal  was  limited  only  by  his  physical 
ability,  and  that  he  was  truly  a  father  to  his  spiritual  children. 

When  Father  Dillon  came  to  Cleveland,  he  found  the 
CathoHcs  very  few  in  numbers  and  very  poor  as  to  worldly  posses- 
sions. Added  to  this  he  also  unfortunately  found  much  intemper- 
ance, and  very  little  regard  for  the  sacredness  of  the  Sunday,  but 
he  set  manfully  to  work  to  correct  these  evils  and  to  elevate  the 
moral  and  social  condition  of  his  poor  and  despised  charge. 

(1)    Life  of  Archbishop  Henni,  p.  58. 


64  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

The  next  place  at  which  Father  Dillon  held  public  services  in 
Cleveland  was  in  a  one  story  frame  cottai^e,  on  the  west  side  of 
Erie  street,  near  Prospect.  The  huildino-  is  still  siandiiii;'  on  the 
old  site.  Tn  it  there  were  several  rooms,  the  largest  serving  as  a 
'church.'  the  others  as  the  pastoral  residence.  A  few  months  later 
Father  Dillon  secured  Mechanics'  Hall,  in  Farmers'  Block  at  the 
corner  of  Pros]:)ect  and  Ontario  streets,  and  transformed  it  into  a 
temporary  church.  He  continued,  however,  to  reside  in  the  house 
above  mentioned,  till  his  death. 

Father  Dillon  had  tired  of  halls  as  makeshifts  for  a  church. 
Besides,  the  growing  nund)cr  of  Catholics  made  such  incon- 
veniently small  for  their  accommodation.  However,  his  people 
were  too  poor  to  build  a  church.  He  therefore  sought  help  else- 
where and  obtained  much  from  kind  and  generous  Protestants. 
He  also  went,  among  other  places,  to  New  York  City,  where  his 
eloquent  appeals  for  assistance  resulted  in  his  returning  with  about 
one  thousand  dollars  for  the  proposed  church.  But  shortly  after 
his  return  to  Cleveland  he  fell  a  victim  to  bilious  fever,  and  died 
October  10,  1836,  at  the  age  of  twenty-nine  years — a  little  more 
than  two  years  after  his  ordination  to  the  priesthood.  His  death 
was  a  severe  blow  to  his  little  flock,  and  was  lamented  by  those  not 
of  the  Faith.  The  Cleveland  Advertiser,  a  secular  paper,  in  its 
issue  of  October  20,  1836,  said  of  him:  "The  death  of  Father 
Dillon  will  be  deeply  felt  by  his  bereaved  and  afflicted  Church. 
He  was  one  of  the  first  of  our  clergy  in  point  of  talent  and  piety, 
and  though  he  labored  in  obscurity,  yet  he  labored  faithfully  and 
well."  His  remains  were  interred  in  the  Erie  street  cemetery,  but 
a  short  distance  from  the  place  in  which  he  had  resided  and  died. 
For  eleven  months  the  CathoHcs  of  Cleveland  were  without  a  resi- 
dent pastor.  The  Rev.  H.  D.  Juncker  came  occasionally  from 
Canton,  where  he  was  stationed  between  1836  and  1837.  Septem- 
ber, 1837,  the  Rev.  Patrick  O'Dwyer,  a  recent  arrival  from 
Quebec,  was  sent  as  Father  Dillon's  successor.  His  pastoral 
residence  was  a  small  frame  cottage,  located  at  the  corner  of 
Superior  and  Muirson  streets.  During  his  pastorate  he  said  Mass 
in  the  third  story  of  Farmers'  Block,  already  mentioned. 

On  October  24,  1837,  Messrs.  James  S.  Clark,  Richard 
Hilliard  and  Edmund  Clarke,  conveyed  by  land  contract  to  the 


ST.    PATRICK'S    St'IIOOL,    CLEVELAND. 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  65 

Rt.  Rev.  John  B.  Pnrcell,  Bishop  of  Cincinnati,  "in  trust  for  the 
Roman  Catholic  Society  of  Our  Lady  of  the  Lake,  of  said  Cleve- 
land, the  following  piece  or  parcel  of  land,  to-wit :  Lots  numbered 
218  and  219  (corner  Columbus  and  Girard  streets),  in  the  plat  of 
Cleveland  centre,"  subject  to  the  following  conditions:  "Provided 
always  and  these  presents  are  on  the  express  condition,  that  said 
society  shall  within  and  during  the  space  of  four  months  from  the 
date  of  this  agreement,  erect,  build,  finish  and  complete  outwardly 
a  respectable  and  suitable  frame  house  or  church  building  for 
public  worship,  and  commence  regularly  holding  their  meetings 
therein ;  to  have  and  to  hold  the  above  premises  with  the  appur- 
tenances thereof  so  long  as  the  same  shall  be  occupied  as  aforesaid, 
and  so  much  longer  as  said  church  shall  own  and  occupy  regularly 
a  respectable  lot  and  house  for  public  worship  upon  the  plat  at 
Cleveland  centre."  A  deed  was  executed  by  the  above  named 
gentlemen  on  November  21,  1842,  covering  the  land  contract. 

Father  O'Dwyer  at  once  set  to  work  to  increase  the  building 
fund  secured  by  the  lamented  Father  Dillon,  and  to  begin  the 
much  needed  and  long  looked  for  church.  In  a  few  months  the 
building  was  erected  on  the  above  mentioned  lots,  but  could  not 
be  completed  for  lack  of  means.  Meanwhile,  also,  Father 
O'Dwyer  left  Cleveland,  about  June,  1839.  The  church  stood 
unfinished  for  months,  till  Bishop  Purcell,  coming  to  Cleveland 
during  September  of  the  same  year,  and  remaining  for  three  weeks, 
had  it  so  far  pushed  towards  completion  that  Mass  was  said  in  it 
for  the  first  time  in  October,  1839.  During  his  stay  in  Cleveland 
at  this  time  the  Bishop  also  prepared  a  class  of  children  for  First 
Communion,  which  was  administered  to  them  in  the  new  church 
by  Father  Henni,  who  had  come  from  Cincinnati  to  assist  the 
Bishop. 

Although  the  Catholics  of  Cleveland  now  had  a  church,  they 
were  without  a  resident  pastor  from  the  time  Father  O'Dwyer  left. 
Meanwhile,  however,  through  the  exertion  of  the  laity  the  church 
was  plastered  and  properly  provided  with  the  necessary  outfit,  and 
all  were  anxiously  awaiting  its  dedication  and  the  appointment  of 
a  shepherd  for  the  shepherdless  flock. 

The  former  expectation  was  realized  on  Sunday,  June  7,  1840. 
when  the  solemn  and  impressive  dedicatory  ceremonies  were  per- 


60  A    HISTORY    OF   CA'll  lOI.ICITY 

fonnod  by  the  l\t.  Rev.  Doctor  dc  Forbin-Jansoii,  Bishop  of 
Toule-Nancy.  I'nmce,  then  on  a  visit  to  the  United  States.  The 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Purcell  assisted  at  the  ceremony  and  preached  an 
eloquent  and  appropriate  discourse  on  the  occasion.  The  frame 
building,  81  by  53  feet,  had  four  well  wrought  Doric  columns  and 
was  neatly  plastered  and  ])cwcd.  The  cost  of  the  building,  exclu- 
sive of  furniture,  was  about  $3,000. 

The  church  was  dedicated  to  "Our  Lady  of  the  Lake."  but  by 
popular  usage  the  name  was  soon  changed  to  St.  Mary's  on  the 
"Flats,"  that  part  of  the  city  being  so  called.  Li  October,  1840, 
the  Rev.  Peter  McLaughlin  was  appointed  Father  O'Dwyer's  suc- 
cessor. He  received  a  most  cordial  welcome  from  the  Catholics  of 
Cleveland,  who  had  been  without  a  resident  pastor  for  nearly  a 
year,  depending  solely  on  occasional  visits  of  priests  from  Cincin- 
nati and  Dayton.  The  pastorate  of  Cleveland's  Catholics  was 
Father  McLaughlin's  first  appointment,  he  having  been  ordained 
by  Bishop  Purcell  only  a  few  weeks  previous.  He  was  a  man  of 
much  energy  and  an  eloquent  preacher.  Being  also  conversant  to 
some  extent  with  the  German  language,  he  satisfied  the  wants  of 
his  "mixed"  congregation,  many  of  the  members  having  come 
from  Germany.  Under  his  direction  the  new  church  was  entirely 
finished,  a  choir  was  organized  and  a  reed  organ  secured. 

With  a  sharp,  keen  eye  to  the  future  growth  of  Catholicity 
in  Cleveland,  and  with  a  view  to  locating  a  church  in  the  upper  and 
better  portion  of  the  city,  and  more  conveniently  situated  for  his 
congregation.  Father  McLaughlin  purchased  from  Thomas  May 
four  lots,  fronting  Superior  and  Erie  streets,  the  site  of  the  present 
Cathedral.  The  lots  were  secured  by  land  contract,  dated  January 
22,  1845;  the  purchase  price  was  $4,000.  The  lots  were  bought  on 
Father  McLaughlin's  responsibility,  transferred  to  and  assumed 
by  Bishop  Purcell,  October  15,  1845.  Father  McLaughlin  was 
much  blamed  by  some  of  his  parishioners  for  buying  lots  "in  the 
country."  Erie  street  was  at  that  time  the  east  boundary  of  the 
built-up  portion  of  the  city.  Needless  to  ask :  Who  was  the  wiser 
— he  or  his  critics? 

The  purchase  of  these  lots  was  the  beginning  of  an  unkind 
feeling  towards  Father  McLaughlin.  Finding  that  he  could  no 
longer  profitably  serve  their  spiritual  interests  he  asked  his  Bishop 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  67 

to  relieve  him  from  the  pastorate  of  St.  Mary's.  His  request  was 
granted,  and  to  the  grief  of  the  greater  portion  of  his  congrega- 
tion, and  to  the  sorrow  of  all  the  Protestant  citizens  of  Cleveland, 
who  learned  to  respect  him  for  his  ability  and  honesty  of  purpose, 
he  left  in  February,  1846,  after  nearly  six  years  of  faithful  and 
disinterested  work  among  his  people.  A  few  days  before  his 
departure  the  Rev.  Maurice  Howard  arrived  as  his  successor. 
Besides  attending  to  St.  Mary's  congregation,  Cleveland,  Father 
Howard  had  charge  of  missions  in  Lake,  Lorain  and  Geauga 
counties  which  had  been  attended  by  Father  McLaughlin.  He 
had  as  his  assistant  for  some  months  the  Rev.  Michael  A.  Byrne, 
who  also  had  shared  Father  McLaughlin's  labor  a  short  time. 
During  his  pastorate  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland  was  erected,  and 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe  consecrated  Bishop  thereof, 
October   lo,    1847. 


68  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 


CHAPTER  VI 
EARLY  CATHOLICITY  IN  TOLEDO. 

1837—1847 

TOLEDO  SETTLED  IN  1832— REV.  EMANUEL  THIENPONT  AT  TOLEDO,  IN  1837— REV. 
EDWARD  T.  COLLINS— REVS.  PROJECTUS  J.  MACHEBEUF  AND  JOSEPH 
McNAMEE— BISHOP  PURCELL  VISITS  TOLEDO— DESCRIBES  HIS  VISIT  AND 
IMPRESSIONS— THE  REV.  JOHN  M.  HENNI— THE  REV.  AMADEUS  RAPPE, 
FIRST  RESIDENT  PASTOR  OF  TOLEDO— ST.  FRANCIS  DE  SALES'  CHURCH- 
FATHER  RAPPE  DESCRIBES  HIS  MISSIONARY  LABORS  AT  TOLEDO  AND  IN 
NORTHWESTERN  OHIO— HE  ESTABLISHES  THE  FIRST  PAROCHIAL  SCHOOL 
AT  TOLEDO— SISTERS  OF  NOTRE   DAME. 

THE  present  flourishing  city  of  Toledo  covers  the  site  of  a 
stockade  fort,  erected  about  1800,  near  what  is  now  Sum- 
mit street,  and  known  in  the  history  of  Ohio  as  Fort  In- 
dustry. Toledo  was  first  settled  in  1832  and  incorporated  in  1836. 
During  the  latter  year  the  Wabash  and  Erie  canal  was  located,  and 
Toledo  made  its  northerly  terminus.  In  1837  the  proposed  canal 
was  let  by  the  State  authorities.  The  contractors  made  every  eflfort 
to  push  its  construction  to  an  early  completion,  and  to  this  end  se- 
cured a  large  force  of  laborers.*  Many  of  these  laborers  were  Irish, 
who  were  also  the  first  Catholics  to  come  to  Toledo.  As  soon  as 
Bishop  Purcell  heard  that  Catholic  laborers  were  engaged  on  the 
Wabash  canal,  he  directed  the  Rev.  Emanuel  Thienpont,  then 
(1837)  stationed  at  Dayton,  to  visit  them  and  to  attend  to  their 
spiritual  wants.  He  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  Toledo.  Father 
Edward  Collins,  of  Cincinnati,  was  the  next,  commissioned  in  like 
manner,  in  1838.  Both  he  and  Father  Thienpont  visited  all  the 
Catholic  laborers  along  the  canal  from  Toledo  to  the  Indiana  State 
line,  making  the  journey  on  horseback.  However,  owing  to  the 
great  distance  they  had  to  go  to  reach  their  temporary  charge, 
their  visits  were  not  regular.  Hence  Bishop  Purcell  made  other  ar- 
rangements, more  satisfactory  all  around,  by  appointing  the  Revs. 
J.  P.  Machebeuf  and  Joseph  McNamee,  both  stationed  at  Tiffin, 
to  take  pastoral  charge  of  this  part  of  his  vast  diocese — Toledo  and 

♦Howe,  Ohio  Hist.  Collections,  Vol.  II,  pp.  148,  149. 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  69 

the  missions  along  the  Wabash  canal.  This  was  done  by  Father 
Machebenf  for  two  months,  November  and  December,  1839,  and 
by  Father  McNamee  from  December,  1839,  to  July,  1841. 

They  said  Mass  in  the  shanties  of  the  laborers  along  the  canal 
or  in  the  cabins  of  the  few  Canadians  residing  in  and  near  the  town 
of  Toledo.  In  a  communication  to  the  Colorado  Catholic,  Septem- 
ber 22,  1888,  Bishop  Machebeuf  describes  his  first  visit  to  Toledo 
in  November,  1839,  as  follows:  "Only  a  few  Catholics  were  in 
Toledo  at  this  time.  I  said  Mass  in  the  frame  shanty  of  a  poor 
Canadian.  These  people  having  a  few  Catholic  acquaintances  a 
short  distance  up  the  [Maumee]  river,  notified  them  of  the  oppor- 
tunity to  hear  Mass,  and  all  of  them  attended.  There  being  no 
suitable  house  wherein  to  hold  divine  service,  I  rented  a  room  over 
a  drug  store,  constructed  an  altar  with  some  boxes,  which  I 
covered  with  calico.  This  was  the  first  church  of  good  Father 
Rappe,  when  he  was  sent  [to  Toledo]  two  years  later." 

In  1841  Bishop  Purcell  paid  his  second  episcopal  visit  to 
Toledo.  In  a  letter  to  the  Catholic  Telegraph,  of  Cincinnati,  pub- 
lished August  21st,  of  that  year,  he  writes  of  Toledo  as  follows: 

"This  place  is  in  all  probability  destined  to  be  one  of  the 
most  populous  commercial  cities  in  the  Northwest.  It  is,  with 
Maumee  and  Manhattan  in  its  neighborhood,  destined  to  be  the 
depot  of  the  railroads  and  canals,  especially  the  Wabash  and  Erie 
canal,  intersected  by  the  Miami  canal  and  the  great  Southern  Rail- 
road now  in  active  progress  all  along  the  southern  shore  of  Lake 
Erie  to  Buffalo.  It  is  likewise  the  only  proper  point  for  the 
termination  of  the  projected  railroad  from  Chicago,  to  unite  with 
the  railroad  to  New  York,  and  will  thereby  enjoy  the  advantages 
of  much,  if  not  all,  the  trade  circuitously  carried  on  between 
Chicago  and  Buffalo,  by  way  of  the  lakes,  an  interrupted  and 
frequently  an  unsafe  channel  of  communication.  A  railroad, 
thirty-one  miles  in  length,  from  Adrian,  Michigan,  is  now  com- 
pleted to  Toledo.  It  is  contemplated  to  extend  this  road  to  the 
southern  parts  of  Michigan,  thus  forming  a  continuous  line  of 
communication  between  New  York  and  Michigan  and  Illinois, 
and  the  far  west  generally,  by  Toledo. 

"With  such  prospects  it  is  not  surprising  that  many  of  our 
Catholic  brethren  from  Ireland  and  Germany  should  have  settled 
here  in  the  vicinity  of  the  old  Catholic  Canadian  French,  who  have 
hitherto  attended  church  at  the  'Bay  Settlement,'  and  at  Monroe, 
Michigan. 


70  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

'"Before  tlie  visit  of  the  Bishop  of  Cincinnati  to  Rome  it  was 
not  (|uite  certain  whether  the  tract  (formerly  claimed  by  Michigan, 
but  which  was  finally  adjudged  by  congress  to  Ohio),  belonged  to 
his  spiritual  jurisdiction,  or  to  that  of  the  Bishop  of  Detroit.  But 
this  matter  having  been  decided  by  the  Propaganda  in  favor  of 
Cincinnati.  Rev.  Mr.  McNamee  and  Rev.  Mr.  Machebeuf  are  the 
onlv  clergymen  who  are  recognized  as  pastors,  or  who  have  any 
ordinary  jurisdiction  in  this  part  of  the  diocese. 

"Church  [in  Toledo]  is  at  present  held  in  a  large  room  rented 
for  the  purpose,  but  arrangements  have  been  made  either  for  the 
purchase  of  a  church,  under  execution  for  the  sum  of  $2,800,  to  be 
paid  in  installments,  or  the  erection  of  a  new  one  on  either  of  the 
two  lots  offered  by  agents  of  proprietors  of  much  of  the  soil. 

"The  Bishop  and  Very  Rev.  Mr.  Henni  preached  here  fre- 
quently— the  former  before  very  attentive  and  intelligent  audiences 
in  the  court  house.  After  one  of  his  sermons  a  few  Protestant 
gentlemen  present  came  forward  and  signed  their  names  for 
between  three  and  four  hundred  dollars  to  enable  their  Catholic 
brethren  to  purchase  or  build  a  church.  The  Catholics  themselves 
had  subscribed  $400  in  the  forenoon  of  the  same  day. 

"There  are  several  Indian  families  in  the  neighborhood  who 
live  among  the  French,  but  who  have  not  as  yet  joined  the  Church. 
*  *  Seven  persons  were  confirmed  and  a  large  number  partook 
of  the  Holy  Communion.  The  erection  of  a  church  will  give  a  new 
impulse  to  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  this  new  city,  which  has 
been  rather  stationary  since  our  former  visit,  four  years  ago. 
Manhattan,  about  two  miles  from  Toledo,  nearer  the  mouth  of  the 
Maumee,  contains  many  families  of  Catholics,  who,  in  part,  attend 
church  at  Toledo,  but  the  Bishop  could  not  find  time  to  visit 
them."     *     * 

The  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe  was  appointed  first  pastor  of 
Toledo,  where  he  resided  from  about  September,  1841,  till  his 
consecration  as  Bishop  of  Cleveland,  October,  1847.  Shortly  after 
his  arrival  at  Toledo  he  was  urged  by  the  laity  either  to  build  a 
church  (a  subscription  of  $1,400  having  been  raised  for  that 
purpose)  or  to  purchase  the  church  mentioned  above  by  Bishop 
Purcell.  It  was  finally  agreed  to  purchase  the  church — a  Presby- 
terian (frame)  meeting  house,  located  on  Superior  street.  The 
purchase  was  made  about  November,  1842.  as  appears  from  the 
following  item  published  in  the  Catholic  Telegraph,  December  15, 
1842: 

"The  Rev.  Mr.  Rappe  has  purchased  the  Presbyterian  meet- 
ing house  in  Toledo  [St.  Francis  de  Sales'],  in  this  State.     It  is  a 


ST.    JOSEPH'S    CHURCH    (Interior),    TIFFIN. 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  71 

large  building-,  in  a  handsome  part  of  the  town,  and  after  a  few 
alterations,  will  be  used  as  a  Catholic  Church.  Religion  has  not  a 
more  zealous  missionary  in  the  West  than  the  reverend  gentleman, 
through  whose  exertions  the  congregations  in  Toledo  and  other 
towns  in  the  neighborhood  have  been  organized." 

After  a  few  alterations  the  building  was  converted  into  a 
Catholic  church — the  first  in  Toledo — and  dedicated  to  St.  Francis 
de  Sales.  The  day  of  its  dedication  was  one  of  joy  for  the 
Catholics  of  Toledo,  now  no  longer  obliged  to  worship  in  cabins, 
shanties  or  halls.  The  church  had  a  basement  which  Father  Rappe 
had  fitted  up  as  a  residence  for  himself,  with  room  enough  left  for 
a  school  to  be  established  eventually. 

The  following  account  of  Father  Rappe's  missionary  labors, 
written  by  himself,  was  published  by  Bishop  Purcell  in  the 
Catholic  Telegraph,  February  26,  1842 : 

"This  devoted  brother  and  fellow-laborer  sends  us  edifying 
tidings  from  the  northwest  of  the  diocese,  under  the  head  of 
'Toledo,  14th  February.'  He  writes  as  follows:  T  have  just 
returned  from  the  State  line  where  I  found  much  work  and  great 
consolation.  I  commence,  it  seems  to  me,  to  be  a  missionary. 
I  like  exceedingly  the  poverty,  the  simplicity  and  the  faith  of  our 
Irish  Catholics.  Poor  men !  Many  of  them  have  not  been  to  con- 
fession for  a  long  while,  and  now  above  all,  those  who  have  joined 
the  temperance  society  are  very  zealous  to  approach  this  sacra- 
ment and  the  Divine  Eucharist.  I  should  have  two  lives  to  conse- 
crate to  such  men.  They  want  above  everything  instruction  in 
their  moral  duties  and  the  sacraments.  But  what  consoling  faith ! 
Last  Sunday  I  celebrated  two  Masses  at  the  reservoir  [in  Pauld- 
ing county],  where  there  are  about  600  men,  and  in  the  afternoon 
I  was  called  to  the  sick.  I  was  followed  along  the  road  by  a  young 
man  who  had  longed  for  the  occasion  of  speaking  to  me.  But  as 
the  most  notable  of  the  place  made  a  circle  around  me,  my  good 
young  man  was  prevented  by  humility  from  making  his  way  to  me. 
But  on  my  return  from  the  sick  he  stopped  me  as  I  was  about 
jumping  over  a  ditch,  and  modestly  said  to  me :  'Sir,  I  wish  to 
receive  the  Blessed  Sacrament.'  'Very  well,  my  friend,  I  am  going 
to  hear  confessions  tomorrow;  I  hope  you  will  have  that  happiness.' 
'But,'  he  replied,  'it  is  today  I  wish  to  do  so.'  'My  friend,'  I  added, 
'you  have  dined;  you  cannot  communicate  now.'  'No,  sir,  I  have 
neither  breakfasted  nor  dined,  because  I  hoped  to  receive  my 
Lord  today.'  Blessed  are  the  poor  in  spirit  for  surely  theirs  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven. 

"I  wish  to  have  one  hundred  medals  and  two  hundred  cards. 


70  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

for  l)esi(les  the  two  humlred  persons  that  I  have  received  into  the 
temperance  society,  many  of  the  others  had  taken  the  pledge  in 
other  States,  so  that  they  are  the  majority.  Though  I  had  never 
heen  a  great  friend  of  the  temperance  society,  I  could  not  refuse 
to  take  the  pledge  myself  on  seeing  the  frightful  ravages  of  intem- 
perance among  our  poor  people. 

"All  the  people  are  very  anxious  to  see  the  commencing  of 
the  foundation  of  our  new  church  [in  Toledo],  but  I  answer  them 
that  I  wish  first  of  all  to  see  a  great  change  in  their  morals;  in  a 
word,  I  wish  to  put  all  the  whisky  bottles  and  glasses  in  the 
bottom  of  the  foundation.  Death  himself  has  come  to  help  me  in 
my  work,  for  eighteen  or  twenty  persons  have  died,  Catholics  and 
Protestants,  since  Christmas,  the  most  part  of  intemperate  habits, 
so  that  those  who  drank  to  preserve  health  are  now  con- 
founded.    *     * 

"My  prospects  for  building  a  church  are  encouraging. 
Fourteen  hundred  dollars  have  been  subscribed  in  Toledo,  and  1 
reckon  upon  four  hundred  more  from  the  public  works.  Pray 
that  I  may  have  light  and  grace  to  know  and  do  the  will  of  God  in 
all  things."     *     * 

During  Father  Rappe's  pastorate,  in  1845,  Toledo  was  made 
the  terminus  of  a  second  canal,  (known  as  the  Miami  and  Erie 
canal),  and  was  thus  connected  with  Cincinnati.  Its  construction 
helped  to  increase  largely  the  number  of  Catholic  laborers  who 
had  been  attraced  by  the  employment  offered  them  in  the  con- 
struction of  the  Wabash  and  Erie  canal. 

After  the  completion  of  these  two  important  enterprises, 
many  of  the  employes  settled  in  and  near  Toledo,  and  engaged  in 
various  avocations.  Between  1838  and  1846,  Toledo  gained  an 
unenviable  reputation  because  of  the  insidious  and  destructive 
Maumee  fever,  which  raged  with  violence,  especially  in  1838  and 
1839,  and  greatly  impeded  the  work  on  the  canal. 

In  1841  the  Wabash  and  Erie  canal  was  still  in  course  of  con- 
struction. "The  Maumee  Valley  was  full  of  Catholic  laborers,  and 
was  also  literally  a  land  which  devoured  its  inhabitants.  The 
Maumee  fever  spared  no  one,  but  slowly  and  surely  undermined 
the  strongest  constitution,  Toledo  and  its  environs  were  full  of 
malaria.  At  times  it  was  next  to  impossible  to  meet  a  healthy 
person.  Added  to  this  there  were  many  cases  of  erysipelas,  and  in 
1847  hundreds  of  emigrants,  stricken  by  ship-fever,  landed  at  the 
Toledo    docks    to    die    a    few    hours    after    their    arrival    among 


IN  NORTHERN  OHIO.  73 

strangers."*  Hence  the  growth  of  Toledo  was  greatly  checked, 
as  people  had  no  desire  to  settle  where  sickness  of  a  malignant 
type  stared  them  in  the  face.  But  with  the  proper  drainage  and 
grading  in  the  city,  and  the  opening  up  of  the  surrounding 
country,  Toledo  has  long  since  lost  its  notoriety  as  an  unhealthy 
place. 

Father  Rappe  was  one  of  the  first  priests  in  Northern  Ohio  to 
establish  a  parochial  school.  With  great  dif^culties  to  surmount 
he  succeeded  in  establishing  a  parochial  school  at  Toledo,  in  1845, 
engaging  as  teachers  a  few  Sisters  of  the  Notre  Dame  Community, 
located  at  Cincinnati.  In  reference  to  said  Sisters  and  their  school 
Bishop  Purcell  published  the  following  item  in  the  Catholic 
Telegraph  of  April  30,  1846 : 

"The  Sisters  and  scholars  are  blessed  with  excellent  health, 
and  the  school,  under  such  able  management,  continues  to  advance 
in  its  successful  claims  to  public  patronage  and  esteem.  We  can 
not  sufficiently  admire  the  heroism  with  which  these  Sisters,  with 
the  humble  but  confident  hope  of  being  useful  to  reHgion  and 
society,  disregard  the  fears  of  the  'Maumee'  fever,  from  which, 
through  the  divine  blessing  on  such  devotedness  as  theirs,  they 
have  experienced  that  there  was  nothing  to  fear.  *  *  The 
Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  will  not  be  forgotten  in  future  years 
when  the  earliest  and  most  efficient  pioneers  are  commemorated." 

When  Father  Rappe  was  elevated  to  the  episcopacy,  October, 
1847,  the  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand,  his  faithful  co-laborer  since 
January,  1846,  was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales', 
Toledo.  Four  months  later  he  was  called  to  Cleveland  and 
appointed  Vicar  General. 

•See  Reminiscences  of  the  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand,  p.  57,  this  volume. 


74  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 


Part  II 

HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY  IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND 

1847—1900 

CHAPTER  I 

THE   RT.   REV.   AMADEUS    RAPPE,    FIRST    BISHOP    OF 
CLEVELAND.    HIS  ADMINISTRATION.    1847-1870. 

ERECTION  OF  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND— ITS  TERRITORY— BISHOP  RAPPE'S  CON- 
SECRATION, OCTOBER  10,  1847— HIS  FIRST  PASTORAL  LETTER— BISHOP'S 
RESIDENCE  BOUGHT  ON  BOND  STREET— CHURCH  OF  THE  NATIVITY- 
FIRST  DIOCESAN  SEMINARY— ST.  JOHN'S  CATHEDRAL  COMMENCED  IN  1848 
AND  COMPLETED  IN  1852— BISHOP  RAPPE  A  TOTAL  ABSTAINER— FATHER 
MATHEW,  THE  APOSTLE  OF  TOTAL  ABSTINENCE— THE  URSULINES  ESTAB- 
LISH A  CONVENT  AND  ACADEMY  IN  CLEVELAND— ST.  VINCENT'S  AND 
ST.  MARY'S  ASYLUMS  FOUNDED— GREY  NUNS  AND  URSULINES  AT  TOLEDO- 
SEMINARY  REMOVED  IN  1850  TO  LAKE  STREET. 

WITH  the  constant  and  rapid  growth  of  CathoHcity  in  his 
large  diocese,  comprising  the  entire  State  of  Ohio,  Bishop 
Pnrcell  found  the  territory  too  large  and  the  burden  of 
his  episcopal  duties  too  great  for  his  personal  attention.  As  early 
as  December,  1841,  in  an  interesting  communication  to  the  Catholic 
Telegraph,  describing  one  of  his  visits  to  Northern  Ohio,  he  writes : 
"It  would  require  the  constant  attention  of  two  bishops  and  a  hun- 
dred priests  *  *  to  preserve  the  faithful,  convert  the  erring,  re- 
claim the  sinful,  found  schools,  and  build  churches  necessary  over 
such  an  extensive  territory."  Bishop  Purcell  therefore  petitioned 
the  Holy  See  for  a  division  of  his  jurisdiction.  Cleveland  was  con- 
sidered as  the  most  fit  city  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State  for  an 
Episcopal  See.  and  hence  was  so  designated.  Father  Rappe,  the 
zealous  missionary  of  the  Maumee,  was  chosen  as  the  first  Bishop 
of  this  new  diocese.  Although  the  Papal  Bulls  to  this  effect  were 
issued  April  23,  1847,  they  did  not  reach  Cincinnati  till  the  follow- 


IN    THE    DIOCESK    OF    CLEVELAND.  75 

ing  August.    The  fact  of  their  arrival  was  pubHshed  in  the  Catholic 
Telegraph,  September  2,  1847,  as  follows: 

"The  Bulls  for  the  consecration  of  Rt.  Rev.  Mr.  Rappe  for 
the  new  See  of  Cleveland  have  arrived.  We  very  sincerely  con- 
gratulate the  clergy  and  congregations  in  the  northern  part  of 
Ohio  on  this  appointment;  if  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  and  utter 
disregard  of  self,  a  blameless  life,  and  fervent  piety  can  qualify  a 
man  for  the  Episcopacy,  we  know  no  one  more  likely  to  see  his 
hopes  realized  than  the  bishop-elect  of  Cleveland.  This  is  his 
character  amongst  those  who  know  him." 

The  territory  assigned  to  the  new  diocese  was  "all  that  part  of 
the  State  of  Ohio  lying  north  of  40  degrees  and  41  minutes."  As 
this  line  intersected  several  counties,  it  was  thought  best  by  the 
bishops  of  the  Dioceses  of  Cincinnati  and  Cleveland  to  petition  the 
Holy  See  to  establish  the  limits  between  these  two  dioceses  by 
county  lines,  as  appears  from  the  following  agreement  published 
in  the  Catholic  Telegraph,  January  11,  1849 : 

"In  order  to  prevent  any  misunderstanding  or  uncertainty 
with  regard  to  the  extent  of  jurisdiction,  as  defined  only  by  the 
geographical  line  of  40  degrees  and  41  minutes,  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Bishops  of  these  two  dioceses  have  agreed,  among  themselves,  and 
they  direct  us  to  publish,  that  the  counties  of  Mercer,  Auglaize, 
Hardin,  Marion,  Morrow,  Knox,  Tuscarawas,  Carroll  and  Jefifer- 
son,  which  belong  to  the  Diocese  of  Cincinnati,  shall  constitute  the 
northern  boundary  of  the  Diocese  of  Cincinnati;  that  all  counties 
north  of  those  just  named,  shall  compose  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 
Holmes  county,  for  the  greater  part  south  of  the  line  above  traced, 
is  by  mutual  consent  assigned  to  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland.  Ary 
new  counties  that  may  hereafter  be  formed  by  the  authori  y  of  the 
legislature,  will  belong  to  that  diocese  in  which  the  larger  portion 
of  them  will  be  situated.  Application  will  be  made  as  early  as 
possible  to  the  Holy  See  to  sanction  this  arrangement." 

When  the  Diocese  of  Columbus  w-as  erected,  in  1868,  Holmes 
county  was  included  within  its  jurisdiction.  All  the  other  counties 
embraced  within  the  above  described  limits  have  since  been  under 
jurisdiction  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland,  viz:  Allen,  Ashland, 
Ashtabula,  Columbiana,  Crawford,  Cuyahoga,  Defiance,  Erie, 
Fulton,  Geauga,  Hancock,  Henry,  Huron,  Lake,  Lorain.  Lucas, 
Mahoning,  Medina,  Ottawa,  Paulding,  Portage,  Putnam,  Rich- 
land, Sandusky,  Seneca,  Stark,  Summit,  Trumbull,  Van  Wert, 
Wayne,  Williams,  Wood  and  Wyandot,  in  all  thirty-three  counties, 


76  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

comprising-  about  one-third  of  Ohio.  I'hc  territory  of  the  diocese 
extends  from  the  west  Hne  of  Pennsylvania  to  tlie  east  Hne  of 
Indiana,  and  from  the  southern  shore  of  Lake  Erie  about  seventy- 
five  miles  south. 

h'ather  Rappe  was  consecrated  at  Cincinnati.  October  10, 
1847.  by  Bishop  Purcell,  assisted  by  Bishop  Whelan,  of  Richmond, 
Virginia.  Two  davs  after  his  consecration,  and  just  before  starting 
for  Cleveland,  he  published  his  first  pastoral  letter,  which  is  given 
here  in  full.  It  portrays  clearly  the  apostolic  zeal  and  devotedness 
to  the  cause  of  God  on  the  part  of  Bishop  Rappe: 


AMADEUS, 

BY  THE  GRACE  OF  GOD  AND   APPOINTMENT  OF   THE   APOSTOLIC   SEE, 
BISHOP  OF  CLEVELAND. 


To  the  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland  : 

Grace  Unto  You,  a?id  Peace  from  God  our  Father,  and  from  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  : 

VENERABLE  BRETHREN  OF  THE  CLERGY  AND  BELOVED  CHILDREN  OF  THE 

LAITY! 

Overwhelmed  by  the  labors  and  solicitude  which  his  extensive 
diocese  required,  and  full  of  zeal  for  the  welfare  of  the  flock  which 
he  has  governed  with  unsurpassed  wisdom  and  success,  the 
Rt.  Rev.  John  Baptist,  Bishop  of  Cincinnati,  humbly  supplicated 
the  late  Provincial  Council  to  establish  another  Episcopal  See  in 
the  northern  part  of  the  State  of  Ohio.  This  request  was  granted, 
and  the  city  of  Cleveland  has  been  chosen  to  be  the  See  of  the  new 
diocese.  The  Roman  Court  has  approved  and  sanctioned  these 
proceedings,  and  His  Holiness,  Pius  IX,  at  the  request  of  the 
Council,  has  elevated  me  to  the  Episcopacy.  Had  I  consulted  my 
fears  I  would  have  immediately  declined  accepting  a  station  so 
encompassed  with  difficulties,  but  yielding  to  the  voice  of  authority, 
and  thereby  made  strong  by  the  favor  of  the  Almighty,  I  consented 
to  forego  my  weakness  and  inability,  to  rely  solely  on  Him  who 
can  strengthen  the  weak,  and  prepare  them  for  the  labor.  "Go, 
and  teach  all  nations :  behold  I  am  with  you  all  days  until  the  con- 
summation of  the  world."  That  divine  mission  given  by  Jesus 
Christ  to  His  Apostles,  has  been  confided  to  me  by  their  successors 
and  the  Apostolic  See.  Invested  with  this  sacred  power,  and  com- 
forted by  the  grace  of  the  episcopal  office,  I  feel  encouraged  to 


ST.    PETER'S    SCHOOL,    CLEVELAND. 


IN    THE    DIOCESK    OF    CLEVELAND.  77 

work  for  the  glory  of  our  common  Master  and  the  welfare  of  our 
immortal  souls. 

It  is  indeed  consoling,  venerable  brethren  of  the  clergy,  that 
in  discharging  the  functions  of  a  ministry  so  sublime  and  perilous, 
I  will  be  seconded  by  your  devotion,  your  talents,  your  virtues,  and 
your  experience.  For  several  years  I  have  fought  in  your  ranks, 
shared  your  toils,  admired  your  zeal,  and  witnessed  with  joy  the 
success  that  crowned  your  efforts.  It  was  then  one  of  my  greatest 
pleasures,  whilst  associated  with  you  in  the  ministry,  to  call  you 
friends,  and  now.  placed  at  your  head,  as  the  first  sentinel  of  the 
camp  of  Israel,  I  desire  more  than  ever  to  be  regarded  as  your 
friend  and  father,  rather  than  your  superior.  My  happiness  will 
be  henceforth  to  have  part  in  your  labors,  to  direct  your  efforts,  to 
alleviate  your  cares  and  to  console  your  sorrows.  Our  number  is 
small,  but  let  us  pray  to  the  Lord  to  send  more  laborers  into  His 
vineyard,  and  whilst  waiting  with  patience  His  answer  to  our 
supplications,  let  our  union,  our  piety,  our  prudence  and  zeal  make 
amends  for  the  deficiency.  In  the  daily  morning  meditations  we 
wall  find  a  divine  fire  which  illumines  and  vivifies;  the  reading  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures  will  furnish  us  wnth  arms  against  our  enemies, 
and  be  our  comfort  in  tribulation.  The  works  of  the  Fathers  and 
the  acts  of  the  Councils,  but  particularly  of  the  Councils  of  Balti- 
more, which  are  so  appropriate  to  the  circumstances  and  wants  of 
our  mission,  will  be  a  pure  source  from  which  we  can  draw  sound 
doctrine  and  wisdom  to  direct  us  in  the  various  exigencies  of  our 
ministry. 

Your  spiritual  necessities,  beloved  brethren  of  the  laity,  are 
not  unknown  to  us ;  we  wish  to  be  intimately  acquainted  with  your 
desires  for  the  advancement  of  religion,  and  although  we  may  be 
unable  to  provide  resident  pastors  for  every  congregation,  we  wall 
endeavor  to  console  you  in  their  absence  by  frequent  visits,  and  by 
sending  you,  from  time  to  time,  faithful  missionaries  who  will  speak 
your  language,  and  animate  your  piety. 

We  sigh  for  the  day  when  we  will  be  able  to  appear  amongst 
you,  to  bless  you,  to  instruct  you,  and  to  be  edified  by  your  devo- 
tion. Many  a  time  have  we  been  moved  by  the  constancy  of  your 
faith  and  the  beauty  of  your  example.  What  a  consolation  for  a 
pastor  to  be  surrounded  by  a  faithful  flock,  anxious  to  diffuse  on  all 
sides  the  sweetness  of  the  doctrines  of  Jesus  Christ.  Those  truly 
Catholic  souls  are  His  glory,  and  they  give  a  powerful  energy  to 
His  words.  They  are  so  many  apostles  before  whose  integrity  and 
piety  the  demon  of  prejudice  is  passing  away.  The  times  are 
propitious !  The  eminent  virtues  of  our  prelates  and  clergy,  their 
eloquence  in  the  pulpit,  their  polemical  works,  so  marked  by  ability 
and  clearness,  the  numerous  conversions,  both  at  home  and  abroad. 


78  A    HISTORY    OF    CATl  loi.RITV 

con\crsit)ns  in  which  the  l"ini;cr  of  Clod  is  so  visible,  since  lhe\'  can 
not  with  reason  be  attribntcd  to  any  worldly  motive — all  these 
circnnistances  directed  by  Divine  Providence  for  the  triumph  of 
truth  seem  to  have  mitigated  the  violence  of  our  dissenting 
brethren,  and  prepared  the  minds  of  the  more  learned  portion  of 
the  coiumunity  to  examine  and  appreciate  the  divine  excellence  of 
our  holy  religion.  It  is  for  you,  beloved  children  of  the  laity,  to 
encourage  this  disposition  to  a  sounder  system.  If  the  eloquence 
of  an  upright  life  does  not  convert  our  opponents,  at  least  it  silences 
the  hostility  of  the  unwise  and  imprudent.  It  is  thus  that  we  can 
most  efficaciously  contribute  to  the  propagation  of  that  faith  which 
has  conquered  the  world.  Console,  beloved  children  of  the  laity, 
and  help  your  pastors  by  the  sanctity  of  your  lives.  Have  but  one 
mind,  no  matter  what  may  be  your  nation,  your  language,  your 
position  in  society.  You  are  all  the  children  of  the  same  Father, 
the  members  of  Jesus  Christ,  destined  for  the  same  inheritance.  In 
order  that  you  might  preserve  this  sw'cet  union  of  mind  and  heart, 
come  often  to  the  Sacred  Table,  to  feed  on  the  Bread  of  Life,  to  be 
strengthened  by  the  God  of  charity.  He  will  remind  you  that  He 
loved  you  even  to  the  shedding  of  His  Blood,  and  therefore  has 
the  right  to  command  that  you  love  one  another.  Unite  together 
every  night  in  family  worship,  and  the  Lord  will  be  amongst  you. 
Observe  punctually  the  Lord's  day,  and  the  laws  of  the  Church  and 
of  the  State,  and  educate  your  children  in  the  fear  and  love  of  God. 
Do  all  in  your  power  to  provide,  for  their  instruction,  orthodox  and 
pious  teachers.  We  beseech  you  also,  beloved  brethren,  by  the 
mercy  of  Jesus  Christ,  to  live  soberly.  Drunkenness,  and  the 
debaucheries  which  attend  it,  degrade  man,  disgrace  the  faith,  and 
precipitate  many  into  endless  misfortunes. 

As  for  us,  venerable  fellow-laborers,  we  will  all  endeavor  to  be 
the  models  of  the  faithful  in  conversation,  in  charity,  in  faith,  in 
chastity.  Our  mission  is  a  glorious  one,  and  our  reward  will  be 
equallv  glorious  if  we  live  according  to  our  sublime  vocation. 

tAMADEUS, 
Bishop  of  Cleveland. 

Given  at  Cincinnati,  October  12,  1847. 

The  Rt.  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe  took  possession  of  the  Diocese 
of  Cleveland  as  its  first  bishop  a  few  days  after  his  consecration, 
which,  as  stated  above,  had  taken  place  at  Cincinnati,  October  10, 
1847.  The  Catholic  population  of  the  diocese  was  then  estimated 
at  about  10,000.  On  the  Bishop's  arrival  at  Cleveland,  his  Episco- 
pal city,  he  found  but  one  church,  a  frame  building,  located  at  the 
corner  of  Columbus  and  Girard  streets.     It  had  been  dedicated 


IN    THE    DIOCESI-:    OF    CLEVELAND.  79 

June  7,  1840,  to  "Our  Lady  of  the  Lake."  It  was  later  and  better 
known  as  "St.  Mary's  Church,  on  the  Flats." 

In  October,  1847,  the  Rev.  Maurice  Howard  was  the  only 
priest  stationed  in  Cleveland.  Besides  having  pastoral  charge  of 
the  church  on  the  Flats,  he  also  attended  a  number  of  missions  in 
Cuyahoga  and  neighboring  counties.  Within  the  limits  of  his 
diocese  the  bishop  found  forty-two  churches,  attended  by  twenty- 
one  priests,  of  whom  seven  were  members  of  the  Sanguinist 
society.  There  were  also  two  small  convents  of  Sisters  of  the  same 
society,  viz :  at  New^  Riegel  and  Thompson.  An  academy  and 
convent  established  at  Toledo,  in  1845,  belonged  to  the  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame,  whose  Motherhouse  was  in  Cincinnati.^ 

For  some  months  the  Bishop  resided  in  a  rented  house  near 
the  Haymarket.  In  1848  he  bought  several  lots  on  Bond  street, 
corner  of  St.  Clair,  on  which  were  located  a  large  brick  building 
and  several  frame  houses.  The  brick  building  was  fitted  up  as  his 
residence. 

Within  a  very  short  time  after  Bishop  Rappe's  arrival  in 
Cleveland,  he  impressed  all  with  his  indefatigable  zeal  and  great 
earnestness.  As  early  as  March,  1848,  the  Cleveland  Herald,  a 
secular  paper,  at  no  time  during  its  long  existence  over-friendly 
towards  Catholics,  published  in  its  issue  of  March  16th,  the  follow- 
ing item  concerning  Bishop  Rappe,  and  his  work  in  the  cause  of 
total  abstinence,  of  which  he  had  been  for  some  years  a  practical 
and  consistent  advocate : 

"Bishop  Rappe  is  just  what  every  man  who  has  important 
enterprises  in  hand  should  be,  a  real  workingman.  His  labors,  too, 
are  for  the  benefit  of  others — the  present  and  future — the  temporal, 
social  and  moral  improvement  of  the  people  of  his  charge.  Strict 
sobriety,  industry  and  economy  are  virtues  which  he  inculcates 
w^ith  hearty  good  wall — the  sure  stepping  stones  to  individual, 
family  and  associated  success.  Temperance  supports  the  super- 
structure and  now  over  five  hundred  cold  water  men  are  enrolled 
in  the  Cleveland  Catholic  Temperance  Society." 

In  January,  1848,  Father  Howard  was  sent  to  Tififin,  and 
Father  De  Goesbriand  was  appointed  his  successor  and  Vicar- 
general.  St.  Mary's  congregation  was  composed  of  English  and 
German  speaking  Catholics,  who  had  far  outgrown  their  church 


(1)  Closed  in  July,  1848. 


^0  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

wlicn  liisluij)  Ivappc  came  to  Clevclantl.  lie  succeeded  in  ,e:etting 
a  Geniiaii  priest,  the  Rev.  Matthias  Kreusch,  C.  PP.  S..  by  whom 
separate  services  were  given  to  the  German  portion  of  the  congre- 
gation, thus  tiding  over  the  necessity  of  building  another  church  at 
that  time. 

To  supply  the  wants  of  the  growing  Catholic  population,  a 
frame  building,  30  x  60,  was  erected  on  Superior  street,  a  short 
distance  east  of  Erie,  near  the  site  of  the  present  cathedral,  and 
next  to  the  lots  which  the  Rev.  Peter  McLaughlin  had  bought  in 
1S45  for  church  purposes.  This  frame  building  served  several 
years  as  a  "chapel  of  ease"  for  St.  Mary's  church,  and  as  a  paro- 
chial school,  the  first  in  the  city.  Folding  doors  cut  ofi  the  sanc- 
tuary during  school  hours.  The  little  church  was  commenced  and 
finished  in  December,  1848.  It  was  used  for  the  first  time  on 
Christmas  of  the  same  year,  and  hence  was  called  the  Church  of 
the  Nativity. 

In  September,  1848,  Bishop  Rappe  opened  a  small  seminary 
in  a  one-story  frame  building,  back  of  his  residence  on  Bond  street. 
Father  De  Goesbriand  was  its  first  superior.  Among  the  young 
men  first  to  apply  for  admission  as  seminarists  were  Messrs.  James 
Monahan,  August  Berger,  Peter  Kreusch,  Thomas  J.  Walsh, 
Michael  O'Sullivan,  E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith,  Francis  McGann, 
Nicholas  Roupp,  William  O'Connor,  and  Felix  M.  Boff,  all  of 
whom  became  priests.  In  1849  the  Rev.  Alexis  Caron  succeeded 
Father  De  Goesbriand  as  superior  of  this  humble  seminary. 

Shortly  after  the  establishment  of  the  diocese  the  Catholic 
population  of  Cleveland  rapidly  increased,  owing  to  a  large  immi- 
gration from  Ireland  and  Germany.  The  Bishop  found  it  therefore 
of  imperative  necessity  to  build  a  second  church  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  his  growing  flock  (estimated  in  1848  at  about  4,000)  in 
the  episcopal  city.  He  determined  to  make  the  new  church  his 
cathedral,  to  locate  it  at  the  corner  of  Erie  and  Superior  streets, 
and  after  its  completion  to  assign  St.  Mary's  on  the  Flats  to  the 
Germans. 

Sunday,  October  29,  1848,  the  cornerstone  of  the  present 
cathedral  w^as  laid.  The  Cleveland  Herald  of  October  30,  1848, 
makes  mention  of  the  ceremony  in  the  following  item : 

"The  ceremony  of  laying  the  cornerstone  of  the  cathedral  on 
Erie  street  was  witnessed  yesterday  by  a  very  large  concourse  of 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  81 

people.  At  one  o'clock  a  numerous  procession  was  formed  at 
St.  Mary's  church  and  marched  to  the  site  of  the  cathedral.  The 
ceremonies  were  conducted  by  Bishop  Timon  of  Buffalo,  Bishop 
LeFevre  of  Detroit,  and  Bishop  Rappe  of  Cleveland,  assisted  by 
Vicar  General  De  Goesbriand  of  Cleveland,  Rev.  P.  J.  Machebeuf 
of  Sandusky,  Rev.  J.  H.  Luhr  of  Canton,  and  the  students  of  the 
theological  seminary  in  this  city.  An  eloquent  address  was  de- 
livered by  Bishop  Timon,  and  a  discourse  in  German  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Luhr. 

"The  cathedral,  when  completed,  will  be  a  noble  edifice  and  an 
ornament  to  the  city.  The  dimensions  will  be  170  feet  by  75,  rising 
50  feet  from  the  water  table  to  the  eaves.  The  building  is  to  be  of 
brick,  and  the  style  of  architecture  will  combine  strength  with 
beauty." 

In  November,  1848,  the  first  diocesan  synod  was  held,  with 
fifteen  priests  in  attendance.  The  second  synod  was  held  in  1852, 
and  the  third  in  1854. 

In  September,  1849,  Bishop  Rappe  w^ent  to  Europe,  his  object 
being  to  solicit  aid  in  his  native  France  for  the  new  cathedral  then 
in  process  of  erection ;  and  also  to  secure  priests  and  sisters  to  aid 
him  in  his  w'ork.  During  his  absence  the  Very  Rev.  Father 
De  Goesbriand,  V.  G.,  administered  the  diocese.  The  Bishop 
succeeded  in  obtaining  generous  assistance  from  his  countrymen. 
and  in  securing  four  priests^  and  five  seminarists,^  as  also  a  band  of 
devoted  Ursulines  from  Boulogne,  France,  and  two  Sisters  of 
Charity.  Bishop  Rappe  returned  from  Europe  in  August,  1850. 
Besides  visiting  his  diocese,  he  also  superintended  the  building  of 
the  cathedral,  and  had  the  great  satisfaction  of  having  it  conse- 
crated, and  opened  for  divine  service,  November  7,  1852. 

As  above  stated,  Bishop  Rappe  was  a  strong  advocate  of  total 
abstinence,  having  seen  and  felt  the  disastrous  results  of  intem- 
perance whilst  engaged  on  the  mission  in  Toledo  and  along  the 
Maumee  valley.  In  March,  1851,  he  published  a  vigorous  pastoral 
letter  on  this  subject,  of  which  the  following  is  an  extract: 

"Among  the  evils  which  prevail,  and  of  w'hich  the  progress 
and  consequences  are  most  alarming,  is  one  which  we  have 
observed  for  years,  and  more  especially  during  our  last  visitation : 
it  is  one  which  fills  with  sorrow  the  hearts  of  your  pastors  and 


(1)  Revs.  C.  M.  Coquerelle,  C.  Evrard,  A.  Gelaszewski,  and  J.  B.  Mareschal. 

(2)  Messrs.  L.  F.  D'Arcy,  Z.  Druon,  L.  Filiere,   L.  Molon,  and  N.   Penchel. 


82  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

counteracts  all  their  efforts  to  promote  your  spiritual  welfare ;  it 
is  one  which  is  more  frightful  than  any  calamity  which  could  befall 
you ;  which  threatens  not  only  to  put  an  end  to  all  decent  obser- 
vance of  the  Sunday,  but  to  eradicate  piety  and  to  destroy  every 
sentiment  that  elevates  and  ennobles  the  Christian  soul,  to  brinv^ 
inevitable  ruin  upon  reason,  honor  and  fortune — the  drinking 
shop,  the  sink  wherein  all  that  is  good  is  buried." 

During-  the  months  of  July  and  August,  of  the  same  year,  on 
invitation  of  the  Bishop,  Father  Mathew,  the  famous  apostle  of 
total  abstinence,  delivered  a  series  of  lectures  and  sermons  in 
Cleveland  and  other  cities  and  towns  in  this  diocese.  Thousands 
took  the  pledge  of  total  abstinence  from  him.  His  labors,  as  those 
of  Bishop  Rappe  in  this  regard,  had  most  gratifying  results. 

On  October  30,  1853,  Father  De  Goesbriand  was  elevated  to 
the  Episcopacy,  as  first  Bishop  of  Burlington,  Vt.,  which  important 
position  he  held  for  nearly  forty-five  years  with  eminent  success. 
The  Rev.  James  Conlan  succeeded  him  as  Vicar  General,  and 
acted  as  such  till  1870. 

Between  1848  and  1857  twenty-six  churches  were  built  within 
the  limits  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland.  Whilst  directing  and  en- 
couraging the  organization  of  missions  and  congregations  and  the 
erection  of  churches  for  their  accommodation,  Bishop  Rappe  also 
provided  for  the  care  of  orphans  and  the  education  of  the  young, 
all  under  charge  of  devoted  sisters.  To  this  end  he  authorized  the 
founding  of  a  convent  of  Sanguinist  Sisters,  at  Glandorf,  in  1848. 
During  the  Bishop's  absence  in  Europe  in  1850,  Judge  Cowles' 
mansion  on  Euclid  avenue  w^as  bought  for  the  Ursuline 
Sisters.  For  over  forty  years  it  was  the  Motherhouse  of  the 
Ursulines.  The  sisters  took  possession  of  their  new  home  on  their 
arrival  in  Cleveland,  and  almost  immediately  opened  a  select  school 
and  academy.  In  1851  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary 
established  St.  Mary's  Orphan  Asylum  for  girls.  The  first  building 
used  for  the  purpose  was  located  on  St.  Clair  street,  near  Bond, 
Cleveland.  Toward  the  end  of  1853  the  asylum  was  transferred  to 
Harmon  street.  In  1851  Bishop  Rappe  opened  St.  Vincent's 
Orphan  Asylum  for  boys  on  Monroe  street,  Cleveland,  and  placed 
it  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity  of  St.  Augustine,  a  community 
he  had  established,  with  the  assistance  of  Mother  M.  Ursula,  of 
sainted  memorv.     She  was  known  in  the  world  as  Miss  C.  Bisson- 


ST.  ADALBERT'S    SCHOOL    AND     PASTORAL    RESIDENCE.     BEREA. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  83 

ette.  He  also  established  an  Ursuline  Community  and  academy  at 
Toledo  in  1854.  In  1855  the  Grey  Nuns,  of  Montreal,  established 
at  Toledo  an  orphanage  for  boys  and  girls,  which  is  known  as 
St.  Vincent's  Asylum. 

Thus  the  most  pressing  wants  of  the  diocese  were  suppHed. 
The  Bishop  now  directed  his  attention  to  the  details  of  diocesan 
work,  visiting  every  church  and  station  at  frequent  intervals,  giving 
missions,  administering  confirmation  and  preaching.  Though 
constantly  at  work,  either  at  home  in  his  cathedral,  or  out  in  the 
diocese,  he  never  showed  signs  of  fatigue.  Never  satisfied  with 
what  he  had  already  accomplished,  he  was  always  anxious  to  do 
still  more  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  religion.  He  was 
specially  solicitous  for  CathoHc  schools,  and  where  it  was  within 
the  range  of  possibility  priests  were  obliged  to  establish  such  in 
their  respective  parishes. 

In  September,  1850,  the  Bishop  bought  a  fine  property  on 
Lake  street,  near  Dodge,  known  as  "Spring  Cottage."  The  frame 
building  on  the  large  plat  of  ground  was  fitted  up  as  a  seminary, 
which  was  opened  in  November  of  the  same  year,  with  Father 
Caron  as  superior.  During  the  summer  of  1853,  the  north  wing  of 
the  present  building  was  erected,  and  in  1859,  owing  to  the  rapidly 
increasing  number  of  seminarists,  the  present  main  or  central  por- 
tion of  the  seminary  was  built. 

To  give  young  men  an  opportunity  to  receive  a  college  educa- 
tion under  CathoHc  auspices,  Bishop  Rappe  purchased,  in  1854,  an 
eligible  property  on  the  West  Side,  Cleveland,  near  St.  Patrick's 
church.  The  incomplete  frame  buildings  on  the  property  were 
remodeled  to  serve  the  purpose  of  their  purchase.  In  September 
of  the  same  year  they  were  opened  under  the  name  of  St.  John's 
College.  This  institution  had,  however,  a  fitful  existence,  owing  to 
lack  of  patronage,  and  was  finally  closed  in  1859. 

Bishop  Rappe  published  in  the  Cincinnati  Catholic  Telegraph, 
of  February  2,  1856,  the  following  Lenten  Pastoral  Letter,  which 
beautifully  portrays  his  burning  zeal  for  souls : 

To  the  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland.' 

Beloved  Brethren  and  Children  in  Christ : — We  have  just  ter- 
minated the  seventh  visitation  of  our  new  diocese,  and  it  is  with 


84  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

feelinofs  of  deep  gratitude  to  the  God  of  Mercy  that  we  have  wit- 
nessed the  rapid  progress  which  the  faith  is  making  yearly.  The 
miniher  of  our  zealous  clergy,  of  the  faithful,  the  churches,  the 
schools,  and  religious  institutions  has  increased  at  the  ratio  of  three 
to  one,  in  the  short  period  of  eight  years;  and,  what  is  more  con- 
soling, is  to  see  the  spirit  of  piety  and  zeal  prevailing  in  every 
congregation,  and  an  invariable  calmness  and  fortitude  manifested 
by  our  beloved  children  in  this  late  time  of  systematic  persecution 
against  the  Church  of  God.  But  we  should  be  unjust  in  not 
acknowdedging  that,  after  God,  this  holy  growth  of  religion  and 
Christian  virtue  has  been  highly  forwarded  and  developed  by  the 
zeal,  self-denial,  prudence  and  piety  of  our  brethren  in  the  holy 
ministry.  You  have  fought  a  good  fight,  worthy  co-operators, 
and  you  already  enjoy  the  fruits  of  your  hard  labors.  But,  in  order 
to  secure  and  increase  more  and  more  this  consoling  improvement 
in  your  beloved  flocks,  continue  indefatigable  in  the  care  of  the 
youth.  Look  upon  the  first  communion  of  your  little  ones  as  the 
groundwork  of  a  holy  life.  I  w^ould  exhort  you  earnestly  to  set 
apart  five  or  six  weeks,  immediately  before  admitting  them  to  the 
Holy  Table,  in  order  to  assemble  them  twice  a  day,  and,  in  a 
familiar  and  pious  manner,  explain  to  them  the  Christian  doctrine, 
enlighten  their  minds  with  a  knowledge  of  the  fundamental  truths 
of  religion,  and  lead  their  innocent  hearts  to  the  practice  of  piety 
and  devotion.  Do  your  best  to  induce  the  priests  in  your  vicinity 
to  give  a  few  days'  spiritual  retreat  to  them  before  their  general 
confession  and  first  communion.  "Suffer  little  children  to  come 
unto  me."  By  doing  so,  dearly  beloved  friends,  (and  many  of  you 
have  experienced  it)  you  will  create  a  new  generation  to  replace  the 
old  one,  which  has  so  nobly  and  so  constantly  kept  the  faith  and 
made  the  most  generous  sacrifices  for  the  Catholic  church  in  this 
country.  I  need  not  insist,  beloved  parents,  on  the  necessity  of 
your  seconding  the  efforts  and  zeal  of  your  beloved  pastors.  You 
will  send  your  children  to  religious  instruction  at  the  time  ap- 
pointed by  your  clergy;  you  will  edify  them  at  home  by  your 
pious  example ;  you  will  draw  from  Heaven  by  your  fervent 
prayers  the  graces  necessary  to  secure  to  them  the  immense  bless- 
ings of  a  good  first  communion.  On  that  happy  day  Jesus  will 
hasten  to  come  unto  them,  to  abide  with  them.     "He  that  eateth 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  85 

my  flesh  and  drinketh  my  blood  abideth  in  me  and  I  in  him."  He 
will  transform  their  innocent  hearts  into  delightful  temples  of 
piety  and  zeal.  They  will  live  by  Jesus  and  the  life  of  Jesus ;  but 
alas !  should  they  receive  unworthily,  for  want  of  preparation  and 
a  sincere  confession,  then  they  would  eat  and  drink  their  own 
judgment  and  condemnation.  In  that  case  the  Bread  of  Life  is 
changed  into  a  fatal  poison  which  produces  in  the  soul  a  deadly 
languor,  a  disgust  of  the  things  of  God.  a  kind  of  despair,  and  not 
unfrequently  a  total  shipwreck  of  faith  and  salvation.  Such  being 
the  awful  consequences  of  a  bad  communion,  would  you  consent, 
beloved  parents,  to  neglect  anything  in  your  power  to  prevent  it? 
O,  no !  you  love  your  children  too  dearly  to  expose  their  souls  to 
such  misfortune  and  ruin.  You  love  your  church  too  dearly  to  see 
them,  by  your  fault,  become  her  disgrace  and  her  enemies.  You 
have  too  great  a  zeal  for  your  salvation  to  suffer  your  own  children 
to  be  your  condemnation  before  the  tribunal  of  God.  You  know 
you  are  bound  to  secure  as  far  as  you  can  the  religious  instruction 
of  your  family.  "He  who  hath  not  a  care  of  his  own  household," 
says  St.  Paul,  "hath  denied  the  Faith,  and  is  worse  than  an  infidel.'* 
We  have  full  confidence,  then,  that  you  will  correspond  with  our 
exhortations  and  consult  your  welfare  in  sending  your  children 
timely  and  punctually  to  receive  the  instructions  of  their  pastors. 

fAMADEUS,  Bishop  of  Cleveland. 


86  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 


CHAPTER  II 

THE  RT.  REV.  BISHOP  RAPPE'S  ADMINISTRATION 

(CONTINUED). 

THE  \'ERY  RE\^  EDWARD  HANNIN'S  ADMINISTRATION. 

1870—1872 

BISHOP  RAPPE  VISITS  ROME  IN  1860  AND  1862— FExMALE  RELIGIOUS  COMMUNITIES 
INTRODUCED;  CHARITABLE  AND  EDUCATIONAL  INSTITUTIONS  ESTAB- 
LISHED, 1862-186&— BISHOP  RAPPE  GOES  TO  ROME  FOR  THE  FOURTH  TIME, 
IN  1867— ST.  FRANCIS'  ASYLUM,  TIFFIN,  ESTABLISHED  IN  1867— FRANCISCANS 
TAKE  CHARGE  OF  ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH,  CLEVELAND,  IN  1867,  AND  THE 
JESUITS  OF  ST.  MARY'S,  TOLEDO,  IN  1869— CONVENT  OF  GOOD  SHEPHERD 
ESTABLISHED  IN  1869,  AND  A  HOME  FOR  THE  AGED  POOR,  IN  CLEVELAND, 
IN  1870— BISHOP  RAPPE'S  TROUBLES— HIS  RESIGNATION,  AUGUST  22,  1870— 
THE  VERY  REV.  EDWARD  HANNIN  APPOINTED  ADMINISTRATOR  OF  THE 
DIOCESE— INJUNCTION  SUIT  AGAINST  ST.  BRIDGET'S  CHURCH,  CLEVELAND 
—LETTERS  IN  CLEVELAND  PAPERS  FOR  AND  AGAINST  BISHOP  RAPPE— 
FATHER   HANNIN'S   LETTER   IN   LEADER    IN    DEFENSE    OF   BISHOP    RAPPE. 

THE  second  decade  of  Bishop  Rappe's  administration  (1857- 
1867),  was  remarkable  for  the  large  number  of  churches 
built,  many  of  them  handsome  and  spacious  edifices — in  all, 
fifty-six  churches. 

Bishop  Rappe  convoked  the  fourth  diocesan  synod  in  1857 ; 
it  resulted  in  much  wholesome  legislation.  One  of  the  statutes 
promulgated  made  it  obligatory  on  all  congregations,  financially 
and  numerically  able,  to  support  parochial  schools.  This  law  gave 
a  new  impulse  to  the  parochial  school  system,  so  earnestly  en- 
couraged by  the  Bishop,  almost  immediately  after  he  came  to 
Cleveland. 

In  1860  Bishop  Rappe  paid  his  first  decennial  visit  to  Rome. 
During  his  absence  the  Very  Rev.  James  Conlan,  V.  G.,  was  ad- 
ministrator of  the  diocese.  Two  years  later  he  again  went  to 
Rome  to  assist  at  the  canonization  of  the  Japanese  martyrs,  to 
which  ceremony  many  of  the  American  bishops  had  been 
specially  invited  by  Pius  IX.  The  Very  Rev,  Alexis  Caron, 
V.  G.,  administered  the  affairs  of  the  diocese  during  the  Bishop's 
absence. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  87 

In  1862  St.  Joseph's  Asylum  for  orphan  girls  was  opened  on 
Woodland  avenue,  Cleveland,  to  relieve  the  crowded  condition  of 
St.  Mary's  Asylum  on  Harmon  street. 

In  1863  the  Ursulines  of  Cleveland  established  a  mission  at 
Tiffin,  placing  it  in  charge  of  Mother  M.  Joseph  as  superioress. 
In  a  few  years  it  grew  to  be  a  prosperous  community,  its  academy 
meeting  with  public  favor  almost  from  the  very  opening. 

Bishop  Rappe  introduced  into  the  diocese  in  1864  the  Sisters 
of  the  Humility  of  Mary,  and,  by  special  agreement  with  Bishop 
O'Connor,  of  Pittsburg,  located  them  on  a  large  tract  of  land  near 
New  Bedford  (Villa  Maria),  Pa.,  where  they  founded  a  convent 
and  an  orphan  asylum. 

Previous  to  1865  Cleveland  had  no  public  hospital.  As  early 
as  1850.  two  French  Sisters  of  Charity  attempted  to  establish  one 
on  the  ^^'est  Side — then  known  as  Ohio  City.  Their  noble  purpose 
failed  for  want  of  means,  and  so  they  returned  to  their  native 
France  the  following  year. 

In  1863.  during  the  interstate  war,  then  at  its  height  of  bloody 
carnage,  many  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  were  sent  to  Cleveland 
for  medical  treatment,  but  no  provision!  had  been  made  to  receive 
and  care  for  them.  It  was  then  that  Cleveland  realized  the  neces- 
sity of  a  hospital,  which  Bishop  Rappe  would  long  before  have 
built  had  he  had  the  means.  He  now  saw  a  near  realization  of  his 
long-cherished  plan.  He  offered  to  build  a  hospital  and  provide 
efficient  nurses,  on  condition  that  the  public  would  come  to  his 
assistance.  This  of¥er  was  gladly  accepted,  and  Cleveland's 
citizens,  irrespective  of  creed,  generously  contributed  towards  the 
building  fund.  Two  years  later  (1865)  Charity  Hospital,  costing 
about  $75,000,  was  opened  to  the  public,  and  placed  in  charge  of 
the  Sisters  of  Charity,  and  has  ever  since  been  in  the  forefront  of 
Cleveland's  hospitals. 

The  Bishop  established  St.  Louis'  College  at  Louisville,  Stark 
County,  in  1866,  to  replace  St.  Mary's  College  and  Preparatory 
Seminary,  Cleveland,  opened  in  September,  1860.  It  was  placed 
in  charge  of  secular  priests.  The  following  year  its  management 
was  transferred  to  the  Basilian  Fathers  of  Sandwich,  Canada,  but 
the  college  was  closed  in  1873  for  want  of  support. 

For  the  fourth  time  Bishop  Rappe  went  to  Europe — in  the 


38  A    HISTORY    OF    CATIKJLICITV 

fall  of  lSt)7 — the  \'erv  Rev.  Vicar  General  Caron  administering 
the  diocese  during  his  three  months'  absence.  Besides  visiting  his 
native  country  the  Bishop  also  went  to  Rome  to  attend  to  some 
affairs  in  connection  with  his  diocese. 

During  the  first  three  years  of  the  third  decade  of  Bishop 
Rappe's  administration  (1867-70),  twenty-three  churches  were 
erected  in  the  diocese. 

St.  Francis'  Orphan  Asylum  and  Home  for  the  Aged  was  es- 
tablished at  Tififin,  in  1867,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  Joseph 
L.  Bihn,  who  applied  his  patrimony  and  savings,  as  also  large 
donations  from  the  Schaefer  family  at  Tififin,  towards  the  purchase 
of  the  lands  and  the  erection  of  buildings  for  this  institution.  He 
also  established,  in  1868,  a  sisterhood  of  the  Third  Order  of 
St.  Francis,  which  has  charge  of  the  domestic  afifairs  of  the  asylum 
and  home.  Some  of  the  sisters  are  also  engaged  as  teachers  in  a 
number  of  parochial  schools  in  the  diocese. 

In  1867  Bishop  Rappe  introduced  the  Franciscan  Fathers  of 
Teutopolis,  111.,  into  the  diocese,  and  gave  them  pastoral  charge 
of  St.  Joseph's  Church,  Cleveland.  In  the  following  year  they 
erected  their  monastery  and  chapel,  at  the  corner  of  Chapel  and 
Hazen  streets. 

St.  Mary's  Church.  Toledo,  was  placed  in  charge  of  the 
German  Jesuit  Fathers  of  Buffalo,  in  1869. 

Bishop  Rappe  invited  the  Sisters  of  the  Good  Shepherd,  of 
Cincinnati,  to  establish  a  house  of  their  Order  in  Cleveland.  The 
invitation  was  accepted  in  1869.  Their  convent  was  a  frame 
building  on  Lake  street,  situated  on  a  large  lot  which  had  been 
secured  for  them  by  Bishop  Rappe.  Here  they  remained  until  the 
completion  of  their  present  large  building,  in  1875.  Their  silent, 
saving  work  in  behalf  of  fallen,  erring  woman  has  resulted  in  untold 
good  and  has  forced  recognition  even  from  an  anti-Catholic  public. 

The  paternal  heart  of  good  Bishop  Rappe  next  prompted  him 
to  provide  for  a  class  of  unfortunates,  neglected  and  rejected  by  a 
cold,  selfish  world — the  aged  poor.  To  give  them  shelter  and 
needed  care  he  had  the  Little  Sisters  of  the  Poor  establish  a  Home 
for  them  on  Perry  street,  in  1870.  This  charitable  work  soon  met 
with  generous  support  on  the  part  of  the  citizens  of  Cleveland, 
irrespective  of  creed.    In  a  few  years  the  old  buildings  first  bought 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  89 

had  to  be  enlarged  and  in  part  replaced  by  others  more  commo- 
dious and  better  adapted,  so  large  was  the  number  of  applicants. 

Following  is  the  latest  official  communication  published  by 
Bishop  Rappe  to  his  clergy.  It  appeared  in  the  Catholic  Telegraph 
of  July  28,  1869  : 

"An  ecclesiastical  retreat  will  be  opened  in  our  seminary  of 
Cleveland,  on  the  evening  of  the  ICth  of  August,  and  will  close 
on  the  23d  of  the  same  month.  As  our  seminary  has  not  sufficient 
accommodation  for  all  the  priests  of  our  diocese  we  invite,  first, 
the  clergymen  who  did  not  enjoy  the  blessing  of  the  retreat  last 
year.  Should  a  few  rooms  remain  free  they  will  be  given  to  those 
who  made  their  retreat  last  year.  Let  them  apply  as  soon  as 
possible. 

The  reverend  clergy  coming  to  the  retreat  are  requested  to 
bring  along  cassock,  beretta,  etc.  f  AMADEUS, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland." 

In  concluding  this  record  of  Bishop  Rappe's  eventful  admin- 
istration, the  following  account  is  given  of  the  origin  and  develop- 
ment of  his  long  years  of  trouble,  which  led  eventually  to  his 
resignation.  The  origin  of  his  trouble  was  in  part  due  to  the 
question  of  Nationality,  which  was  pressed  beyond  its  legitimate 
sphere  during  his  administration,  and  ended,  as  necessarily  it  had 
to  end,  in  consequences  dire  to  religion,  to  charity,  and  to  the 
peace  of  the  diocese. 

Although  of  French  birth,  Bishop  Rappe  was  intensely 
American  in  spirit,  and  from  the  beginning  of  his  administration 
showed  that  spirit.  His  well-meant  desire  was  to  Americanize  his 
diocese,  and  make  the  English  language  that  of  his  diocesans.  In 
attempting  this,  he  antagonized  the  Germans  in  Cleveland,  as  far 
back  as  1852,  and  for  the  same  reason  he  gave  more  or  less  offense 
to  the  Germans  throughout  the  diocese,  during  his  entire  adminis- 
tration. In  1857,  the  opposition  of  the  Bishop  to  the  Germans 
reached  its  climax,  when  he  refused  the  Catholics  of  that  nation- 
ality, at  Fremont,  permission  to  organize  as  a  separate  congrega- 
tion, and  to  erect  a  church  in  which  their  native  tongue  should  be 
spoken.  By  his  refusal  he  aroused  the  indignation  of  the  Germans 
throughout  the  diocese,  as  they  sympathized  with  their  brethren 
and  countrymen  at  Fremont,  who  in  the  face  of  the  Bishop's 
refusal  built  the  desired  church.  In  this  they  were  encouraged  by 
the  celebrated  Jesuit  missionary.  Father  Weninger.     \^ery  soon 


90  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

after  this  regrettable  episode.  Bishop  Rappe  recognized,  to  his 
sorrow,  that  it  was  unwise  to  force  the  language  question  on  the 
Germans,  and  so  he  dropped  it. 

Bishop  Rappe  found  it  difificult  to  meet  the  expenses  of  his 
first  Cathedral  congregation,  in  old  St.  Mary's  church,  and  later 
in  St.  John's  Cathedral,  as  many  of  the  parishioners  did  not  con- 
tribute their  fair  share  towards  the  support  of  the  church.  He 
therefore  directed  that  the  sum  of  ten  cents  be  collected  from  every 
adult,  at  the  church  door,  before  Mass  on  Sundays  and  Holydays 
of  obligation.  To  this  also  the  Germans  strenuously  objected. 
Finally  Father  Weninger,  above  mentioned,  brought  the  matter 
to  the  attention  of  the  authorities  at  Rome,  who  then  directed  the 
Bishop  to  abolish  that  regulation,  so  offensive  to  the  Germans, 
and,  in  fact,  to  all. 

About  1865  complaint  was  made  that  Bishop  Rappe  favored 
the  German  and  French  speaking  priests  to  the  prejudice  of  the 
Irish  priests;  also  that  he  had  an  undue  proportion  of  German 
students  in  the  diocesan  seminary,  which  it  was  claimed  was  not 
fairly  supported  by  the  German  element  of  the  diocese,  although 
they  were  unduly  favored.  The  principal  complaint,  however,  was 
that  some  French  priests  had  charge  of  English  congregations. 
The  demand  was  very  pronounced  on  the  part  of  the  English- 
speaking  priests,  that  no  one  should  be  appointed  pastor  of  a  con- 
gregation, unless  his  "vernacular"  was  that  of  his  pastoral  charge. 
At  the  Synod  held  in  1868  Bishop  Rappe  explained  why  he  had 
more  German  students  than  those  of  other  nationalities,  giving  as 
one  reason  that  many  rural  congregations  were  either  entirely 
German,  or  composed  of  members  speaking  English  or  German; 
that  the  German  priests  spoke  both  languages,  though  they  spoke 
the  English  imperfectly  in  many  cases,  and  that  they  could  and 
did  serve  their  people  better  than  could  those  who  spoke  but  one 
language. 

At  the  same  Synod  (1868)  Bishop  Rappe  imposed,  by 
Diocesan  Statute,  sixty  cents  per  family  for  the  support  of  the 
Seminary.  This  he  did  with  the  approval  of  the  majority  of  the 
priests  present  at  that  Synod.  The  assessment,  thus  levied,  was 
soon  openly  opposed  by  a  number  of  priests,  who  based  their 
opposition,   partly  on   the  ground   that   they   were   unwilling   to 


IN    THE    DIOCESK    OF    CLEVELAND.  91 

support  a  "German  Seminary,"  and  partly  because  of  the  dislike 
they  had  for  the  Rector  of  the  Seminary.  In  consequence  of  this 
opposition  the  Bishop  felt  himself  obliged  to  enforce  the  above 
mentioned  Statute,  by  removing  several  priests  from  prominent 
charges  to  places  of  less  consequence.  This  action  disturbed  the 
peace  of  the  diocese,  and  increased  the  opposition  already  existing 
against  the  Bishop. 

About  the  year  1869  Bishop  Rappe's  troubles  assumed 
another  form.  In  1868  he  had  appointed  as  Rector  of  the 
diocesan  Seminary,  the  Rev.  Dr.  James  Stremler,  of  the  Quebec 
(Laval)  University.  He  was  a  learned,  pious  priest,  but  very  set  in 
his  manners,  and  thus  soon  made  himself  obnoxious  to  most  of  the 
diocesan  clergy.  Dr.  Stremler  was  a  thorough  Frenchman  in 
feeling,  and  soon  showed  antipathy  towards  students  of  Irish  birth 
or  descent.  He  even  went  so  far  as  to  dismiss  quite  a  number  of 
them  in  1869.  Against  this  the  priests  of  the  same  nationality 
justly  protested,  but  the  Bishop  failed  to  heed  their  protest.  This 
naturally  aroused  bitter  feeling  and  brought  the  opposition  against 
him  to  a  climax.  Charges,  based  on  shadows,  and  possibly  on 
want  of  prudence,  were  made  against  his  character.  These  accusa- 
tions were  taken  to  Rome  by  the  Rev.  Eugene  M.  O'Callaghan, 
for  the  purpose  of  personal  prosecution  by  him — in  1870,  while 
Bishop  Rappe  was  there,  attending  the  Vatican  Council.  When 
the  Bishop  was  confronted  with  the  charges  he  at  once  pronounced 
them  false  and  calumnious.  More  than  surprised,  he  was  dazed 
and  overwhelmed  by  them,  and  was  wholly  defenseless,  as  he  had 
not  at  hand  the  means  to  refute  them.  Their  refutation  would 
have  forced  him  to  return  to  his  diocese  and  to  give  undue 
publicity  to  this  unwarranted  assault  upon  his  character.  He 
would  have  been  obliged  to  explain  in  detail  the  nature  of  the 
charges  to  persons  who,  though  they  made  affidavit*  to  their 
truth,  were  ignorant  of  their  real  import,  and  thus  unwittingly  did 
their  Bishop  untold  injury.  Rather  than  face  those  humiliations, 
prejudicial  as  it  would  have  been  to  religion  and  a  scandal  to  souls, 

*Some  of  the  persons  who  made  the  original  charges  against  Bishop  Rappe,  made 
aflBdavit  shortly  after  his  resignation,  that  they  did  not  know  the  natuie  of  the  charges 
they  had  been  asked  to  make  against  him;  and  now  asserted  that  they  knew  nothing 
against  his  character.  Their  counter-affidavits  were  in  the  possession  of  an  attorney, 
from  whose  office  they  mysteriously  disappeared.  Most  of  these  counter-affidavits  were, 
however,  replaced  by  the  affiants  who  had  made  them,  and  are  now  on  file  in  the  Dio- 
cesan archives. 


92  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

to  do  so.  the  g^ood  Bishop  saw  fit  to  let  his  adversaries  have  the 
field  against  him — for  better,  or  worse!  The  Prefect  of  the 
Propaganda.  Cardinal  Simeoni.  never  doubted  the  Bishop's  inno- 
cence. Before  God  the  Bishop,  himself,  knew  he  was  innocent ; 
and  public  opinion  has  long  since  pronounced  its  verdict  in  his 
favor.  His  accusers  must  settle  the  affair,  as  some  have  already 
done,  with  their  consciences  and  God — the  writer  makes  no  accusa- 
tions. Finding  himself  so  little  appreciated,  even  by  those  whom 
he  had  favored  most,  he  concluded  to  resign  the  responsible  office 
of  bishop,  whose  onerous  duties  he  had  discharged  conscientiously 
and  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  for  twenty-three  years,  amid  trials, 
difficulties  and  worry  known  only  to  God.  Where  others  would 
have  met  and  withstood  the  enemy,  he  thought  it  best  to  lay  down 
crosier  and  miter,  and  thus  secure  peace  in  the  evening  of  his  life. 
This  he  believed  himself  all  the  more  constrained  to  do,  as  in  his 
advanced  age,  sixty-eight  years,  he  felt  himself  physically  unable 
to  properly  administer  his  large  and  rapidly  growing  diocese.  The 
Holy  See  accepted  his  resignation,  which  took  effect  on 
August  22,  1870.  A  more  detailed  account  of  this  sad  chapter  in 
Bishop  Rappe's  life  will  be  found  in  his  biographical  sketch. 

Shortly  after  his  resignation  he  retired  to  the  diocese  of 
Burlington,  Vt.,  where  he  resumed  missionary  work,  with  which 
he  was  so  familiar,  and  for  which  he  was  so  eminently  fitted  by 
nature  and  divine  calHng.  In  poverty,  chastity,  humility  and  self- 
denial  he  began  his  career  in  this  country  as  a  missionary;  and 
clothed  in  these  same  virtues  he  ended  it  thus  beautifully  in  death, 
when  the  summons  came  to  him  on  September  8,  1877. 


The  Very  Rev.  Edward  Hannin  was  appointed  by  the  Most 
Rev.  Archbishop  Purcell  Administrator  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleve- 
land, within  a  few  days  after  Bishop  Rappe's  resignation.  At 
that  time  Father  Hannin  was  pastor  of  St.  Patrick's  church, 
Toledo,  which  position  he  retained  meanwhile.  During  his 
administratorship  of  the  diocese  ten  churches  were  built  and  as 
many  congregations  and  missions  established. 

One  of  Father  Hannin's  first  administrative  acts  was  to  fill 
the  vacancy  in  the  rectorship  of  the  diocesan  Seminary,  by  the 
appointment,  in  September,  1870,  of  the  Rev.  Nicholas  A.  Moes, 
who  has  ever  since  ably  filled  that  responsible  and  important  office. 


ST.  JOHN'S    PASTORAL   AND    TEACHERS'    RESIDEXCES,  GLAXDORF 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  93 

He  also  invited  bishops  of  neighboring  dioceses  for  ordina- 
tions in  the  Seminary.  Among  them  was  the  Rt.  Rev.  John  H. 
Luers,  Bishop  of  Fort  Wayne.  On  June  29,  1871,  this  worthy 
prelate  conferred  Holy  Orders  in  the  Seminary  chapel.  After  the 
ceremony  he  started  for  the  Union  depot,  preferring  to  walk 
rather  than  take  the  carriage  which  had  been  placed  at  his  service. 
Reaching  the  corner  of  St.  Clair  and  Bond  streets,  he  fell  to  the 
pavement,  stricken  with  apoplexy.  Unconscious,  he  was  carried 
to  the  Bishop's  house,  near  by,  where  he  expired  a  few  minutes 
later,  after  having  received  Extreme  Unction. 

Shortly  after  Bishop  Rappe  left  the  diocese  a  series  of  letters* 
appeared,  between  September  and  December,  1870,  in  the  Cleve- 
land papers,  notably  in  the  Leader,  some  attacking,  others  defend- 
ing the  Bishop.  Of  the  former,  many  were  shameless  in  concep- 
tion and  vile  in  language.  Nearly  all  were  unsigned.  One  com- 
munication, however,  and  the  worst  of  the  series,  bore  the  name  of 
the  writer.  It  appeared  in  the  Leader,  on  October  3,  1870.  In 
charity,  only  the  initials  of  his  name  are  here  given,  viz.,  J.  P.  C. 
His  letter  aroused  a  storm  of  indignation  among  the  many  friends 
of  Bishop  Rappe.  Protestants,  as  well  as  Catholics.  Even  the 
Editors  of  the  anti-Catholic  Leader  and  Herald  came  to  the 
Bishop's  defense,  branding  the  letter  as  infamous,  and  the  charges 
of  his  enemies  as  false.  Father  Hannin,  hoping  to  quiet  the  news- 
paper turmoil,  and  to  put  Bishop  Rappe  in  a  proper  light, 
published  a  dignified  letter  in  the  Leader,  of  October  5,  1870.  It 
had  not  the  desired  effect,  however,  as  the  series  of  letters  above 
mentioned  continued  to  appear  for  some  months  longer.  Follow- 
ing is  the  full  text  of  Father  Hannin's  letter: 

To  the  Editor  of  the  Leader: 

Within  the  past  few  days  several  articles  appeared  in  your 
and  other  city  papers,  misrepresenting  certain  parties,  and  placing 
them  in  a  wrong  light  before  the  public.  I  was  absent  from  the 
city  when  these  articles  appeared,  and  therefore  could  not  reply. 
For  the  sake  of  the  parties  concerned,  and  the  proper  understand- 
ing of  matters  I  will  do  so  now. 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  object  of  your  correspondents 
in  bringing  these  matters  before  the  public,  they  have  certainly 
exceeded  the  limits  of  their  information,  as  facts  do  not  sustain 
or  justify  them  in  making  the  statements  these  articles  contain. 

*The  certified  copies  of  all  the  letters  as  published,  are  on  file  in  the  Diocesan  archives. 


94  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Certain  priests  of  this  diocese,  it  is  true,  at  the  synod  referred 
to,  raised  an  objection  to  the  reception  of  students  from  France 
and  Germany,  not  on  the  ground  of  nationaUty,  as  your  corres- 
pondent would  have  us  believe,  but  because  they  supposed  this 
practice  at  variance  with  the  interests  of  the  Catholic  religion  in 
this  country.  For,  to  my  personal  knowledge,  they  made  the 
same  objection  to  students  coming  from  Ireland,  alleging  as  a 
reason  that  young  men  brought  up  in  Europe  are  more  or  less 
imbued  with  European  ideas,  and  that  in  all  cases  it  might  not  be 
easy  for  them  to  acquire  a  proper  American  spirit,  which  is  the 
wish  and  desire  of  the  Catholic  church  in  this  country.  I  had  no 
part  in  presenting  the  petition,  but  this  I  know  to  be  the  spirit  that 
moved  it.  The  priests  who  signed  and  presented  it  felt,  as  a  great 
portion  of  the  Catholic  clergy  in  this  country  do  feel,  the  opinion 
prevalent  in  many  parts  of  this  country,  "that  the  Catholic  church 
is  a  foreign  church,"  that  much  of  the  hostility  to  it  is  founded  on 
the  fact  that  a  majority  of  its  priests  are  of  foreign  birth,  and  that 
the  only  way  to  remove  this  false  impression  is  to  do  away  with 
the  practice  of  receiving  students  from  abroad  and  educating  only 
those  born  in  America.  Why  Bishop  Rappe  did  not  acquiesce  in 
the  sentiments  of  the  petitioners,  I  know  not.  I  never  took  the 
pains  to  learn.  Nationality  is  a  hobby  on  which  I  have  not  and 
will  not  torture  my  brains.  I  only  know  that  he  had  the  interest 
of  religion  at  heart  and  that  he  did  all  in  his  power  to  promote  it. 

Your  correspondent  or  informant,  in  speaking  of  Archbishop 
Purcell  in  connection  with  these  matters,  has  transgressed  or 
overstepped  the  bounds  of  propriety,  and  does  that  learned  and 
venerable  prelate  great  injustice.  He  has  always  been  a  friend 
and  admirer  of  Bishop  Rappe,  no  matter  what  others  may  say  to 
the  contrary.  Only  a  short  time  ago  he  sent  a  note  to  the  Arch- 
bishop, thanking  him  in  warm  terms  for  services  rendered  him. 
Indeed,  that  venerable  prelate's  whole  history  is  one  record  of 
facts  that  would  stamp  with  falsehood  any  assertion  that  would 
make  him  a  party  to  proceedings  such  as  your  correspondent 
mentions.  His  mind,  as  every  one  acquainted  with  him  knows,  is 
too  great  and  noble  to  have  its  thoughts  fettered  by  the  narrow 
limits  of  nationality. 

Thus  far  I  have  impartially  dwelt  on  those  subjects,  the 
appearance  of  which  in  the  public  press  must  have  occasioned  no 
little  surprise  and,  I  fear,  not  a  little  scandal.  And  the  spirit  of 
those  articles  is  such  that  your  readers  can  see  for  what  purpose 
they  were  written.  Not  to  instruct  the  public;  not  to  benefit  the 
parties  mentioned,  but  to  give  vent  to  and  gratify  the  anger  of 
those  who  wrote  them. 

The  same  is  true  of  those  remarks  that  have  been  made  of 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  95 

Bishop  Rappe.  The  least  proof  of  the  appreciation  of  his  services 
that  a  great  and  good  man  could  expect  when  retiring  from  the 
scene  of  his  labors,  is  to  allow  him  to  retire  in  silence  and  not  make 
him  the  subject  of  criticism  in  the  public  press.  That  Bishop 
Rappe  has  been  a  great  and  good  man,  every  city,  town  and 
village  in  Northern  Ohio  will  confess.  His  labors  in  this  section  of 
the  State,  for  nearly  a  quarter  of  a  century,  have  been  almost  with- 
out a  parallel — teaching  much  by  words,  but  more  by  example; 
and,  if  those  persons  who  now  so  unbecomingly  use  his  name  in 
the  public  press,  will  only  follow  his  advice  and  example,  in  calling 
themselves  ''Honest"  or  "Unassuming"  Catholics  they  will  not 
deem  it  prudent  to  conceal  their  names  from  the  public,  for  every 
one  will  be  prepared  to  award  them  the  title.  And  the  clergymen 
who  will  have  labored  in  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord  as  faithfully  as 
he  has  done,  can  pass  over  in  silence,  even  without  an  expression 
of  pain,  a  dart  of  criticism,  when  sent  even  by  a  cleric,  from  a 
remote  part  of  the  State.  E.  HANNIN, 

Administrator  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 

In  the  early  part  of  1871,  the  Rev.  James  Monahan,  then 
pastor  of  St.  Bridget's  church,  Cleveland,  made  preparations  for 
the  erection  of  a  new  church.  In  fact,  the  work  of  excavation  was 
already  begun,  but  without  the  required  authorization  of  the 
Very  Rev.  Edward  Hannin,  the  Administrator  of  the  Diocese. 
Although  Father  Hannin  forbade  the  work  to  go  on,  no  heed  was 
paid  to  the  prohibition.  He  then  invoked  the  aid  of  the  Civil 
court  and  obtained  a  restraining  order  to  hold  in  effect  until  the 
injunction  suit  was  heard  in  the  Common  Pleas  Court,  before 
Judge  R.  F.  Paine,  in  June,  1871,  Attorney  Thomas  H.  Robinson 
appearing  for  the  plaintifif,  and  Attorney  Edward  M.  Brown,  for 
the  defendants.  The  Rev.  Eugene  M.  O'Callaghan's  testimony, 
(in  the  form  of  an  afifidavit),  as  an  expert  witness  in  Canon  law, 
was  given  in  behalf  of  the  defendants.  On  July  3,  1871,  Judge 
Paine  gave  his  decision  against  Father  Hannin,  who  appealed  the 
case  to  the  Circuit  Court.  Meanwhile,  however,  in  May,  of  the 
same  year,  he  had  removed  Father  Monahan  from  St.  Bridget's 
and  appointed  as  his  successor  the  Rev.  Bernard  B.  Kelley.  The 
appealed  case  was  not  tried,  and  although  in  its  original  form  it 
had  caused  not  a  little  scandal,  it  was  finally  dropped. 

The  following  self-explanatory  communication,  relative  to  the 
above  mentioned  case,  from  the  V.  Rev.  Edward  Hannin,  Ad- 
ministrator of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland,  was  originally  published 


96  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

in  ihc  ClczcUiiui  llctahi  of  July   12.    1.^71.  and  repiiblislied  in  the 
Catholic  Telegraph  of  July  27,  1S71  : 

Editors  Herald: — Much  has  of  late  appeared  in  the  public 
press  relative  to  my  action  with  St.  Bridget's  congregation  of  this 
city.  ( )f  this  scarcely  any  portion  went  to  show  the  true  causes  of 
that  action,  the  whole  tending  to  misrepresent  me,  and  nothing, 
probably  more  so,  than  the  editorial  in  the  Herald  of  yesterday 
morning. 

To  say,  or  insinuate,  that  Catholic  bishops  are  opposed  to 
any  improvements  that  their  congregations  are  willing  and  able  to 
make,  is  to  say  what  is  not  true.  The  history  of  the  Church,  and 
the  many  splendid  edifices  that  have  been  built  in  this  country. 
not  only  with  their  sanction  and  approval,  but  also  by  their  per- 
sonal efforts  and  sacrifices,  is  a  flat  denial  of  such  assertions.  But 
while  anxious  to  see  splendid  churches  erected  by  every  congrega- 
tion that  can  afford  them,  they  are  at  the  same  time  unwilling 
that  these  should  be  on  a  scale  so  extensive  as  to  be  beyond  their 
means;  they  are  unwilling  that  buildings  should  be  commenced 
that  could  not  be  finished,  or,  if  finished,  would  be  loaded  with 
such  a  debt  that  the  congregation  could  not  pay. 

Such  buildings  have  from  time  to  time  been  commenced  in 
many  parts  of  this  country.  Over-zealous  priests  and  congrega- 
tions, in  trying  to  compete  with  or  outdo  more  numerous  and 
wealthy  congregations,  commenced  large  and  expensive  churches, 
much  beyond  their  requirements.  Finding,  after  a  year  or  two, 
that  contributions,  heavier  and  more  frequent  than  at  first  antici- 
pated, were  required  and  demanded,  they  became  weary  of  the 
undertaking,  and,  either  partly  finished,  or  loaded  with  debt, 
shifted  the  responsibility  on  the  Ordinary,  leaving  him  to  finish 
the  church  or  pay  its  debts,  or  neither,  as  he  might  think  best. 
Cases  of  this  kind  were  so  frequent  and  so  embarrassed  those 
charged  with  the  care  of  church  property,  that  a  few  years  ago,  in 
the  Provincial  Council  of  Cincinnati,  and  later  in  the  Plenary 
Council  of  Baltimore,  a  law  w^as  made  by  the  Bishops  of  the 
United  States  obliging  pastors  and  congregations  to  have  the 
written  permission  of  the  Ordinary  before  commencing  to  build 
an  edifice  on  property  belonging  to  the  Church.  Not  that  they 
w^ould  thereby  deprive  the  people  of  the  privilege  of  building  a 
church  as  large  and  as  beautiful  as  they  desired,  but  to  guard 
them  against  the  possibility  of  being  led,  by  an  imprudent,  rash  or 
over-zealous  few^  into  an  undertaking  that  they  would  be  unable 
to  finish,  or  load  them  with  debts  they  would  be  unable  to  pay. 
This  rule  is  a  part  of  the  discipline  of  the  Catholic  Church.  The 
Catholic  Church  is  a  Society,  and  every  sensible  man  will  maintain 
that  as  long  as  we  belong  to  a  Society  we  ought  to  observe  its 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  97 

rules.  This  rule,  in  its  particular  sense,  applies  to  St.  Bridget's 
congregation,  or,  rather,  to  that  portion  of  it,  the  five  or  six,  who 
are  so  anxious  to  build  the  church  referred  to.  A  committee  was 
appointed.  Plans  and  specifications  of  a  church  were  drawn  up, 
which,  it  was  told  to  the  committee,  and  to  tlie  committee  only, 
not  to  the  congregation,  would  cost  only  tliirty-four  thousand 
dollars  ($34,000),  but  which,  in  truth,  would  cost  more  than  fifty 
thousand  dollars  ($50,000).  The  truth  of  this  is  clear  from  the 
contracts  made  for  a  part  of  the  work.  The  amount  to  be  paid  for 
inclosing  the  church  was  twenty-nine  thousand  dollars,  and  every 
one  experienced  in  building  knows  the  inclosing  of  a  church  does 
not  include  windows,  plastering,  the  interior  finish,  or  the 
finishing  of  the  spire.  It  therefore  is  little  more  than  half  the 
work,  and  hence  the  estimate  I  give  is  correct. 

Let  us  now  see  who  were  to  pay  for  this  large  and  expensive 
building,  and  what  preparations  were  made  to  meet  the  demands 
that  it  would  necessarily  create.  The  parish  is  composed  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty,  or,  at  most,  one  hundred  and  fifty  families, 
and  by  far  the  greater  number  of  them  depending  on  their  daily 
labor  for  support.  To  meet  this  large  expense  only  six  thousand 
one  hundred  dollars  ($6,100),  to  be  paid  in  two  seasons,  were  sub- 
scribed ;  while  in  the  treasury  of  the  church  there  was  not  more 
than  one  hundred  dollars  ($100),  that  is,  if  the  demands  on  the 
congregation,  which  should  have  been  met  before,  had  been  paid. 
This  subscription  and  the  amount  paid  in,  when  compared  with 
the  cost  of  the  intended  building,  shows  there  was  a  misunder- 
standing somewhere,  and  that  something  was  concealed  which 
should  have  been  made  known. 

Another  point  connected  with  the  afTair,  and  what,  no  doubt, 
helps  the  gentlemen's  "zeal"  to  have  the  work  go  on,  is,  that  the 
leading  men  in  the  building  committee  became  the  contractors, 
and  that  at  prices  much  higher  than  those  for  which  other  parties 
equally  responsible  proposed  to  do  the  work.  For  this  statement 
I  have  the  sworn  afifidavits  of  one  or  two  of  the  building  com- 
mittee who  are  conversant  with  the  facts.  And  these  are  the  men, 
and  not  the  congregation,  who  have  created  this  trouble,  and 
those  whose  liberal  views  are  so  much  extolled  in  the  public  press. 
In  nearly  all  municipal  laws  there  are  special  statutes  prohibiting 
those  intrusted  with  the  care  of  afifairs  from  becoming  contractors 
in  such  matters,  and,  if  I  mistake  not,  punishing  them  with  fine  if 
they  do.  It  does  not,  then,  sound  well  for  the  leading  members 
of  a  building  committee  to  become  contractors  themselves,  and 
that  for  prices  much  greater  than  those  for  which  other  parties 
equally  responsible  proposed  to  do  the  work.  I  did  not  therefore 
prohibit  the  congregation  from  building  any  church  edifice  which 


t)S  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

their  means,  as  shown  to  nic.  would  justify  them  to  commence; 
neither  did  I  ever  prescribe  the  style  of  architecture,  nor  would  I, 
as  1  wish  every  cong"re,c:ation  in  this  matter  to  be  free;  and  any 
statements  to  the  contrary  are  false,  and  were  made  for  the 
purpose  of  misrepresenting  me.  and  placing  me  in  a  wrong  light 
before  the  public.  I  only,  for  reasons  above  stated,  told  the  con- 
gregation, or  rather  the  few  who  were  so  anxious  to  build  the 
church  in  question,  that  they  should  commence  a  less  expensive 
one.  or  wait  until  they  could  show  by  the  amount  of  money  raised 
that  they  were  able  to  put  up  the  building  they  had  in  contempla- 
tion. But  what  added  to  the  folly,  and  therefore  made  it  still 
greater,  is  that  before  commencing  the  new  church  one-half  of 
the  old  had  to  be  torn  dowai  to  make  room  for  the  new  one,  leaving 
only  a  portion  of  it,  40  x  35,  standing,  and  this  portion,  with  an 
entrance  only  from  a  filthy  alley  sixteen  feet  wide,  is  the  only 
place  of  W'Orship  the  congregation  would  have  during  the  many 
vears  it  would  take  to  build  the  new  church. 

The  statement  that  they  had  the  permission  of  Bishop  Rappe 
is  also  untrue.  Bishop  Rappe  left  for  Rome  to  attend  the  Council 
in  October,  1869,  fully  eighteen  months  before  the  plans  of  the 
new  church  were  made.  The  fact  is,  Bishop  Rappe  never  gave 
permission  to  build  the  church  in  question.  He  knew,  as  all  knew, 
that  a  church  was  wanted,  but  a  "need"  never  justifies  an 
"extreme."  The  fact  of  not  having  a  suitable  church  did  not 
justify  the  commencement  of  a  church  that  could  not  be  built ;  and 
Bishop  Rappe  is  a  man  of  too  much  practical  sense  to  indulge  in 
visionary  projects.  It  is  equally  true  that  my  permission  was  never 
given.  The  first  I  knew  of  the  building  was  when  by  chance  I 
went  on  the  ground  on  the  iTth  or  18th  of  March,  nearly  one 
month  after  the  contracts  were  made.  There  were  then  no  build- 
ing materials  on  the  grounds,  neither  were  there  for  two  weeks 
after.  A  meeting  of  the  congregation  was  called  on  the  day 
following.  I  explained  to  them  the  work  they  were  about  to 
commence,  the  years  and  amounts  of  money  it  would  take  to 
accomplish  it,  amounts  from  their  number  and  circumstances  they 
would  not  be  able  to  meet,  and  as  a  necessary  consequence  the 
loss  of  the  church  property  would  be  the  result.  This  was  the 
first  time  the  congregation  learned  the  true  state  of  affairs,  for 
before  that  time  it  was  not  made  known  to  them  what  the  church 
would  cost.  On  receiving  this  information  they  expressed  a 
strong  opposition  to  the  commencement  or  prosecution  of  the 
work,  and  all,  with  the  exception  of  five  or  six  above  referred  to, 
are  pleased  with  the  turn  events  have  taken,  looking  on  it  as  for 
their  benefit  and  protecting  their  interests,  so  much  so  that  there 
is  not  in  the  diocese  a  people  better  reconciled  than   those   of 


1S>  •*?•'-''  ■  ■^v.j^^e'ga- V 


ST.      BERNARD'S      SCHOOL.      AKRON. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  99 

St.  Bridget's  parish.  The  statement,  therefore,  that  St.  Bridget's 
congregation  is  creating  this  trouble,  or  that  I  am  at  variance  with 
it,  is  utterly  untrue.  It  is  only  five  or  six  of  its  members  that  are 
displeased,  and  this  displeasure  arises  from  the  causes  I  have 
assigned.  E.  HANNIN, 

Administrator  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 

The  following  editorial  was  published  in  the  Catholic 
Telegraph  of  February  22,  1872,  in  reference  to  the  Rev.  E.  M. 
O'Callaghan's  subjoined  card  of  retraction  for  the  part  he  had 
taken  in  the  case  of  St.  Bridget's  church,  Cleveland,  as  explained 
in  Father  Hannin's  letter  above  quoted : 

"IT  IS  HUMAN  TO  ERR." 

"We  have  had,  months  past,  to  allude  in  this  paper  to  the 
action  of  the  V.  Rev.  Administrator  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland, 
in  preventing  the  demolition  of  St.  Bridget's  church,  in  that  city 
and  the  erection  of  another  on  the  same  site,  when  it  was  evident 
to  him,  on  most  mature  reflection  and  consultation  with  compe- 
tent advisers,  that  the  undertaking  was  beyond  the  means  of  the 
congregation.  On  this  occasion  the  Administrator,  who  had ' 
nothing  in  view  but  the  good  of  the  congregation,  was  unexpect- 
edly and  unwisely  opposed  by  persons  who  had  no  responsibility 
to  incur  in  the  inevitable  result  of  the  failure  of  the  enterprise. 
That  opposition  is  now  regretted,  and  the  following  reparation  of 
the  fault  submitted  to  the  public.  We  trust  that  three  or  four 
clergymen,  who  shared  in  the  fault,  will  participate  in  the  honor- 
able expiation." 

"Cincinnati,  February  22,  1872. 
"Editors  Catholic  Telegraph : 

"Dear  Sirs : — As  your  journal  is  the  organ  of  the  Archdiocese 
of  this  Ecclesiastical  Province,  I  desire  that  the  following  com- 
munication from  me  should  be  published  in  it.  I  desire  this  the 
more  earnestly,  and  without  loss  of  time,  so  that  any  scandal  I  may 
have  occasioned  may  be  corrected,  at  least  as  far  as  is  in  my  power. 

"In  an  affidavit  made  by  me,  on  or  about  the  5th  of  June, 
1871,  relative  to  the  affair  of  St.  Bridget's  congregation,  of 
Cleveland,  Ohio,  the  Very  Rev.  E.  Hannin  being  Administrator  of 
the  Diocese  of  Cleveland,  I  made  many  statements  relative  to 
church  authority,  and  the  powers  and  duties  of  bishops  and 
administrators,  which  I  then  believed  to  be  correct,  and  which  I 
made  in  good  faith,  but  which  being  submitted  to  an  ecclesiastical 
tribunal,  according  to  the  direction  of  the  Holy  See,  I  now  know 
and  believe  to  be  false,  and  the  tendency  of  which  is  injurious  to 


100  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

reli|?ion ;  and  I  hereby  fully  and  freely  retract  the  same,  and  desire 
that  this  retraction  be  made  public. 

"I  further  desire  to  say  that  I  never  intended  or  desired  that 
my  affidavit  should  appear  in  the  public  press,  and  I  declare  that 
it  was  published  without  mv  knowledge  or  consent. 

(REV.)  E.  M.  O'CALLAGHAN." 


From  the  above  account  it  will  be  readily  seen  that  Father 
Hannin's  administration  w'as  anything  but  peaceful,  or  what  the 
good  of  religion  demanded.  And  no  one  w^as  better  pleased  than 
he  when,  by  the  advent  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  in  April,  1872,  he  was 
relieved  of  his  responsible  position,  and  of  the  onerous  duties 
connected  with  the  administratorship  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  101 


CHAPTER  III 

THE  RT.  REV.  BISHOP  GILMOUR'S  ADMINISTRATION. 

1872—1891 

THE  RT.  REV.  RICHARD  GILMOUR  CONSECRATED  SECOND  BISHOP  OF  CLEVE- 
LAND, APRIL  14,  1872— CONVOKED  FIFTH  DIOCESAN  SYNOD  IN  1872— FULL 
TEXT  OF  HIS  FIRST  PASTORAL  LETTER,  PUBLISHED  FEBRUARY  26,  1S73— 
CLEVELAND  LEADER  ATTACKS  PASTORAL  LETTER— BISHOP  GILMOUR 
ANSWERS  ATTACKS  ON  HIS  PASTORAL  LETTER. 

THE  Rt.  Rev.  Richard  Gilmour,  second  Bishop  of  the  Diocese 
of  Cleveland,  was  consecrated  at  Cincinnati,  on  April  14, 
1872.  Within  two  weeks  after  his  consecration  he  took 
possession  of  his  Episcopal  See. 

He  soon  found  that  the  disturbance  and  opposition  which  had 
•caused  many  a  heart-ache  to  his  predecessor.  Bishop  Rappe,  and 
which  had  made  the  administration  of  the  Very  Rev.  Father 
Hannin  anything  but  pleasant,  had  to  a  great  extent  permeated 
the  whole  diocese.  Firmness  and  judgment  were  needed  to  put  the 
■disturbed  and  disturbing  elements  to  rights.  Bishop  Gilmour  felt 
the  difficulty  of  his  position,  as  well  as  the  gravity  of  the  impending 
work,  which  lay  before  him.  At  the  very  outset  of  his  administra- 
tion he  firmly  resolved  to  "let  the  past  be  past,"  and  to  deal  with 
men  and  conditions  as  he  found  them.  In  a  word,  he  refused  to 
discuss  the  past  in  any  way,  and  determined  to  deal  only  with  the 
present.  Guided  by  this  self-imposed  rule  of  action  he  set  man- 
fully and  courageously  to  work,  putting  his  trust  in  God.  Soon 
after  his  arrival,  he  learned  that  he  had  in  the  diocese  at  large  as 
his  spiritual  subjects  a  willing,  energetic  clergy,  and  a  generous, 
well-disposed  laity,  with  an  eager  readiness  to  second  every  effort 
of  his  for  the  advancement  of  the  diocesan  interests.  Oftener  he 
had  to  repress,  rather  than  foster,  activity  in  matters  pertaining  to 
the  material  growth  of  the  diocese. 

In  November,  1872,  he  convoked  a  synod  of  his  clergy — the 
first  during  his  administration,  and  the  fifth  since  the  organization 
of  the  diocese.  In  this  synod  much  of  the  legislation  in  force  at 
present  was  enacted.    It  also  embodied  considerable  of  the  legisla- 


102  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

lation  of  the  previous  synods,  notably  that  of  18G8.  Among  the 
diocesan  laws  enacted,  were  those  urging  anew  the  necessity  of 
parochial  schools,  regulating  the  financial  affairs  of  congregations, 
assessing  congregations  for  the  support  of  seminary,  etc., 
(Diocesan  Fund),  and  for  the  support  of  sick  and  disabled  priests, 
(Infirm  Priests'  Fund).  The  latter  fund  had  been  established  some 
years  previous,  but  it  was  now  found  necessary  to  modify  and 
change  many  of  the  regulations  governing  it,  so  as  to  place  it  on  a 
firm  basis.  This  it  has  maintained  ever  since.  With  additional 
changes  made  as  needed  from  time  to  time  in  its  management, 
the  Infirm  Priests'  Fund  is  now  in  excellent  condition. 

On  February  26,  1873,  Bishop  Gilmour  published  his  first 
Pastoral  letter.  It  aroused  the  latent  bigotry  of  the  country, 
especially  of  Cleveland,  then,  and  until  within  recent  years,  a 
hot-bed  of  Puritanism  and  hatred  toward  the  Catholic  church. 
Not  that  the  Bishop  published  "doctrines  strange  and  new,"  but 
that  he  dared  to  publish  what  he  did.  And  for  doing  so  he  was 
denounced  in  unmeasured  and  bitter  language  by  pulpit  and  press. 
Even  the  cartoonists  did  not  spare  him.  Following  is  the  full  text 
of  the  famous  pastoral  letter : 

LENTEN  PASTORAL. 

RICHARD,  BY  THE  GRACE  OF  GOD  AND  THE  APPOINTMENT  OF  THE  APOS- 
TOLIC SEE,  BISHOP  OF  CLEVELAND,  TO  THE  CLERGY.  RELIGIOUS  AND 
LAITY  OF  THE  DIOCESE,  HEALTH  AND  BENEDICTION. 

Beloved  Brethren  of  the  Clergy  and  Dear  Children  of  the 
Laity:  With  much  anxiety  and  grave  apprehension  did  we,  in 
obedience  to  the  will  of  Rome,  assume  the  chief  pastorship  of  the 
Diocese  of  Cleveland.  The  responsibilities  of  the  episcopacy  on 
the  one  hand,  and  our  conscious  inability  on  the  other  were  causes 
suf^cient.  But  the  kindly  welcome  everywhere  extended  to  us, 
your  earnest  faith,  and  the  wonderful  progress  religion  has  made, 
have  tended  much  to  give  us  hope  and  rouse  our  courage.  Twenty- 
five  years  ago,  when  our  most  worthy  and  hard-working  predeces- 
sor was  appointed  first  Bishop  of  Cleveland,  there  were  but  few 
churches  and  fewer  priests,  whilst  the  Catholics  were  but  thinly 
scattered  over  the  northern  part  of  the  State.  Now  churches  are 
everywhere;  every  town  and  wayside  station  has  its  cross. 
Schools,  hospitals,  asylums,  religious  institutions,  tell  their  own 
tale,  and  mark  the  sacrifices  and  living  zeal  of  bishop  and  priest. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  103 

and  the  unbounded  liljcrality  of  the  faithful.  For  all  of  which  we 
thank  God  and  those  who  have  created  them. 

Though  much  has  been  done,  much  remains  to  be  done; 
enemies  are  everywhere.  Resistance  to  law  is  the  order  of  the 
day;  revolution  is  triumphant;  and  under  the  guise  of  progress, 
infidelity  and  disobedience  is  the  religion  of  the  hour.  Liberty, 
which  now  means  license,  disorder,  robbery,  is  in  every  one's 
mouth,  whilst  God  and  truth  are  forgotten.  The  Holy  Father  is 
a  prisoner;  the  Church  prosecuted  and  robbed,  and  her  authority 
defied.  Society  is  fast  accepting  the  old  Pagan  doctrine  that  tht 
individual  is  for  the  State,  not  the  State  for  the  individual.  Under 
the  specious  plea  of  zeal  for  education,  unless  we  make  a  bold 
stand  for  our  rights,  we  shall  soon  see  the  child  taken  from  the 
parent  and  compulsory  education  inaugurated.  Few  believe  and 
fewer  still  care  for  religion.  The  Church  cries  aloud  her  warning 
note,  but  nobody  listens ;  whilst  the  devil  goes  on  sowing  the  seeds 
of  ruin.  We  must  be  up  and  doing,  and  shoulder  to  shoulder  meet 
the  enemy.  Never  was  there  a  time  when  Catholics  needed  unity 
more,  or  when  they  had  a  more  dangerous  enemy  to  meet; 
dangerous,  because  he  comes  as  an  angel  of  light. 

If  we  hold  our  own  amid  this  universal  war  that  is  going  on, 
we  must  be  more  united.  There  must  be  less  petty  jealousies 
amongst  us,  nationalities  must  be  made  subordinate  to  religion, 
and  we  must  learn  that  we  are  Catholics  first,  and  citizens  next. 
Catholicity  does  not  bring  us  in  conflict  with  the  State,  yet  it 
teaches  that  God  is  above  man,  and  the  Church  above  the  State. 
To  the  Church  as  the  representative  of  God,  we  owe  a  spiritual 
allegiance,  yet  in  all  that  does  not  conflict  with  the  law  of  God, 
we  owe  an  unqualified  obedience  to  the  State. 

The  question  of  the  day  is  no  longer  Catholicity  and 
Protestantism,  but  Catholicity  and  rationalism  or  infidelity, 
which,  under  the  cry  of  education,  carries  on  the  war.  Educate 
the  man  and  you  make  him  good,  say  modern  reformers.  True,  but 
the  word  educate  has  two  meanings.  In  man  there  are  two  powers 
to  direct — the  mind  and  the  heart.  Forgetting  that  if  you 
educate  the  head  and  neglect  the  heart,  you  have  but  half  per- 
formed your  task,  and  that  without  religion  man  cannot  be  moral. 
The  modern  would-be-educators  give  man  intellectual  power 
indeed,  but  leave  him  without  the  moral  training  necessary  to  use 
it.  Smartness  to  them  is  everything;  goodness  nothing.  When 
you  have  developed  the  intellectual  powers,  you  have  put 
into  the  hands  of  man  a  dangerous  w-eapon,  much  like  a 
locomotive  on  a  railroad.  The  machinery  is  powerful,  the 
boiler  is  strong,  and  the  steam  at  the  proper  gauge,  and 
men  exclaim  What  power!     This  is  what  the  education  of  the 


104  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

intellect  gives — power;  power  for  evil,  power  for  good;  power  to 
destroy,  as  well  as  to  save.  Like  the  locomotive  that  genius  has 
created,  education  gives  i)ower,  but  cannot  give  skill  to  guide,  any 
more  than  genius  that  may  create,  can,  without  experience,  guide 
the  power  it  has  created.  Who  would  trust  himself  aboard  a  rail- 
road car  without  a  skilled  man  to  guide  the  power  that  is  to  draw 
it?  Yet,  to  guide  the  human  mind,  the  most  powerful  and 
intricate  of  all  machines,  men  insist  that  skill  is  not  needed,  and 
that  this  machine  can  be  run  without  a  guide. 

X'ow,  what  is  this  guide?  Religion,  says  the  Catholic  church; 
religion,  says  experience,  and  religion,  begin  to  say  wiser  men  of 
the  age.  The  Greeks  and  Romans  were  highly  educated,  but  they 
w^ere  not  moral :  what  of  morality  they  had,  came  from  their  reli- 
gion. Pagan  though  they  w-ere,  they  made  religion  part  of  their 
education,  and  the  better  to  impress  the  law^s  of  their  gods  upon 
the  citizen,  they  united  priest  and  emperor  in  the  Caesar. 

On  the  school  question  we  have  nothing  to  hope  from  the 
State,  at  present.  Yet,  we  must  not  therefore  cease  to  insist  upon 
our  rights,  and  if  needs  be,  demand  them  at  the  polls.  Were 
Catholics  alive  and  united  on  the  school  question ;  were  they  to 
demand  from  every  man  who  asks  their  vote,  a  pledge  that  he 
would  vote  for  our  just  share  of  the  school  fund,  legislatures  would 
learn  to  respect  the  Catholic  vote,  and  give  us  our  just  rights. 
Catholics  are  too  timid,  they  seem  to  go  upon  the  principle  that  if 
they  are  tolerated  they  are  doing  well.  This  is  a  mistake ;  if  we 
let  our  rights  go  by  default,  we  should  not  wonder  if  we  lose 
them.  W'e  must  be  decided  in  our  demands  and  present  a  bolder 
front  to  our  enemies.  It  is  unjust  to  so  organize  the  public  schools 
that  we  cannot  in  conscience  send  our  children  to  them,  and  then 
tax  us  for  their  support.  As  well  create  a  State  Church,  and  tax 
us  for  its  support.  The  honesty  of  the  American  mind  wdll  no 
doubt  in  time  see  this,  and  give  us  our  just  demands.  But  in 
the  meantime  what  are  we  to  do?  Fold  our  arms  and  sit  idle? 
Let  our  children  grow^  up  in  ignorance,  and  so  be  beaten  in  the 
race  of  life?  Send  them  to  the  public  schools,  w'here  not  only  their 
faith  will  be  endangered,  but  their  virtues  exposed?  No,  a 
hundred  times  no.  We  must  build  Catholic  schools  everywhere, 
and  at  whatever  cost,  support  and  lift  them  up  till  they  are  equal  to 
the  best.  It  is  our  solemn  injunction  and  most  positive  command, 
that  every  church  in  the  diocese  have  its  school.  Where  a  con- 
gregation cannot  at  once  build  both  church  and  school,  let  them 
build  the  school  house  and  wait  for  the  church.  There  is  little 
danger  of  the  old  losing  their  faith,  but  there  is  every  danger  that 
the  young  will. 

On  the  school  question  there  can  be,  and  must  be  no  divi- 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  105 

sion.  Either  we  are  Catholics  or  we  are  not?  If  we  are  CathoHcs 
we  must  leave  after  us  a  Catholic  youth.  And  experience  has 
clearly  proved  this  cannot  be  done  unless  the  children  are  early 
taught,  and  daily  taught  that  they  are  Catholics.  We  must  not 
sleep  while  our  enemies  are  working.  Nor  must  we  forget  that 
the  public  schools  are  organized  and  managed,  for,  and  in,  the 
interests  of  Protestantism. 

We  solemnly  charge  and  most  positively  require  every 
Catholic  in  the  diocese  to  support  and  send  his  children  to  a 
Catholic  school.  Where  good  Catholic  schools  exist,  and  where 
it  may  be  honestly  said,  a  child  will  get  a  fair,  common  school 
education;  if  parents,  either  through  contempt  for  the  priest  or 
disregard  for  the  laws  of  the  Church,  or  for  trifling  and  insuf^cient 
reasons,  refuse  to  send  their  children  to  a  Catholic  school,  then, 
in  such  cases,  but  in  such  cases  only,  we  authorize  confessors  to 
refuse  the  sacraments  to  such  parents  as  thus  despise  the  laws  of 
the  Church,  and  disobey  the  command  of  both  priest  and  bishop. 

Parents  sin,  who  in  their  pride  send  their  children  to  the  public 
schools,  because  they  think  it  more  genteel  to  associate  with 
Protestants  than  with  Catholics.  No  gentility  will  compensate  for 
the  danger  to  their  faith,  to  which  they  thus  expose  their  children. 
Catholics  thus  acting  have  but  little  faith,  and  if,  against  every 
warning,  they  will  persevere  in  thus  wantonly  and  unwarrantably 
exposing  their  children  to  danger,  they  will  render  themselves  un- 
worthy of  the  sacraments,  and  they  need  not  wonder  if  they  be 
denied  them.  We  cannot  serve  God  and  the  devil.  In  this  age  of 
infidelity,  when  the  world  is  at  war  with  the  church,  and  every 
hand  turned  against  us,  we  must  stand  by  our  faith,  mindful  of 
what  Christ  has  said :  "Whosoever  shall  deny  me  before  men,  I 
will  also  deny  him  before  my  Father  who  is  in  heaven." 

Let  every  church  have  a  well  organized  Sunday  school,  and, 
if  possible,  a  library  for  the  use  of  the  young.  Thank  God, 
Catholic  books  are  not  now  so  scarce  or  so  dear,  but  at  moderate 
cost  a  healthy  reading  may  be  supplied  for  home  and  school.  If 
pastors  will  draw  the  attention  of  their  flocks  to  this,  we  are  sure 
our  ever-generous  people  will  supply  the  means,  the  more  so  as 
they  and  their  children  receive  the  benefits. 

We  were  much  pleased  on  our  visitation  of  the  diocese  to  see 
the  kindly  feeling  that  almost  everywhere  existed  between  the 
priests  and  the  people,  and  the  zeal  that  animated  all  in  the  cause 
of  God.  But  we  are  pained  to  note  in  some  places  that  laymen 
failed  to  know  their  duty,  and  the  rights  of  the  priests.  There  is  a 
false  notion  amongst  some  of  our  people ;  they  assume  powers 
which  they  have  not,  and  undertake  to  do  what  they  were  never 
appointed  for. 


JOG  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Hereafter  there  are  and  will  be  no  trustees.  The  Bishop  is 
the  only  trustee  in  the  diocese,  and  in  his  name  all  property  is  held. 
Under  no  circumstances  shall  we  allow  laymen  to  hold  the  title  to 
church  property,  or  in  any  way  control  it.  Titles  to  church  prop- 
erty, whether  in  the  form  of  deeds  or  land  contracts,  shall  be  made 
directly  to  the  Bishop,  "his  heirs  and  assigns,"  without  qualification 
or  condition.  Nearly  all  the  troubles  we  have  noted  in  the  diocese 
have  arisen  from  a  failure  to  strictly  comply  with  the  orders  laid 
down  in  the  "Rules  and  regulations  for  the  administration  of  the 
temporal  affairs  of  the  Church  in  the  diocese."  We  hereby  require 
every  priest  to  have  a  copy  of  them  read,  and  explain  them  to  their 
congregations,  and  then  follow  them. 

We  have  said  there  are  no  trustees,  but,  according  to  the 
"Rules  and  Regulations"  above  quoted,  councilmen  shall  be 
elected  in  every  congregation,  whose  duty  it  w^ill  be  to  assist  the 
priest — not  govern  him.  Councilmen  must  not  forget  that  they 
are  elected  to  counsel  and  assist,  not  to  direct  or  govern  the  priest; 
that  is  the  Bishop's  business ;  nor  will  they  assume  the  right  to 
control  and  manage  the  money  matters  of  the  church  independent 
of,  or  against  the  will  of,  the  priest.  The  priest  and  councilmen 
must  be  one,  and  when  a  difference  of  opinion  arises  the  priest 
must  be  obeyed,  till  the  matter  in  dispute  can  be  referred  to  the 
Bishop,  whose  decision  is  final.  Pastors  will  carefully  explain  this 
article  to  their  congregations,  and  see  that  its  provisions  are 
carried  out. 

We  are  much  in  want  of  priests.  Many  missions  and  congre- 
gations have  but  half  attendance,  and,  in  consequence,  young  and 
old  are  growing  careless.  Thank  God  there  is  no  want  of  vocations 
to  the  priesthood.  Everywhere,  bright,  intelligent  boys  are  ready 
to  give  themselves  to  the  altar,  but  alas !  they  are  poor,  and  have 
not  the  means  necessary  to  bear  the  expense  of  the  long  and 
laborious  course  needed  to  prepare  a  priest  for  the  duties  of  his 
office. 

At  the  Synod  held  last  summer  at  the  close  of  the  Retreat  for 
the  clergy,  it  was  resolved  to  build  a  new  seminary,  better  suited  to 
the  ends  and  growing  wants  of  the  diocese,  and  at  the  same  time 
make  proper  provision  for  its  support.  For  this  purpose  it  was 
resolved  to  raise  for  the  building  of  the  new  seminary  ten  thousand 
dollars  annually  for  the  next  ten  years,  and  ten  thousand  annually 
for  its  support ;  this  sum  to  be  raised  by  a  tax  levied  upon  each 
congregation,  according  to  the  number  of  families  in  it.  It  was 
also  resolved  to  raise  a  fitting  support  for  the  Bishop;  and  for  those 
priests  whose  health  has  failed,  or  may  fail,  from  the  labors  and 
fatigues  of  the  missions ;  these  sums  to  be  raised  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  above. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  107 

Perhaps  these  sums  may  appear  large — the  more  so  as  each 
congregation  generally  finds  its  home  duties  pressing  enough. 
But,  my  beloved  brethren,  you  must  not  forget  that  nearly  every- 
thing is  just  now  in  its  beginning,  consequently  the  burden  is  so 
heavy.  Yet,  if  you  compare  the  past  with  its  limited  means  and 
what  was  done,  with  the  present,  and  its  increase  of  numbers  and 
wealth,  you  will  not  find  the  burden  so  heavy.  Besides,  the  sum 
to  be  raised  is  not  all  at  once,  but  yearly ;  so  it  will  not  be  so  heavily 
felt.  When,  therefore,  your  pastors  will  present  this  matter  to  you, 
give  of  your  means — remembering  that  others  gave  to  supply  you 
with  the  priests  that  now  minister  to  you. 

There  is  some  confusion  and  a  good  deal  of  misapprehension 
relative  to  some  of  the  societies  in  the  diocese.  Some  of  them 
claim  to  be  Catholic  societies,  simply  because  their  members  are 
Catholic,  and  they  insist  on  being  so  recognized  by  the  Church, 
claiming  all  the  privileges  usually  accorded  to  Catholic  societies; 
such  as  the  right  to  wear  their  regalia  in  the  church  and  have 
solemn  funerals  for  their  dead.  Yet,  strange  to  say,  such  societies 
organize  and  manage  their  societies  without  the  priest,  and  only 
seek  the  priest  when  they  want  to  make  a  show.  If  they  have 
claims  upon  the  priest,  the  priest  has  also  claims  upon  them;  and 
if  they  wish  the  priest  to  recognize  them,  they  must  recognize  him. 
Priest  and  Catholic  are  inseparable:  the  one  contains  and  ever 
accompanies  the  other.  So,  if  societies  claim  to  be  Catholic,  or  wish 
to  enjoy  the  privileges  usually  accorded  to  Catholic  societies;  if 
they  will  enter  the  Church  as  societies ;  wearing  their  regalia  and " 
claiming  honors  and  attention,  they  must  do  as  Catholic  societies 
do — put  a  priest  at  their  head.  If  they  ignore  the  priest,  they  need 
not  wonder  if  he  ignores  them.  Nor  is  it  enough  to  say  because, 
individually,  the  members  are  Catholic,  then  that,  collectively,  the 
society  is  Catholic.  There  is  a  vast  difference  between  a  society  of 
Catholics  and  a  Catholic  society.  The  latter  always  has  a  priest  at 
its  head,  the  former  may.  or  may  not.  There  is  no  desire  to  inter- 
fere with  the  management  of  any  society.  The  more  Catholics  are 
united  in  healthy  societies,  the  better.  The  Church  will  place  no 
obstacle  to  any  measure  that  will  unite  Catholics,  either  for  Hterary 
or  beneficial  purposes.  But  societies  cannot  be  one  day  with  the 
Church,  and  the  next  independent  of  her.  Either  as  societies  they 
are  Catholic,  or  they  are  not.  If  they  are  Catholic,  they  must  do 
as  Catholic  societies  do — put  a  priest  at  their  head ;  if  they  are  not 
Catholic  societies,  they  should  not  wonder  if  they  are  refused  the 
privileges  accorded  to  Catholic  societies. 

The  following  are  the  conditions  on  which  any  society  within 
the  diocese  will  be  permitted  to  enter  any  church  with  its  regalia 
on: 


lOS  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

1.  Their  constitution  must  l)e  approved  either  by  the  bishop 
or  priest. 

2.  Each  society  shall  place  a  priest  at  its  head  as  spiritual 
director,  and  receive  from  him  reasonable  direction. 

The  acceptance  or  rejection  of  the  above  rules  w^ill  not  inter- 
fere with  the  individual  members  of  the  societies.  To  them  the 
doors  of  the  church  are  open  as  to  all  others;  and  to  them  will  the 
priest  grant  all  the  privileges  usually  granted  to  Catholics.  But  as 
societies,  their  privileges  w'ill  depend  upon  the  acceptance  or 
rejection  of  the  above  conditions. 

There  is  much  weak  faith  and  many  loose  notions  on  the 
subject  of  marriage.  Many  of  our  Catholics  act  as  if  they  thought  it 
mattered  little  whether  they  were  married  in  or  out  of  the  Church ; 
whether  they  were  married  by  the  priest  or  the  squire,  or  whether 
they  had  God's  blessing  or  God's  curse  upon  them.  Marriage  is  a 
sacrament  instituted  by  Jesus  Christ,  through  which  the  married 
couple  receive  grace  and  blessing.  It  is  a  grievous  sin  to  get 
married  out  of  the  church ;  and  often  such  marriages  are  null  and 
void  in  the  eyes  of  the  church,  because  of  existing  impediments. 
We  most  solemnly  warn  the  faithful  everywhere  to  avoid  such 
abuses.  Seek,  dear  children,  husbands  and  wives  amongst  the 
members  of  your  own  faith;  be  published  in  your  own  church,  and 
married  by  your  own  priests,  that  thus  God  may  bless  you  and 
your  lives  be  happy.  Remember  that  a  bad  beginning  usually 
makes  a  bad  end. 

And  now,  beloved  brethren,  we  exhort  you  to  renew  within 
you  the  spirit  of  faith;  to  be  earnest,  to  be  zealous,  knowing  not 
what  the  morrow  may  bring  forth — you  must  be  always  prepared, 
for  as  a  thief  comes  in  the  night,  so  wall  God  call ;  perhaps  tonight. 

Are  you  in  sin,  repent ;  have  you  injured  another,  restore  in 
kind.  Owe  no  man  anything.  Let  your  speech  be  yea,  yea ;  nay, 
nay.  Be  pure,  be  sober;  let  no  contradiction  or  contention  be 
amongst  you.  Go  often  to  the  sacraments;  in  them  you  will  find 
life  and  salvation.  Early  train  up  your  children  in  the  ways  of 
God ;  give  them  good  example.  Be  not  as  the  sign-post  that  ever 
points  out  the  w^ay  to  others,  but  itself  w^alks  not  in  it.  Let  the 
holy  season  of  Lent  be  spent  in  prayer  and  self-denial.  Mortify 
your  passions  that  you  may  keep  them  in  subjection.  Cling  to 
your  faith ;  it  is  of  priceless  value !  so  live  by  its  teachings  that  you 
will  be  known  to  be  Catholics  by  your  virtues. 

The  peace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  vou. 

fR.  GILMOUR, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland. 

As  above  stated,  the  Bishop  was  bitterly  attacked  for  his 
pastoral  letter,  notably  by  the  anti-Catholic  Clc:'cland  Leader,  and 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  109 

by  the  Rev.  T.  P.  Forbush,  a  Cleveland  Protestant  minister.  The 
Bishop  published  in  the  daily  Cleveland  papers  several  cards  in 
defense  of  his  pastoral  letter  and  in  answer  to  his  opponents. 

To  show  the  nature  of  the  controversy  that  arose  because  of 
Bishop  Gilmour's  pastoral  letter,  the  subjoined  editorial  from  the 
Cleveland  Leader  of  February  26,  1873,  and  Bishop  Gilmour's 
reply,  also  published  in  the  same  paper,  on  March  3,  1873,  will 
serve  as  fair  samples : 

"SUPREMACY   OF  THE    POPE   IN    OHIO." 

*'The  readers  of  the  Leader  will  find  in  another  column  the 
Lenten  Pastoral  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
Diocese  of  Cleveland,  which  is  the  most  extraordinary  document 
of  the  kind  that  was  ever  isS'Ued  in  this  latitude.  It  is  pitched  in  as 
high  a  tone  of  dictation  and  supremacy  as  the  allocutions  of  the 
Pope  himself. 

"One  would  think,  in  reading  it,  that  Cleveland  is  another 
Rome,  and  that  the  temporal  power  had  been  specially  transferred 
to  the  Western  Reserve.  No  bishop,  even  in  the  most  Catholic 
country  of  Europe,  could  go  farther  than  the  bishop  of  this  diocese 
in  exalting  the  spiritual  over  the  temporal  power,  the  church 
above  the  State,  the  Pope  above  the  law.  He  says  'we  must  learn 
that  ive  arc  Catholics  first,  and  citizens  next.  Catholicity  does  not 
bring  us  in  conflict  with  the  State,  yet  it  teaches  that  God  is  above 
man  and  the  Church  ahoz'c  the  State.'  This  doctrine  is  different 
from  what  is  commonly  known  as  the  'higher  law.'  That  simply 
asserts  the  liberty  of  the  individual  conscience ;  but  this  claims 
authority  for  the  particular  religious  organization,  namely  the 
Catholic  church,  to  rule  the  consciences  of  men  and  control  their 
social  and  civil  duties  and  relations,  even  in  contravention  of  the 
civil  law.  This  doctrine  is  the  legitimate  and  logical  result  of  the 
dogma  of  Papal  infallibility,  and  makes  the  church  identical  with 
God,  and  its  authority  paramount  with  His.  It  is  but  one  step 
from  this  position  to  the  Inquisition.  All  that  is  wanting  is  pozvcr 
to  compel  uniformity,  for  Romanism,  so  expressed,  to  crush  civil  and 
religious  liberty. 

"And  the  Bishop  of  Cleveland  proposes  to  go  as  far  as  he  can 
in  this  direction,  by  turning  his  Catholic  voters  into  a  political 
enginery  for  the  purpose  of  wrenching  the  'rights'  of  the  church 
from  the  State.  This  is  his  programme  in  the  matter  of  the  public 
schools : 

"  'At  present  we  have  nothing  to  hope  from  the  State.  Yet 
we  must  not  therefore  cease  to  insist  upon  our  rights,  and  if  needs 
be,  at  the  polls  demand  them.     Were  Catholics  alive  and  united 


110  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

on  the  school  question  ;  were  they  to  demand  from  every  man  who 
asks  for  their  vote,  the  pledge  that  he  would  vote  for  our  just 
share  of  the  school  fund,  legislators  would  learn  to  respect  the 
Catholic  vote,  and  give  us  our  just  rights.  Catholics  are  too  timid, 
they  seem  to  go  upon  the  principle  that  if  they  are  tolerated  they 
are  doing  w^ll.  This  is  a  mistake;  if  we  let  our  rights  go  by 
default,  we  should  not  wonder  if  we  lose  them.  We  must  be 
decided  in  our  demands  and  present  a  bolder  front  to  our  enemies. 
It  is  unjust  to  so  organize  the  public  schools  that  we  cannot  in 
conscience  send  our  children  to  them,  and  then  tax  us  for  their 
support.  As  well  create  a  State  Church,  and  tax  us  for  its  support.' 
"This  is  a  bold  demand,  and  a  signal  of  aggression  which  the 
friends  of  our  common  school  system  will  do  well  to  heed,  for  the 
bishop's  objection  is  not  to  the  fact  that  religion,  not  Catholic,  is 
introduced  into  the  public  schools,  but  to  the  fact  that  such 
schools  are  not  under  the  direction  and  teaching  of  his  church. 
It  is  the  system  of  secular  education,  under  the  care  of  the  State 
and  not  of  the  priest,  which  he  denounces.  If  the  Bible  was  never 
read  or  the  Lord's  prayer  repeated,  his  anathema  would  fall  just 
as  heavily  on  all  Catholics  who  should  send  their  children  to  such 
godless  schools.  The  bishop  threatens  the  most  vigorous  dis- 
cipline against  Catholic  parents  'who  refuse  to  send  their  children 
to  the  Catholic  school ;'  even  to  the  extremity  of  authorizing  a 
confessor  to  refuse  the  sacraments  to  such  parents  as  thus  despise 
the  laws  of  the  Church,  and  disobey  the  command  of  both  priest 
and  bishop. 

"We  have  nothing  to  say  as  to  the  Bishop's  order  that  'a  priest 
must  be  put  at  the  head  of  every  Catholic  society,'  that  being 
purely  a  domestic  affair.  But  when  he  takes  the  whole  title  and 
control  of  the  church  property  into  his  hands,  and  says  that  'here- 
after there  are  and  will  be  no  trustees;'  we  think  it  time  for  the 
law  to  step  in  to  protect  the  rights  of  congregations  in  property 
which  they  have  created  for  their  own  use  and  benefit.  Our 
approaching  constitutional  convention  may  have  something  to  say 
upon  this  and  kindred  points." 

In  answer  to  the  above  and  similar  attacks,  Bishop  Gilmour . 
sent  the  following  reply  to  the  Cleveland  Leader.    It  was  published 
on  March  3,  1873  : 

"To  the  Editor  of  the  Leader : 

"My  late  Lenten  Pastoral  has  considerably  disturbed  the  peace 
of  newspaperdom  and  disquieted  the  nerves  of  the  timid.  Dark 
designs,  ulterior  moves,  danger  to  the  constitution  and  the  public 
schools,  priestly  dictation,  are  the  watchwords  that  remind  one 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  HI 

of  the  old  Know-Nothing  times,  when  press  and  pulpit  rang  with 
most  bitter  intolerance  against  Catholics  and  the  Catholic  church. 

"So  long  as  Catholics  are  silent,  and  submit  to  the  dictation 
of  the  Protestant  dominant  party,  pay  their  taxes,  develop  and 
increase  the  resources  of  the  country  and  in  time  of  need  give 
their  lives  and  property  to  the  defense  of  the  State,  they  are  excel- 
lent citizens.  But  let  them  complain  or  in  any  manner  claim  equal 
justice  before  the  law,  then  they  are  disloyal  and  must  be  silenced 
at  all  hazards.  Hence  this  cry  against  me,  because  in  the  spirit 
of  a  few  men  I  dared  to  say  a  word  upon  the  questions  of  the  day. 
Reared  in  America  since  my  fourth  year,  and  for  nearly  half  a 
century  believing  I  was  a  free  man,  trained  as  •  an  old  Scotch 
Covenanter,  educated  in  the  public  schools,  a  citizen  without  a 
declaration  of  intention,  and  for  the  last  twenty  years  a  resident 
of  Ohio,  I  thought  I  had  a  right  to  a  word  on  the  ordinary  topics 
of  the  hour.  But  it  seems  that  as  a  Catholic  Bishop  I  have  no 
rights,  or  if  in  the  name  of  my  flock  I  dare  to  complain,  I  must  be 
unsparingly  attacked.  Would  not  this  intense  hostility  and  bitter 
prejudice  against  Catholics  go  far  to  show  that  the  Massachusetts 
Puritan  is  not  dead  yet.  and  that  he  would  be  as  intolerant  today 
as  he  was  in  the  past  if  intolerance  were  needed  to  carry  out  his 
aims?  He  is  quiet  only  because  he  is  master,  yet  with  gilded  words 
and  genial  platitudes  of  tolerance  and  liberty  to  all  men  in  Church 
and  State  he  conceals  his  intolerance  to  all  that  opposes  him. 

"It  is  hard  to  understand  these  periodical  outcries  against 
the  Catholic  church.  Why  these  dark  insinuations?  Why  these 
constant  cries  of  danger  ahead?  Our  doctrines  and  actions  are 
before  the  world.  We  do  not  hide  our  light  under  a  bushel.  Does 
the  State  command,  we  obey ;  does  the  State  need  our  property  or 
our  lives,  they  are  at  its  command.  No  man  has  been  more  loyal 
to  the  stars  and  stripes,  whether  in  the  War  of  Independence  or  in 
the  Mexican  war,  though  waged  against  a  Catholic  nation,  or  in 
the  recent  struggle  for  the  maintenance  of  the  Union.  Catholics 
do  not  ask  'is  it  a  Catholic  or  Protestant  government  under  which 
we  live?'  They  simply  ask  does  my  country  need  me?  In  proof 
see  the  Catholic  Prussian  in  the  late  war,  and  Catholic  Ireland  to 
tyrannical  England. 

"For  eighteen  hundred  years  the  Catholic  church  has  been  a 
protector  of  the  weak  against  the  strong,  and  minorities  against 
majorities.  She  first  took  the  slave  by  the  hand  and  taught  the 
haughty  Roman  and  Greek  that  he  was  their  equal.  For  eight 
hundred  years,  by  threats  and  by  laws,  was  the  contest  carried 
on,  but  in  the  end  she,  and  she  alone,  abolished  slavery  in  Europe. 
When  Feudalism  rose  she  became  the  defender  of  the  serf,  and  at 
the  head  of  the  English  barons  she,  in  the  person  of  Langton, 


112  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Archbishop  of  Canterhurv,  wrested  from  the  King  of  England  the 
great  Magna  Charta  that  constitutes  the  i)a1adium  of  an  Enghsh- 
man's  rights,  and  on  which  is  built  the  grand,  and  I  pray  lasting, 
constitution  of  the  United  States.  Her  whole  history  has  been 
resistance  to  oi)i")ression,  and  whenever  she  has  seemed  to  act 
otherwise  it  has  been  from  forced  union  of  Church  and 
State,  the  union  of  which  I  will  never  become  the  advocate. 

"Whv  then  this  cry?  Why  this  chimerical  fear  that  ever  con- 
jures up  ghostly  images  from  the  timid  brain?  Talk  of  Catholic 
superstition  in  the  face  of  this  universal  bugbear  of  Protestant 
superstition  that  ever  sees  in  Catholicity  but  evil !  Our  doctrines 
are  before  you,-  our  repeated  declarations,  loyalty  and  readiness 
to  support  the  flag  of  our  country,  clear  and  emphatic.  But 
nothing  we  can  do,  and  nothing  we  can  say  will  protect  us  the 
moment  we  dare  to  complain,  or  refuse  to  accept  the  one-sided 
legislation  that  is  framed  against  us.  A  system  of  education  is 
inaugurated  that  wfe  cannot  accept;  institutions  are  founded  in 
which  we  have  no  rights,  as  reform  schools  and  houses  of  refuge, 
in  which  the  Catholic  priest  cannot  have  the  paltry  privilege  of 
giving  the  Catholic  children,  unfortunately  there,  a  little  religious 
instruction.  Because  in  the  minority,  we  are  placed  at  a  disad- 
vantage everywhere,  and  we  are  called  factious  and  disloyal  if  we 
dare  complain.  And  if  the  priests  or  bishops  speak  a  word,  then 
comes  the  cry:  'danger,  danger,  DANGER;  oh!  these  scheming 
priests,  take  care,  take  care !' 

"Is  this  fair?  Is  it  manly?  Turn  the  tables  and  suppose  the 
Catholics  in  the  majority  and  that  all  the  State  institutions  were 
created  in  their  interest.  What  a  howl  would  rise  from  the 
Protestant  minority;  'oh.'the  tyranny  of  Catholicity,  the  oppression 
of  conscience;  the  revival  of  the  Inquisition,  and  the  atito-da-fes;' 
falsehoods  of  history  that  modern  honesty  is  beginning  to  explode, 
like  the  lying  Froude  who  has  so  lately  been  sent  home,  his  historic 
wings  clipped  and  his  glory  gone.  Be  just ;  let  not  prejudice  warp 
your  judgment.  Gjve  the  Catholic  equal  rights  with  his  Protestant 
fellow  citizens. 

"Much  has  been  said  on  my  proposition  that  'we  are  Catholics 
first  and  citizens  next.'  Well,  I  do  not  see  that  that  is  such  a 
wonderful  proposition,  nor  that  there  is  so  much  to  be  alarmed 
at  in  it.  I  think  it  will  be  found  that  every  man  who  has  any 
religion  at  all  acts  upon  the  same  principle,  and  I  must  confess 
I  would  think  but  little  of  the  religion,  and  less  of  the  man  who 
would  think  or  act  otherwise.  A  man  who  will  not  be  true  to  his 
God  will  not  be  true  to  the  State. 

"The  Catholic  church  teaches  that  we  owe  duties  to  God  as 
well  as  to  Caesar ;  that  the  Church  and  the  State  have  been  created 


IN    THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  113 

by  God  and  have  their  power  from  God  for  distinct  and  clearly 
marked  purposes;  that  the  Church  is  for  the  soul,  the  State  for 
the  body;  and  that  each  is  supreme  within  its  own  sphere;  that  to 
the  State,  if  needed,  belong  the  property  and  the  life  of  the  citizens, 
but  his  soul  is  his  own.  Besides  she  teaches  that  God  is  above 
man,  the  spiritual  above  the  temporal,  and  that  the  Church  repre- 
sents the  spiritual  above  the  temporal.  Now,  as  the  Church  repre- 
sents the  spiritual,  and  spiritual  (which  is  the  soul  and  God)  is 
above  the  temporal,  so  in  this  is  it  true  to  say  the  Church  is  above 
the  State.  But  this  doctrine  does  not  mean,  nor  is  it  intended,  to 
teach  that  the  Church  has  a  right  to  dictate  to  the  State,  for  the 
State  is  supreme  within  its  own  sphere;  but  when  the  State  goes 
out  of  its  sphere  and  assumes  to  do  what  the  Church  has  been 
appointed  to  do,  that  the  Church  resents,  and  says  to  the  State: 
'Mind  your  own  business.'  Wherever  the  Church  and  State  have 
come  in  contact,  it  has  invariably  been  because  the  State  assumed 
to  do  the  work  of  the  Church.  Now  the  Church  is  as  independent 
in  her  own  sphere  as  the  State,  and  has  as  just  a  right  to  freedom 
in  her  actions,  so  long  as  she  keeps  within  her  own  sphere  of  action, 
as  the  State  has.  This  is  the  only  basis  upon  which  religious  free- 
dom could  at  all  be  asserted  or  maintained. 

"But  this  doctrine  does  not  teach,  nor  does  the  Catholic 
Church  teach,  that  a  citizen  is  not  to  yield  a  ready  and  dutiful 
obedience  to  the  State;  on  the  contrary  she  teaches  that  the 
citizen  must  give  an  unqualified  obedience  to  the  State  in  all  that 
does  not  conflict  with  the  law  of  God,  and  is  not  against  natural 
justice;  but  the  moment  the  State  attempts  to  oppress  the  citizen, 
then  the  State  transcends  its  bounds  and  becomes  a  tyrant,  and 
though  the  citizen  may  submit,  (and  oftentimes  it  is  best  to 
submit),  yet  in  such  case,  but  in  such  case  only,  he  is  not  bound 
to  submit,  and  if  able,  would  be  justified  in  resisting.  It  is  this 
injustice  of  the  State,  that  could  at  all  justify  resistance  to  its 
authority,  or  in  any  manner  justify  rebellion.  If  this  is  a  doctrine 
that  places  the  Church  above  the  State,  and  offends  sensitive 
nerves,  pray  on  what  doctrine  would  you  justify  the  American 
Revolution?  Was  that  revolution  organized  and  justly  carried 
on,  because  England  unjustly  oppressed  the  colonies  and  thus  lost 
her  right  to  rule? 

"With  this  explanation  of  our  doctrines,  I  don't  see  that 
there  is  much  cause  for  serious  alarm,  or  that  the  Catholics  are 
likely  soon  to  rise  in  rebellion.  Keep  cool,  gentlemen.  There 
is  no  serious  danger.  In  the  hour  of  need  our  right  arms 
will  be  as  ready  to  strike  in  defense  of  the  stars  and  stripes  (which 
I  assure  you  I  value  very  dearly),  as  the  best  and  bravest  of  the 
land.     Our  past  is  proof  of  this. 


114  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

"I  am  fiercely  attacked  on  tlic  school  question,  charged  with 
aiming  at  its  destruction,  and  being  the  enemy  of  all  State  educa- 
tion. To  this  I  have  simply  to  state:  I  am  nothing  of  the  kind, 
nor  would  I.  even  if  I  cmtlcl,  put  a  straw  in  the  way  of  its  success. 
However.  I  honcstlv  believe  that  the  education  of  the  child  belongs 
to  the  parent,  not  to  the  State,  yet  if  the  parent  likes  to  yield  his 
right  to  the  State,  that  is  the  parent's  business. 

"My  objection  is  not  to  State  education,  for  the  bishops  of 
Prussia,  Austria,  Canada  and  Ireland  have  accepted  State  educa- 
tion, and  here  it  would  be  acce])ted  by  the  bishops  of  the  Catholic 
church  with  ready  willingness  if  the  State  would  make  the  same 
provision  for  our  conscientious  scruples  that  it  does  in  the 
countries  above  mentioned.  Our  objection  is  not  that  the  State 
educates,  but  that  she  but  half  educates,  for  we  hold  that  it  is 
impossible  to  properly  educate  a  child  without  religion.  Hence, 
our  objection  to  the  public  schools,  in  which  religion  is  not 
taught  and,  as  they  are  constituted,  could  not  be  taught,  and 
should  not  be  taught.  We  say,  so  construct  the  public  schools 
that  religion  may  be  taught,  just  as  parents  may  wish,  and  thus 
avoid  all  further  trouble,  and  let  us  live  in  peace.  So  far  the  appar- 
ent difficulty  has  been  that  this  could  not  be  done  satisfactorily 
to  all  parties.  But  what  has  been  done,  and  is  elsewhere  success- 
fully done,  can  again  be  done,  and  may  be  done  in  America  as  well 
as  in  despotic  Protestant  Prussia,  and  poor,  benighted  Catholic 
Austria,  and  is  done  in  Canada  and  Ireland,  where  today  the 
system  w^orks  successfully  and  Catholics  accept  cheerfully. 

"The  system  is  very  simple,  and  is  as  follows :  Where 
Protestants  and  Catholics  are  in  such  numbers  that  each  can  fill 
a  school,  separate  schools  are  opened;  but  where  only  one  school 
can  be,  as  in  smaller  towns  and  country  districts,  then  both 
denominations  are  educated  in  common,  and  within  school  hours 
religion  is  never  mentioned.  However,  before  or  after  school 
hours,  or  during  school  hours,  by  the  separation  into  separate 
rooms,  provision  is  made  for  the  clergymen  of  the  different 
denominations  to  meet  their  own  children  and  in  their  own  way 
instruct  them  in  their  respective  religions.  Why  this  cannot  be 
done  here  is  a  mystery  hard  to  explain,  unless  on  the  principle 
that  might  makes  right,  and  that  minorities  have  no  rights  that 
majorities  are  bound  to  obey. 

"To  prove  that  I  am  no  enemy  of  State  education,  and  that 
my  opposition  is  only  to  the  one  sided,  and  as  I  hold,  unjustly 
organized  character  of  the  public  schools,  I  make  the  following 
proposal  to  the  School  Board  in  Cleveland,  and  on  its  acceptance 
or  rejection  wall  be  seen  the  liberality  that  characterizes  not  only 
the  School  Board,  but  the  justice  of  this  Christian  community. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  115 

If  accepted,  I  promise  lo  place  the  Catholic  schools  of  the  city 
under  control  of  the  School  Board;  if  rejected,  then  cease  to  talk 
of  justice  towards  Catholics: 

"1st.  We  shall  build  our  school  houses  and  collect  into  them 
our  children.  When  there,  we  shall  place  them  and  their  teachers 
during  school  hours  under  the  entire  control  of  the  School  Board, 
receiving  from  the  School  Board  such  direction  as  it  may  give. 

"2nd.  During  school  hours  no  religion  or  religious  instruc- 
tion of  any  kind  shall  be  given. 

"For  these  concessions,  which  are  certainly  all  that  could  be 
demanded,  we  will  only  ask  that,  either  before  or  after  school 
hours,  we  shall  be  permitted  in  our  own  way  to  instruct  our 
children  in  their  religion.  And  secondly,  that  the  teachers  shall 
be  Catholics  and  be  paid  by  the  School  Board. 

"This  is  already  done  in  several  places  in  the  State,  and  is 
found  to  work  satisfactorily  to  all  parties.  Try  it,  and  let  us  see 
if  there  is  sufficient  freedom  from  religious  prejudice  to  do  what 
not  only  can  be  done,  but  so  easily  done,  and  to  the  satisfaction  of 
so  large  a  portion  of  the  community  as  we  are,  and  thus  harmonize 
the  discordant  elements  of  both  parties.  So  long  as  the  majority 
trample  on  our  conscientious  troubles,  and  will  make  no  effort  to 
satisfy  what  we  consider  our  just  demands,  or  will  make  no 
advance  to  a  compromise,  but  simply  say,  take  what  we  choose  to 
give,  they  need  not  wonder  if  we  cry  out  against  this  openhanded 
injustice.  Nor  will  it  do  to  cry  wolf,  where  there  is  no  wolf,  nor 
will  it  do  to  say  we  are  opposed  to  what  we  are  not.  Let  truth  and 
justice  prevail  if  the  heavens  fall. 

fR.  GILMOUR, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland." 


116  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 


CHAPTER  IV 
THE   RT.   REV.   BISHOP  GILMOUR'S   ADMINISTRATION. 

(CONTINUED.) 

BISHOP  GILMOUR  AND  THE  DIOCESAN  SEMINARY— PURCHASES  SITE  FOR  A  NEW 
SEMINARY— THE  CATHOLIC  CENTRAL  ASSOCIATION— THE  SCHOOL  TAX  SUIT 
—BISHOP  GILMOUR'S  LETTER  EXPLAINING  THE  SCHOOL  TAX  SUIT— BISHOP 
GILMOUR  BUILDS  EPISCOPAL  RESIDENCE— THE  CATHOLIC  UNIVERSE 
FOUNDED  IN  1876— FOUNDLING  ASYLUM  ESTABLISHED  IN  CLEVELAND— 
URSULINE  CONVENT  ESTABLISHED  AT  YOUNGSTOWN— ST.  VINCENT'S 
HOSPITAL  OPENED  AT  TOLEDO— BISHOP  RAPPE'S  DEATH.  SEPTEMBER  8, 
1877— HIS  REMAINS  BROUGHT  TO  CLEVELAND— EXTRACTS  FROM  BISHOP 
GILMOUR'S  PASTORAL  LETTER,  PUBLISHED  MARCH  13,  1879— DIOCESAN 
SEMINARY  ENLARGED— ST.  JOSEPH'S  CEMETERY,  CLEVELAND— ST.  VIN- 
CENT'S ASYLUM,  CLEVELAND— ST.  VINCENT'S  ASYLUM,  TOLEDO— SIXTH 
DIOCESAN  SYNOD,  1882— BISHOP  GILMOUR  VISITS  ROME— CALVARY  CEME- 
TERY,   TOLEDO— SEVENTH    DIOCESAN    SYNOD,     1889. 

BISHOP  GILMOUR  took  a  special  interest  in  the  diocesan 
seminary.  He  disliked  its  location,  its  antiquated  buildings 
and  lack  of  spacious  grounds.  At  the  Synod  of  1873  he 
appealed  to  his  clergy  to  aid  him  in  securing  for  seminary  purposes 
a  tract  of  land  in  the  country,  and  yet  not  too  far  from  the  city.  He 
gave  his  reasons  for  the  much  desired  and  needed  change  of  loca- 
tion, on  which  eventually  he  hoped  to  erect  a  seminary  building 
worthy  the  flourishing  diocese  of  Cleveland,  and  large  enough  to 
comfortably  accommodate  all  the  seminarists  needed  for  his  rapidly 
growing  diocese.  The  clergy  readily  assented  and  voted  that  a  part 
of  the  diocesan  fund  be  set  aside  for  that  purpose.  After  making  a 
careful  search  for  a  suitable  site  he  finally  secured  a  most  beautifully 
located  tract  of  land  in  Euclid  Township  and  comprising  35  acres. 
The  Euclid  Road  passes  almost  midway  through  it.  The  price  was 
$32,000.  The  purchase  was  efifected  in'  October,  1873,  about  the 
time  of  the  "Black  Friday"  financial  panic,  whose  dire  effects,  how- 
ever, did  not  reach  Cleveland  until  the  following  year,  and  were 
then  felt  for  nearly  eight  years.  In  consequence  of  this  fact  the 
thought  of  building  a  new  seminary  had  to  be  abandoned,  and 
every  effort  had  to  be  directed  by  the  bishop  towards  meeting  the 


ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH  (INTERIOR),  SANDUSKY. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  117 

debt  incurred  in  the  purchase  of  the  land.  This  all  the  more, 
because  the  financial  depression  was  so  great  and  universal 
throughout  the  country  that  it  also  affected  the  hoped  for  diocesan 
revenues  out  of  which  the  new  seminary  site  was  to  have  been  paid 
for  in  a  few  years.  The  bishop  was  therefore  obliged  to  borrow 
nearly  all  of  the  purchase  price  and  await  further  developments. 
By  degrees  the  debt  was  paid,  and  the  mortgage  cancelled  in  1883. 
As  soon  as  the  diocese  is  financially  able,  the  seminary  will  be  built 
on  the  splendid  site  above  mentioned,  according  to  the  plan  pro- 
posed by  Bishop  Gilmour. 

In  1874  Bishop  Gilmour  organized  in  Cleveland  the  Catholic 
Central  Association,  composed  of  representatives  from  all  the 
parishes  and  Catholic  societies  of  the  city.  Its  influence  for  good 
was  soon  felt.  Since  the  opening  of  the  Workhouse  in  Cleveland, 
in  1870,  the  unfortunate  Catholic  inmates  had  been  denied  their 
rights  as  Catholics.  No  Catholic  priest  was  permitted  to  visit  or 
instruct  them.  After  much  opposition  the  bishop  finally  succeeded 
in  getting  the  consent  of  the  Workhouse  authorities  to  allow 
Catholic  prisoners  the  consolation  of  their  religion,  thus  far  denied 
them.  To  the  Catholic  Central  Association,*  through  some  of  its 
leading  members,  was  due  in  large  measure  this  concession.  Since 
1876  Mass  has  been  regularly  celebrated,  and  appropriate  sermons 
preached,  at  the  Workhouse  on  alternate  Sundays,  and  on  every 
Sunday  the  Catholic  inmates  receive  catechetical  instructions. 

In  spite  of  a  decision  rendered  in  1874  by  the  Supreme  Court 
of  Ohio,  declaring  Catholic  schools  not  taxable,  the  Catholic 
school  property  of  Cleveland  was  put  on  the  tax  duplicate  in  1875, 
by  County  Auditor  Benedict.  As  soon  as  Bishop  Gilmour  was 
informed  of  that  unjust  act,  he  had  a  suit  of  injunction  entered 
against  the  County  Auditor.  This  suit  aroused  Cleveland's  bigotry 
and  when  tried  before  Judge  Jones,  it  created  widespread  interest. 
Bishop  Gilmour  published  in  the  Catholic  Universe,  of  December 
20,  1883,  a  full  account  of  the  celebrated  "Tax  suit  case."  The 
following  are  the  salient  points  in  his  statement  of  the  case : 

"In  1872  the  late  Archbishop  Purcell  brought  suit  to  restrain 
the  Treasurer  of  Hamilton  County  from  collecting  taxes  on  the 
Catholic  parochial  schools  of  Cincinnati.  In  due  time  the  case 
was  argued  in  the  District  Court,  resulting  in  a  decision  in  favor  of 

*The  Catholic  Central  Association  ceased  to  exist  in  1893. 


118  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

the  schools.  The  treasurer  appealed  the  case,  and  in  1876,  after 
a  careful  and  exhaustive  examination,  the  Supreme  Court  of  Ohio 
affirmed  the  decision  of  the  lower  court.  This  was  thought 
decisive,  and  was  so  accepted  in  every  county  of  the  State — Cuya- 
hoga excepted.  Cleveland  has  for  long  been  noted  for  its  anti- 
Catholic  spirit  and  its  narrow-minded  Puritanism. 

"True  to  his  character,  Mr.  Benedict,  County  Auditor,  re- 
fused to  recognize  the  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court.  What  did 
he  care  for  courts,  if  courts  assumed  to  protect  Catholic  schools 
and  assert  that  they  had  rights,  when  such  rights  conflicted  with 
his  anti-Catholic  prejudices.  So,  in  the  face  of  this  decision  of  the 
Supreme  Court,  he  placed  the  Catholic  parochial  schools  of  Cleve- 
land upon  the  tax  duplicate  and  directed  the  treasurer,  Mr.  Pelton^ 
to  collect  the  tax.  In  the  year  1876  an  injunction  was  taken  out 
restraining  the  treasurer  from  collecting  this  tax.  In  1878  the 
case  was  tried  in  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  Judge  Jones  pre- 
siding. After  a  six-days'  trial,  in  which  every  latitude  was  allowed 
by  the  Court  for  the  introduction  and  examination  of  evidence,  the 
case  was  decided  in  favor  of  the  schools. 

"This  was  thought  decisive;  but  no,  Mr.  Ingersoll,  attorney 
for  the  county,  had  a  new  plea,  and  on  that  appealed  to  the  District 
Court,  wdiere  he  was  again  defeated,  only  to  appeal  to  the  Supreme 
Court,  to  be  there  for  the  third  time  defeated,  by  the  decision  of  the 
11th  inst.,  [Dec.  11,  1883],  by  which  it  is  now  finally  settled  that 
Catholic  schools  within  the  State  of  Ohio  shall  not  be  taxed. 

"This  decision  is  vastly  more  important  than  that  of  Cincin- 
nati, as  this  includes  that  of  Cincinnati,  while  that  of  Cincinnati 
does  not  include  this.  Had  this  been  lost  that  of  Cincinnati  had 
also  been  lost,  as  will  appear  from  the  follow^ing: 

"The  plea  in  the  Cincinnati  case  was,  'The  Catholic  parochial 
schools  of  Ohio  are  institutions  of  public  charity.'  In  this  suit  in 
Cleveland  the  plea  set  up  was  'Granting  that  Catholic  parochial 
schools  are  institutions  of  public  charity,'  that  does  not  exempt 
them  from  taxation  'because  they  are  organized  and  conducted  in 
direct  hostility  to  the  public  policy  of  the  State  ( ! !)  and  conse- 
quently the  State  cannot  afford  relief  to  its  enemy.' 

"This  was  rather  a  bold  position  to  take,  but  Cleveland  was 
equal  to  the  task,  and  outside  of  J.  E.  Ingersoll,  there  could  not 
have  been  found  a  lawyer,  claiming  position  above  the  commonest 
pettifogger,  who  would  have  insulted  the  intelligence  of  courts, 
or  assailed  the  rights  of  Catholic  citizens  with  such  a  plea,  Mr. 
Ingersoll  has  the  proud  distinction  of  being  the  first  lawyer  in  the 
country,  since  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  who  has  at- 
tempted to  prove  to  the  'courts'  that  'Catholicity  teaches  doctrines 
hostile  to  the  policy  of  the  State.' 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  119 

"Heretofore  the  doctrine  of  the  Courts,  and  the  pubHc  senti- 
ment of  the  country  have  been  'The  State  has  no  rehgious  policy,' 
and  consequently  neither  State  nor  Courts  had  any  authority  to 
discuss,  far  less  decide,  what  was  true  or  false  in  religion.  This  was 
a  matter  for  the  individual  conscience,  not  for  Courts. 

"In  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  Judge  Jones  allowed  widest 
latitude  in  the  examination  of  witnesses,  and  the  widest  range  of 
evidence.  For  one  day  and  a  half  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  was  on  the 
stand,  Mr.  Ingersoll  examining  into  the  entire  polity  of  the  Church 
from  the  teaching  of  catechism  up  to  the  Pope,  and  from  the  Pope 
down  to  the  humblest  Catholic,  in  hopes  of  finding  some  clue  on 
which  to  hang  his  pent-up  bigotry  and  deep  seated  antagonism  to 
Catholicity.  In  his  three  hours'  harangue  before  the  Court  he 
exhausted  his  talents  in  trying  to  show  that  Catholicity  could  not 
and  should  not  be  protected,  nor  its  schools  released  from  taxation, 
because  the  Catholic  Church  was  hostile  to  a  free  government  and 
the  Catholic  schools  were  organized  and  conducted  in  hostility  to 
the  public  policy  of  the  State.  At  the  fall  elections  he  had  this 
speech  published  and  distributed  broadcast  as  a  political  campaign 
document,  hoping  thereby  to  rouse  the  anti-Catholic  spirit  of  the 
city  and  thereby  intimidate  the  judges  of  the  District  Court  to 
which  he  had  appealed  the  case.  At  the  same  time  the  Leader 
made  a  most  bitter  and  unjustifiable  attack  on  Judge  Jones  because 
he  had  had  the  courage  and  virtue  to  be  a  just  judge,  and  to 
recognize  the  duty  of  a  judge  to  be,  to  decide  cases  according  to 
law,  not  prejudice.  For  this  act  of  justice  to  Catholics  he  was 
defeated  at  the  next  election  and  Mr.  Williamson,  the  associate 
lawyer  of  Mr.  Ingersoll,  was  elected  in  his  stead.  However,  at  the 
last  election  Judge  Jones  was  re-elected,  running  far  ahead  of  his 
ticket — a  deserved  compliment  to  his  justice  as  a  judge.  This 
attack  upon  the  judiciary  was  made  in  hopes  of  intimidating  the 
District  Court  and  thereby  thwarting  its  decision.  The  same  was 
done  again  a  few  weeks  ago  by  the  Leader  when  the  suit  came  up 
in  the  Supreme  Court.     *     *     * 

"When  the  County  Commissioners  were  remonstrated  with 
and  the  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  pointed  out  to  them,  as 
also  the  decision  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  and  the  District 
Court  of  Cleveland,  they  refused  to  interfere  but  permitted  the 
suit  to  go  on  entailing  expense  on  both  the  County  and  the 
Catholics,  fearing  that  if  they  stopped  the  suit  they  would  lose 
votes  and  popularity.  Had  they  been  paying  the  expenses  of  the 
suit  out  of  their  own  pockets  they  would  have  been  less  ready  to 
have  had  the  suit  go  on.  But  the  county  was  rich,  and  if  an 
additional  tax  could  be  put  on  Catholics  all  the  better.    Such  were 


120  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

our    coiiitnissioners    and    such    the    pul)lic    officers    with    whom 
Catholics  have  had  to  deal. 

"The  suit  in  Cincinnati  cost  the  Archdiocese  a  lari^e  sum  ;  the 
same  is  true  of  Cleveland.  Yet  both  suits  were  forced  upon 
Catholics  simply  and  solely  to  protect  themselves  against  two 
bigoted  and  unjust  ofificials  who  insisted  upon  unlawfully  taxing 
Catholic  schools.  It  seems  not  enough  that  Catholics  have  rights, 
but  they  must  be  unjustly  taxed  to  assert  and  maintain  them.  It 
is  not  too  much  to  say  that  this  suit  is  a  clear  case  of  barratry,  and 
a  bigoted  attempt  on  the  part  of  Benedict  and  Pelton  to  unjustly 
tax  the  Catholics  of  Cleveland.  It  is  not  enough  that  Catholics 
burden  themselves  to  educate  their  children  and  thus  save  both 
State  and  city  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  per  year.  They 
must  be  worried  and  put  to  the  expense  of  defending  themselves 
against  the  injustice  of  such  men  as  this  Benedict,  who  should  be 
forced  to  repay  both  the  county  and  the  Catholics  of  Cleveland  the 
heavy  expense  his  bigotry  and  injustice  have  put  them  to.  As  for 
Mr.  Ingersoll,  he  was  paid  to  exhibit  his  bigotry  and  senseless 
hatred  of  Catholicity.  The  peroration  of  his  speech  before  the 
Supreme  Court  would  make  his  fortune  in  a  Know-Nothing  lodge, 
but  it  woefully  failed  him  before  all  three  Courts,  where  his  appeals 
to  prejudice  found  their  only  echo  in  his  own  anti-Catholic 
bitterness. 

"Judge  Burke  and  Mr.  Sanders  his  associate,  the  attorneys 
for  the  schools,  merit  all  thanks  for  their  able  management  of  the 
suit,  and  the  Catholics  of  Cleveland  and  the  entire  State  have  just 
cause  to  rejoice  that  once  again  they  and  their  rights  have  been 
vindicated  by  the  Courts.  It  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  of  the  many 
suits  of  late  taken  into  the  courts,  either  by,  or  against  the  Church, 
that  the  courts  have  almost  without  exception  decided  in  favor  of 
the  Church.  This  loudly  bespeaks  the  justice  of  our  complaints, 
and  should  silence  the  grumble  of  those  who  find  fault  because 
bishops  insist  upon  the  just  rights  of  Catholics  before  the  law. 
So  far  nothing  has  been  got  by  w^eak  yielding. 

R.  GILMOUR." 


The  Bishop's  house,  on  Bond  street,  was  not  diocesan 
property,  but  the  personal  property  of  Bishop  Rappe,  who  on  his 
departure  from  Cleveland,  leased  it  for  a  term  of  years.  The  lessee 
sublet  it  to  the  Very  Rev.  Administrator  Hannin  as  a  residence 
for  himself  and  the  Cathedral  clergy.  Bishop  Gilmour  was 
informed  of  this  fact  within  a  few  days  after  he  came  to  Cleveland, 
and  at  the  same  time  was  notified  that  the  rent,  considered  high 
even  then,  would  at  once  be  raised. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  121 

Unwilling  to  be  a  tenant  any  longer  than  he  could  help,  the 
Bishop  arranged  for  the  erection  of  the  present  episcopal  residence 
on  Superior  Street,  immediately  east  of  the  Cathedral,  the  cost 
to  be  borne  equally  by  the  diocese  and  the  Cathedral  parish.  The 
building  was  begun  on  borrowed  money,  in  187-4,  completed  in 
1876,  and  finally  and  fully  paid  for  in  1895, 

On  June  24,  1874,  Bishop  Gilmour  fell  seriously  ill  of  nervous 
prostration,  and  for  two  years  was  unable  to  attend  to  the  affairs 
of  the  diocese.  On  the  advice  of  his  physicians  he  went  to  Europe 
for  the  benefit  of  his  shattered  health.  During  his  absence,  the 
Very  Rev.  F.  M.  Boff,  who  had  been  made  Vicar  General  in  May, 
1873,  was  appointed  administrator  of  the  diocese. 

The  Bishop  returned  from  Europe  in  June,  1876,  much  im- 
proved, though  by  no  means  fully  restored  to  health.  Gradually 
he  regained  strength  and  by  degrees  resumed  duty. 

Between  1872  and  1877  the  diocese  showed  a  marked  degree 
of  activity,  as  seen  in  the  erection  of  a  large  number  of  churches, 
schools,  and  religious  institutions.  During  this  period  thirty-one 
churches  were  built,  and  as  many  new  congregations  established. 

In  1872  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  a  teaching  community,  were 
welcomed  to  the  diocese,  as  also,  in  1874,  the  Sisters  of  Notre 
Dame,  who  had  been  exiled  from  Germany  because  of  the  "May 
Laws."  Both  these  communities  established  themselves  in  Cleve- 
land, each  now  having  flourishing  academies  in  connection  with 
their  convents. 

Bishop  Gilmour  was  a  staunch  supporter  of  the  Catholic 
press.  He  recognized  and  appreciated  its  power  for  good,  holding, 
as  he  did,  that  it  was  the  pulpit's  best  ally.  He  found  no  Catholic 
paper  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland  on  his  arrival  as  its  bishop,  and 
no  paper  friendly  to  Catholic  interests.  The  Celtic  Index,  although 
published  and  edited  in  Cleveland  by  at  least  nominal  Catholics, 
was  fashioned  on  national  rather  than  Catholic  lines. 

The  Bishop  therefore  determined,  at  the  earliest  possible 
opportunity,  to  have  a  paper  published  under  his  direction,  that 
would  serve  as  a  medium  by  which  to  reach  the  public  in  defense 
of  Catholic  doctrine  and  the  civic  rights  of  Catholics,  who 
formed  a  large  proportion  of  the  population  in  Northern  Ohio. 
As  a  result  of  his  efforts  the  Catholic  Universe  was  established. 


122  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

its  first  number  appearing  on  July  4,  1874,  with  the  Rev.  Thomas 
P.  Thorpe  as  its  editor,  who  continued  as  such  until  September, 
1877.  He  was  then  succeeded  by  Mr.  Manly  Tello,  who  was  its 
editor  for  fifteen  years.  Both  he  and  his  predecessor  did  most 
efficient  work  as  Catholic  journalists,  and  in  a  very  short  time  the 
Catholic  Universe  had  gained  position  as  one  of  the  most  influential 
Catholic  papers  in  the  United  States.  Its  able  editorials  were 
quoted,  or  referred  to,  far  and  wide.  But,  like  most  Catholic 
papers,  it  had  to  suffer  financially,  largely  because  of  dishonest 
subscribers  who  read  the  paper  but  failed  to  pay  for  their  subscrip- 
tion. Added  to  this,  the  Catholic  Universe,  always  loyal  to 
authority,  was  "boycotted"  by  many  who  disapproved  of  its 
course.  The  result  was  that  an  annual  deficit  had  to  be  met  by  its 
founder,  Bishop  Gilmour.  This  he  did  out  of  his  own  limited 
means,  aided  at  times  by  some  of  the  friends  of  the  paper  who 
knew  of  its  financial  straits.  It  was  repeatedly,  openly,  maliciously 
and  falsely  charged  by  the  enemies  of  the  Catholic.  Universe,  and 
of  the  Bishop,  that  he  used  diocesan  money  to  cover  the  paper's 
deficits.  The  writer,  who  fully  knew  Bishop  Gilmour's  financial 
afifairs  for  fourteen  years,  here  states  that  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland, 
neither  directly  nor  indirectly,  paid  even  so  much  as  one  dollar 
for  the  support  of  the  Catholic  Universe,  or  to  meet  its  deficits.* 
The  Bishop  felt  this  constant  strain  on  his  slender  means ;  but 
rather  than  let  the  paper  miss  an  issue,  or  cease  publication,  after 
it  had  done  religion  and  the  diocese  such  valiant  service,  in  the 
face  of  opposition,  he  paid  the  deficits,  as  above  stated. 

In  1873  a  Foundling  asylum  was  opened  in  Cleveland  and 
placed  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity,  for  the  reception  of  waifs. 
In  connection  with  the  asylum  a  lying-in  hospital  was  also 
founded.  Until  the  opening  of  these  two  institutions,  wealthy 
Cleveland  had  no  shelter  to  offer  these  helpless  babes  and  their 
unfortunate  mothers — the  former,  offsprings  of  sin,  the  latter,  its 
victims. 

On  invitation  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred 


*In  consequence  of  meeting  tbese  annual  deficits,  Bishop  Gilmour  died  a  poor  man, 
not  leaving  means  enough  with  which  to  pay  his  burial  expenses;  these  had  to  be  met  by 
the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  Since  Bishop  Gilmour's  death,  the  Catholic  Universe  has  been 
owned  and  controlled  by  a  stock  company  (which  assumed  the  paper's  liabilities).  It 
has  continued  on  the  same  lines,  as  In  the  days  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  holding  a  deservedly 
high  rank  among  Catholic  journals. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  123 

Heart  of  Mary,  connected  with  St.  Mary's  and  St.  Joseph's 
Orphan  Asylums,  Cleveland,  established  (1874-)  an  academy  at 
Louisville,  Stark  county.  The  building,  known  as  St.  Louis' 
College,  which  was  closed  in  1873,  was  used  for  that  purpose. 
With  the  academy  was  also  an  institution  for  deaf  mutes.  Both 
academy  and  institute  were  closed  a  few  years  later  for  want  of 
support. 

A  convent  of  Ursuline  Sisters  was  founded,  in  1874,  at 
Youngstown,  to  take  charge  of  the  parochial  schools  in  that  place, 
and  eventually  to  establish  an  academy. 

In  1875  the  Grey  Nuns  of  Montreal  built  a  hospital  in  Toledo 
which  was  opened  to  the  public  in  1876.  In  the  following  year 
the  Franciscans  established,  near  their  monastery  in  Cleveland, 
St.  Joseph's  College  for  boys.  Although  this  institution  was  fairly 
supported,  the  Franciscan  Fathers  found  it  impracticable  to 
continue  it  longer  than  until  June,  1880. 

On  September  8,  1877,  the  sad  news  of  Bishop  Rappe's  death 
reached  Cleveland  from  St.  Albans,  Vt.  As  eminently  meet,  as 
well  as  justly  due  to  the  memory  of  the  deceased  Bishop,  arrange- 
ments were  at  once  made  to  have  his  remains  brought  to  Cleveland 
for  burial.  On  their  arrival  an  immense  throng  met  them,  and 
Cleveland's  citizens,  without  creed  or  class  distinction,  vied  with 
each  other  to  pay  their  last  tribute  of  respect  to  the  remains  of 
Bishop  Rappe,  whom  in  life  they  loved  and  respected,  and  whose 
memory,  in  death,  they  revered  as  that  of  a  public  benefactor,  and 
noble  hearted  prelate.  Silent  and  sad  as  was  his  departure  from 
Cleveland  seven  years  previous,  grandly  triumphant  in  death  was 
his  return  to  the  city  he  loved  so  well,  of  which  he  spoke  when  in 
the  throes  of  death,  and  to  which,  during  nearly  a  quarter  of  a 
century,  he  had  given  his  best  efforts.  After  the  impressive 
obsequies  his  remains  were  placed  in  a  crypt  under  the  main  altar 
of  the  Cathedral,  there  to  repose  till  the  Last  Call. 

On  March  13,  1879,  Bishop  Gilmour  published  another  of  his 
vigorous  Pastoral  letters,  for  which  he  had  become  famous. 
Although  not  attacked  this  time  by  the  non-Catholic  pulpit  and 
press  as  he  was  for  his  fearless  Pastoral  of  February,  1873,  yet  it 
attracted  widespread  attention  in  and  out  of  the  Church.  Follow- 
ing are  a  few  of  its  more  salient  passages : 


124  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

"This  is  an  age  of  restless  uneasiness.  Amid  the  general 
upheaval  of  society  the  past  is  passing  away.  The  old  restraints 
and  ties  that  held  society  together  are  disappearing ;  new  theories 
and  false  doctrines  are  taking  their  place;  authority  is  but  little 
respected;  might  is  taking  the  place  of  right;  religion  is  scorned 
and  the  Church  persecuted ;  the  State  is  absorbing  all  power,  and 
men  without  religion  or  morals  are  become  the  law-makers. 

"To  hear  men  speak  one  would  think  God  had  no  rights, 
and  society  was  at  liberty  to  do  as  it  pleased.  'All  men  are  free 
and  equal,'  say  the  demagogues ;  'educate  the  masses,'  say  the 
reformers,  and  with  these  two  cries  the  world  has  gone  mad. 

"Never  was  there  a  falser  cry  than  that  man  is  free.  No 
man  is  free,  no  created  being  is  free;  God  alone  is,  or  can  be,  free, 
because  God  alone  is  supreme  and  without  master.  No  man  is 
free  to  break  the  laws  of  God ;  no  man  is  free  to  break  the  just  laws 
of  the  State ;  no  man  is  free  to  break  the  reasonable  laws  of  society. 
If  then  man  is  not  free  to  break  the  laws  of  God,  nor  the  just  laws 
of  the  State,  nor  the  reasonable  laws  of  society,  wherein  lies  his 
freedom?  We  are  all  born  in  sin,  and  are  therefore  the  slaves  of 
sin.  if  slaves,  certainly  not  free.  We  are  all  born  subject  to  law; 
we  are  all  therefore  the  slaves  of  law.  We  can  neither  add  to  our 
life,  nor  our  property,  but  as  God  gives.  All  we  have  is  God's. 
We  can  neither  move  nor  think,  nor  act  but  by  the  will  and  power 
of  God;  we  cannot  add  a  day  to  our  lives,  nor  an  inch  to  our 
stature.  Helpless  as  we  thus  are,  and  dependent  upon  the  will 
of  God  for  all  we  have  or  are,  yet  men  speak  as  if  they  were  free 
and  independent ;  that  for  them  there  was  neither  law  nor  God." 

On  the  subject  of  Catholic  schools,  whose  ever  sturdy 
defender  and  earnest  promoter  he  was,  he  wrote  as  follows : 

"The  necessity  of  making  religion  a  part  of  the  daily  educa- 
tion of  the  child  is  not  a  matter  for  discussion.  It  is  a  ruled  question 
in  the  Catholic  church.  The  Instruction  on  the  school  question, 
sent  some  two  years  ago  by  the  Holy  See  to  the  Bishops  of 
America  has  definitely  settled  this  matter,  and  ended  all  discussion 
as  to  the  obligation  of  establishing  and  supporting  Catholic 
schools.  Catholic  children  must  be  educated  under  the  influence 
of  the  Catholic  religion,  daily  taught  its  doctrines  and  trained  to 
practice  its  precepts.  As  the  public  schools  are  at  present  organ- 
ized, the  Catholic  religion  is  not,  and  can  not  be  taught  in  them; 
on  the  contrary  whatever  religion  is  taught  in  them  is  anti- 
Catholic,  and  therefore  dangerous  for  Catholic  children.  Under 
these  circumstances  no  Catholic  can  be  permitted  to  send  his 
children  to  the  public  schools,  unless  where  there  is  no  Catholic 
school  established,  and  then,  the  parent  must  take  every  precau- 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  125 

tion  to  guard  the  child  against  the  evil  influences  of  the  public 
schools,  and  carefully  and  constantly  instruct  him  in  his  religion. 
Unless  this  be  done,  no  matter  what  the  excuse,  no  parent  would 
be  justified  in  sending  his  child  to  the  public  schools,  thereby 
endangering  his  faith." 

Always  a  firm  believer  in  the  Catholic  press,  and  always  its 
practical  supporter,  he  expressed  his  views  on  Catholic  papers,  as 
follows : 

"Good  reading  is  not  only  a  help  in  the  education  of  children, 
but  as  society  is  now  organized,  is  almost  a  necessity.  The  press 
is  a  part  of  our  daily  mental  food.  Old  and  young  read ;  good,  if 
provided ;  bad,  if  it  must  be. 

"Thanks  to  the  energy  of  our  Catholic  publishers,  there  is 
now  no  lack  of  books,  periodicals,  and  papers  of  all  classes,  from 
the  heavy  theological  tome  to  the  light  interesting  story  for  the 
child,  and  at  prices  within  the  reach  of  all.  There  is  therefore  no 
cause  for  complaint,  either  as  to  price  or  variety.  Parents  must 
therefore  strive  to  provide  their  children  with  healthy  reading,  in 
the  form  of  good  books,  instructive  periodicals  and  good  Catholic 
papers.  Every  Catholic  family  should  subscribe  for,  at  least,  one 
Catholic  newspaper.  If  there  is  a  Catholic  paper  published  in  the 
diocese,  then  they  should  first  subscribe  for  that  paper,  and  after 
for  others.  The  Catholic  press  has  not  been  supported  as  it  should 
be ;  Catholics  seem  not  to  be  alive  to  the  value  of  the  press,  and  so 
far  have  not  given  it  that  support  that  either  their  numbers  or 
their  wealth  would  suppose.  Here  and  there  a  few  bishops,  and  a 
few  enterprising  priests  and  laymen,  have  labored  to  create  a  press, 
but  there  has  been  no  organized  or  general  effort  made.  Our 
wealthy  Catholics  seem  to  think  they  have  done  their  duty  if  they 
subscribe  for  a  paper,  and  let  the  editor  spend  the  half  of  their 
subscription  in  writing  duns  for  its  collection. 

"The  publishing  of  papers  means  money.  Our  wealthy 
Catholics  must  be  willing  to  help  toward  their  establishment  by 
generous  subscriptions.  Editors  must  not  be  the  factotums  of  a 
newspaper  ofifice.  Priests  must  urge  their  people  to  subscribe  for 
papers,  generous  assistance  must  be  given,  so  that  papers  will 
have  the  means  to  pay  for  the  talent  and  labor  necessary  to  bring 
out  first-class  papers.  It  will  never  do  to  wait  till  a  paper  is 
established  before  we  subscribe;  we  must  help  when  they  are 
weak,  and  thus  enable  them  to  grow  strong. 

"It  is  simply  a  disgrace  that,  with  a  population  of  eight 
millions  of  Catholics  in  the  United  States,  and  with  populations  in 
some  of  our  large  cities,  numbering  up  to  the  hundreds  of  thous- 
ands, we  have  not  a  single  daily  (English)  paper  conducted  from  a 
Catholic  standpoint. 


126  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

"In  towns  of  ten  or  twelve  thousand  inhabitants,  Protestants 
will  have  a  daily  paper,  but  in  cities  where  there  are  from  twenty 
to  a  hundred  thousand  Catholics,  Catholics  will  not  only  have  no 
daily  paper  to  defend  them,  or  give  them  truthfully  the  news  of 
the  dav,  but  they  will  not  even  have  a  Catholic  weekly  paper,  or  if 
they  have,  it  will  be  so  badly  supported  that  those  who  work  for 
it  are  not  half  paid.  This  is  all  wrong;  Catholics  must  support 
Catholic  papers,  and  thus  enable  us  to  defend  Catholic  rights,  and 
fight  our  enemies  with  their  own  weapons.  We  respectfully  urge 
this  upon  the  notice  of  pastors  and  people,  and  most  earnestly  urge 
them  to  sustain  and  help  create  a  vigorous  and  manly  Catholic 
press." 

Bishop  Gilmour  had  clearly  defined  views  on  extravagant 
funerals,  against  which  he  expressed  himself  in  unmistakable 
language,  as  appears  from  the  following  passage  in  his  Pastoral 
letter: 

"The  pride  and  extravagance  that  everywhere  reign  amongst 
us  is  a  matter  for  grave  censure.  Our  people  live  too  high,  dress 
too  extravagantly,  and  spend  too  much  money  on  show  and 
folly.  There  is  altogether  too  much  pretense  amongst  us.  In 
this  the  poor  imitate  the  rich,  and  the  rich  are  too  often  living  on 
credit.  The  extravagance  of  the  late  war  has  set  the  country  mad; 
pride  and  luxury  have  made  the  country  bankrupt.  Everybody  is 
crying  out,  'hard  times,'  but  few  are  lessening  expenses. 

"In  few  things  is  this  seen  more  than  in  the  extravagance  of 
funerals.  To  look  at  the  costly  caskets,  the  richly  ornamented 
colTfins,  the  flowers,  the  plumed  hearses,  the  long  line  of  carriages, 
one  would  think  we  were  a  nation  of  kings  and  princes ;  that  we 
had  money  for  the  asking,  and  that  there  were  no  poor  amongst 
us.  In  this.  Catholics  are  as  bad  as  others,  and  in  some  respects 
worse,  for  they  are  the  poor,  and  so  can  not  afiford  the  outlay. 
Their  religion  also  forbids  this ;  their  bishops  and  priests  are  con- 
stantly preaching  against  it.  Common  sense  forbids  the  vain 
extravagance  and  empty  pride  that  are  every  day  seen  at  the 
funerals  of  Catholics.     *     *     * 

"Money  is  extravagantly  spent  apparently  to  honor  the  dead ; 
in  reality  it  is  to  gratify  the  pride  of  the  living.  Catholics  and 
Protestants  are  alike  guilty  of  this  folly,  and  neither  the  pulpit, 
nor  the  press,  seems  capable  of  correcting  or  controlling  it.  The 
poor  must  recognize  that  they  are  poor,  and  the  pretended  rich 
that  they  are  not  to  gratify  their  pride  by  running  bills  they  are 
not  able  to  pay.  People  must  live  within  their  means,  and  all  must 
learn  that  honesty  is  the  first  duty  of  man  to  man.  It  is  no 
disgrace  to  be  poor;  our  Master  was  poor.  He  lived  and  died  in 
poverty.     We  are  no  better  than  He  was.     *     *     * 


IN    THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  127 

"In  the  cities  and  larger  towns,  let  the  old-fashioned  and 
Christian  custom,  of  walking  from  the  hojise  of  death,  to  the 
church,  be  revived.  From  the  church,  let  the  immediate  relatives 
accompany  the  dead  to  the  cemetery,  and  thus  let  it  be  understood 
that  with  the  religious  exercise  in  the  church  ends  the  public  part 
of  the  funeral.  Thus  let  the  dead  preach  to  the  living,  not  the 
living  display  their  pride  over  the  dead." 

On  "Liberalism,"  that  bane  of  Catholic  life,  he  wrote  as 
follows : 

"Dear  children  of  the  Laity,  we  can  not  too  strongly  impress 
upon  you  the  necessity  of  standing  by  your  faith.  The  world  has 
gone  riot  on  resistance  to  authority.  The  cry  is:  'Down  with 
kings,  down  with  priests,  down  with  the  rich,  down  with  the  past, 
up  with  the  people,  up  with  modern  progress,  all  men  are  free  and 
equal.' 

"The  liberalism  of  the  Protestant  Reformation  is  working 
itself  out  to  its  necessary  results.  There  is  now  no  more  positive 
or  dogmatic  religion  among  Protestants ;  as  a  religion  Protes- 
tantism is  dead.  It  has  begotten  and  brought  forth  the  twin 
monsters  of  the  day,  Liberalism  and  Infidelity.  In  Europe  it  is 
working  its  way  in  the  double  form  of  Liberalism  and  Infidelity;  in 
America  it  takes,  so  far,  the  milder  form  of  Indififerentism  and 
Liberalism.  In  the  United  States,  owing  to  the  nature  of  our 
government,  this  heresy  is,  for  the  present,  in  a  milder  form,  but 
it  is  equally  a  heresy,  whether  it  ends  in  Liberalism  or  in  Infidelity. 
There  can  be  no  Liberalism  in  religion,  and  none  but  a  heretic 
would,  or  could,  pretend  to  be  liberal  with  the  law  of  God,  or  with 
the  doctrines  that  God  has  taught. 

"Faith  does  not  come  from  man,  nor  does  it  depend  for  its 
truth  or  authority  on  man's  assent.  Faith  is  above  and  beyond  the 
knowledge  of  man,  and  comes  from  God,  with  God  as  its  author, 
to  be  accepted  by  man.  Man  has  not  even  the  right  to  discuss,  far 
less  to  qualify,  or  change,  or  modify  what  God  has  revealed.  Man 
has  a  right  to  examine  the  evidence  by  which  the  doctrine  is 
proclaimed,  but  he  has  no  right,  nor  power,  to  examine  the  truth 
or  falsehood  of  the  doctrine  itself.  Faith  is  above  the  knowledge  of 
man,  and  therefore  can  be  neither  tried  nor  examined  by  man.  If 
the  witness  is  accepted  and  proved  as  of  God,  then  the  doctrines 
this  witness  teaches  must  be  accepted.  If  the  Bible  is  this  witness, 
then  all  the  Bible  teaches  must  be  accepted :  if  the  Church  is  this 
witness,  then  all  the  Church  teaches  must  be  accepted  and 
believed.  As  Catholics  we  believe  the  Catholic  Church  is  the 
voice  of  God :  hence  it  is  not  permitted  for  any  Catholic  to  modify, 
or  soften,  or  change  the  doctrines  of  the  Church.  These  doctrines 
have  been  taught  by  God,  and  man  has  no  power,  nor  right  to 


128  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

change  them,  because  they  are  hateful  to  the  Liberahsm  or 
Infidelity  of  the  age.  Men  talk  of  changing  religion  to  suit  the 
Liberalism  of  the  day,  as  they  would  talk  of  changing  the  cut  of 
their  coat.  Religion  does  not  change;  religion  comes  from  God, 
Who  is  unchangeable,  and  when  men  talk  of  changing  religion 
they  talk  heresy. 

"Yet  with  these  truths  before  them  there  are  many  amongst 
us,  who  seek  and  wish  to  soften  the  doctrines  of  the  Catholic 
Church.  They  say,  'The  Church  is  too  strict,  the  Church  is 
behind  the  age ;  there  should  be  some  change  so  as  to  harmonize 
with  modern  thought  and  modern  progress.'  That  is,  we  should 
deny,  or  drop  from  our  creed,  some  of  the  doctrines  God  has 
taught,  not  because  they  are  false,  but  because  they  are  not 
popular,  and  are  offensive  to  modern  Liberalism.  Does  not  that 
look  very  like  Judas  selling  Christ  for  popularity? 

"The  man  who  talks  of  softening  his  faith,  or  modifying  it  to 
suit  modern  ideas,  may  continue  going  to  church,  and  calling 
himself  a  Catholic,  but  the  germ  of  heresy  is  in  his  mind,  and  if 
pressed  he  would  deny  his  faith  for  the  sake  of  popularity. 

"Mark  those  who  have  fallen  away  from  the  Church.  They 
began  by  finding  fault  with  the  priest.  He  was  not  sufficiently 
polished,  his  preaching  was  not  up  to  the  standard,  he  was  too 
dogmatic  and  uncompromising.  They  then  found  fault  with  the 
Church,  and  ended  in  being  Liberal  Catholics,  that  is  in  being  a 
Catholic  who  is  willing  to  deny  a  part  of  his  faith  for  the  sake  of 
being  popular.  These  men  almost  invariably  end  in  denying  the 
faith  altogether,  or  bringing  up  a  family  without  faith  or  God  in 
it.  A  Liberal  Catholic  is  the  curse  of  the  Church,  and  the  curse 
of  the  congregation  he  is  in.  He  is  a  constant  grumbler  and  fault- 
finder, a  disturber  of  the  peace,  and  a  man  who  never  does  his  fair 
share  for  the  support  of  religion.  Guard  yourselves,  dear  children, 
against  such  a  man.  He  is  an  enemy  within  your  ranks,  and  the 
more  dangerous  because  he  still  bears  the  name  of  Catholic.  Stand 
by  your  faith,  it  is  the  dearest  gift  God  has  given  to  you;  teach  it 
to  your  children,  that  they  may  bless  you  when  you  are  in  your 
graves.  Let  the  world  rage  and  mock,  it  did  the  same  to  Christ. 
Our  reward  is  not  of  earth,  it  is  of  heaven;  we  must  carry  our 
cross,  if  we  will  wear  a  crown.  For  nineteen  hundred  years  the 
world  has  raged  against  the  Church :  for  nineteen  hundred  years. 
Kings  and  Emperors,  Powers  and  States  have  warred  against 
Her,  heresy  has  risen  up  against  Her.  but  She  lives,  and  will  live, 
like  Christ,  her  Author,  to  the  end.  She  came  from  God,  and  like 
God  She  is  eternal,  immutable  and  unchangeable."     *     *     * 

On  April  4,  1880,  Bishop  Gilmour  delivered  an  eloquent  and 
scholarly  lecture  in  Case  Hall,  Cleveland,  on  "The  Debt  America 


^   IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  129 

owes  to  Catholicity."  Again  he  aroused  the  bigotry  of  the 
Protestant  pulpit  and  press  for  daring  to  state  unpalatable  truths. 
He  answered  to  deep  silence,  his  antagonists,  by  publishing  a 
series  of  replies,  and  challenged  them  to  disprove  the  statements 
he  had  made  in  his  lecture.    The  challenge  was  never  accepted ! 

Bishop  Gilmour  found  it  impossible,  for  lack  of  means,  to 
build  a  new  and  commodious  seminary  of  modern  architecture  on 
the  land  he  had  purchased  in  Euclid  Township,  as  mentioned 
above.  He  was  therefore  forced  to  enlarge  the  present  building,  so 
as  to  decently  accommodate  the  professors,  and  the  increasing 
number  of  students,  necessary  to  fill  up  the  ranks  of  the  clergy, 
then  and  for  years  before  insufficient  to  meet  the  wants  of  the 
rapidly  growing  diocese.  Hence,  in  1884,  the  diocesan  seminary 
was  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  the  present  south  wing,  which 
contains  suites  of  rooms  for  professors  and  separate  rooms  for 
students,  neatly  and  comfortably  furnished.  During  the  following 
year,  the  main  or  centre  building  was  entirely  remodeled  by 
changing  the  upper  two  stories  into  a  very  handsome  chapel,  and 
locating  a  lecture  hall  and  the  library  on  the  first  floor.  The  wing 
and  changes  cost  nearly  $20,000. 

St.  John's  Cemetery  and  the  old  allotment  of  St.  Joseph's 
Cemetery  located  on  Woodland  Avenue,  Cleveland,  w^ere  very 
nearly  filled  with  interments,  and  the  available  burial  lots  nearly 
all  sold,  in  1873.  The  question  of  locating  a  new  cemetery  had  to 
be  met.  This  was  not  of  easy  solution  owing  to  the  widely  spread 
territory  of  Cleveland,  each  section  wishing  the  cemetery  con- 
veniently located.  Finally,  in  1874,  the  purchase  of  a  tract  of  land, 
comprising  about  37  acres,  and  located  in  Newburg  Township,  was 
urged  on  the  Bishop  by  a  number  of  Cleveland  pastors,  they  claim- 
ing that  it  was  most  suitable  for  cemetery  purposes;  that  in  a 
short  time  an  excellent  road  would  be  built  from  Broadway,  in 
Newburg,  to  the  land.  Much  against  his  own  judgment,  as  to 
the  advisability  of  the  purchase,  he  yielded  to  his  advisors  and 
bought  the  land,  the  purchase  price  being  $37,500,  secured  by 
mortgage.  Hardly  had  the  purchase  been  made  when  the  efifect 
of  the  "Black  Friday"  panic  of  1873  made  itself  felt  very  forcibly 
in  Cleveland.  Land  values  fell  at  least  50  per  cent.  The  promised 
road  to  Newburg  land  was  never  built,  and  so  the  cemetery  project 


130  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

ended  in  failure.  Tlic  Bishop  offered  $10,000  to  the  original 
owner  of  the  land  to  cancel  the  sale,  but  his  offer  was  refused. 
He  was  obliged  to  shoulder  the  debt  without  any  financial 
assistance.  This  debt,  with  that  on  the  land  he  had  bought  the 
year  previous,  caused  him  much  anxiety,  but  by  careful  manage- 
ment it  was  gradually  paid  off.  the  final  payment  having  been 
made  about  six  years  later.  The  diocese  of  Cleveland  now  owns, 
clear  of  debt,  the  so-called  "Euclid  Farm,"  and  "Newburg  Farm." 
Both  parcels  of  land  have  since  developed  into  very  valuable 
properties ;  the  former  to  be  used  for  its  original  purpose,  as  a  site 
for  the  diocesan  seminary,  which  will  be  built  as  soon  as  means 
are  available. 

As  above  stated,  St.  John's  Cemetery,  and  the  old  allotment 
of  St.  Joseph's  Cemetery  had  become  nearly  full  of  interments, 
and  no  burial  lots  w^ere  to  be  had.  In  order  to  tide  over  the 
necessity  of  purchasing  land  for  that  purpose,  during  the  period  of 
financial  depression  between  1873  and  1878,  Bishop  Gilmour  had 
the  west  part  of  St.  Joseph's  cemetery  graded  and  put  into  proper 
condition,  according  to  the  modern  idea,  now  almost  universally 
adopted  for  burial  lots.  The  result  was  that  the  new  addition  to 
said  cemetery,  comprising  about  eight  acres,  became  very  attrac- 
tive, although  it  had  been  rejected  for  years  previous,  because 
"it  was  not  level."  The  beautifully  graded,  undulating  surface, 
the  serpentine  drives  and  well  kept  lawns,  added  much  to  the 
appearance  of  the  new  grounds,  which  were  solemnly  blessed  by 
Bishop  Gilmour  in  the  fall  of  1878.  Thus,  present  cemetery  needs 
were  met,  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  Catholic  public. 

For  many  years  Bishop  Gilmour  had  maintained  the  principle 
that  the  property  title  to  charitable  institutions,  supported 
exclusively  by  a  diocese,  should  be  held  by  the  bishop  of  the 
diocese  in  wdiich  such  institutions  are  located.  Most  of  the 
bishops  in  attendance  at  the  III  Plenary  Council  of  Baltimore 
held  the  same  view,  and  a  decree  was  passed  by  the  Council  to 
that  effect.  How^ever,  when  it  was  submitted  to  the  Propaganda, 
along  with  the  other  decrees  of  said  Council,  for  approval,  it  was 
rejected.  The  question  w^as  then  referred  to  His  Holiness, 
Leo  XIII,  who  shared  the  views  held  by  the  American  bishops, 
but  directed  that  for  the  present  nothing  be  done  in  the  matter, 
and  to  bring  it  up  before  the  next  Plenary  Council. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND  131 

Early  in  1884,  some  months  before  the  III  Plenary  Council 
of  Baltimore  convened,  Bishop  Gilmour  insisted  that  the  title  to 
St.  Vincent's  Orphan  Asylum,  Cleveland,  be  transferred  to  him,  as 
Bishop  of  the  Diocese,  basing  his  claim  on  the  fact  that  it  was, 
and  had  been  from  the  very  beginning,  supported  by  the  offerings 
of  the  laity.  The  title  had  been  held  by  the  Sisters  of  Charity, 
then  known  under  the  civil  corporation  of  "St.  Joseph's  Hospital.'' 
Bishop  Rappe  had  bought  the  property  on  which  the  Asylum  is 
located,  and  transferred  the  title  to  the  new  corporation  for  the 
purpose  of  avoiding  taxation,  as  he  feared  if  the  property  were 
held  by  him  the  Asylum  would  be  considered  private  property  and 
thus  taxable.  It  was  shown  by  evidence  that  he  never  intended  it 
to  be  the  actual  property  of  the  Corporation,  which  had  never  paid 
the  diocese  for  it.  The  transfer  by  deed  was  considered  by  him  a 
mere  formality.  The  Sisters,  who  so  faithfully  and  zealously  had 
served  the  Asylum  and  its  diocesan  wards,  believed,  no  doubt,  in 
good  faith — strengthened  by  advice  given  by  those  outside  of  the 
community  who  opposed  the  Bishop — that  the  property  actually 
belonged  to  them  as  a  Corporation.  The  matter  was  referred  to 
the  Archbishop  of  Cincinnati,  the  Most  Rev.  Dr.  Elder,  w^ho 
heard  the  case  in  Cleveland,  on  August  14,  1884.  Before  the  case 
was  ended,  the  Sisters'  advocate,  the  Rev.  Charles  Evrard,  felt  that 
his  clients  could  not  prove  their  claim,  and  asked  that  a  compro- 
mise ofifer  be  made  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  in  view  of  the  many  years 
of  faithful  services  rendered  by  the  Sisterhood  to  the  Diocese  of 
Cleveland.  A  most  generous  ofifer  was  made  by  the  Bishop  and 
it  was  at  once  accepted,  thus  ending  the  case.  A  few  months  later 
(October  6,  1884),  the  Corporation  deeded  the  property  to  the 
Bishop  for  the  diocese. 

For  the  same  reasons  as  above  stated,  the  Bishop  asked  a  few 
years  later  (1889)  that  the  title  to  St.  Vincent's  Asylum,  at 
Toledo,  be  transferred  to  him  by  the  Corporation  known  as  the 
Sisters  of  Charity,  of  Montreal.  All  the  Toledo  pastors,  with  one 
or  two  exceptions,  held  the  Bishop's  view,  and  were  unwilling  to 
support  the  Asylum  unless  it  were  made  diocesan  property.  This 
the  Sisters  respectfully  refused  to  do,  claiming  ownership  in  fact 
and  in  law.  The  case  was  referred  to  the  Holy  See,  which 
appointed  His  Eminence,  Cardinal  Gibbons,  as  its  delegate,  with 


132  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

power  to  give  a  final  decision.  His  Eminence  tried  the  case  at 
Toledo,  in  St.  Vincent's  Hospital.  The  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  was  his 
own  advocate,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Quigley  acted  as  such  for  the 
Sisters.  After  a  full  hearing-  of  the  evidence.  Cardinal  Gibbons 
decided  that  the  title  to  said  Asylum  should  not  be  disturbed.  In 
years  past  the  Bishop  had  made  annual  appeals  to  the  diocese  for 
the  support  of  the  orphan  asylums.  But  he  refused  to  do  so  in 
future  for  St.  Vincent's  Asylum,  on  the  ground  that  if  it  was  now 
to  be  considered  property  of  a  community,  incorporated  as  a  civil 
body,  with  its  Motherhouse  outside  of  the  diocese,  the  corporation 
must  not  look  to  the  diocese  for  any  support  of  its  Asylum.  With 
the  Cardinal's  adverse  decision  fully  accepted,  the  Bishop  made  no 
further  contention  in  the  matter.* 

In  March,  1887,  Bishop  Gilmour  published  a  "Constitution 
and  By-laws  for  the  Government  of  the  Parochial  Schools  of  the 
Diocese  of  Cleveland,"  of  which  the  principal  features  are:  The 
examination  of  parish  schools  by  district  boards,  and  the  annual 
examination  of  teachers  by  the  diocesan  board  of  examiners. 
However,  owing  to  want  of  means  and  proper  facilities,  this 
laudable  feature  in  the  proper  management  of  the  parochial  schools 
had  to  be  abandoned  a  few  years  later. 

Between  1877  and  1887  the  following  institutions  were  estab- 
lished in  the  diocese:  1877 — Convent  of  the  Poor  Clares,  Cleve- 
land, and  the  Ursuline  Academy,  at  Villa  Angela,  near  Notting- 
ham; 1884 — Cleveland,  St.  Alexis'  Hospital,  Protectory  for  Girls, 
in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame;  Louisville,  St.  Louis' 
Orphan  Asylum  for  Boys;  1885 — Toledo,  Little  Sisters  of  the 
Poor.  The  Jesuit  Fathers,  to  whom  had  been  entrusted,  in  1880, 
the  pastorate  of  St.  Mary's  church,  Cleveland,  opened  St.  Ignatius' 
College,  in  a  frame  building,  opposite  their  church,  at  the  corner 
of  Carroll  and  Jersey  streets,  September,  1886.  At  this  time,  also, 
the  Ursulines  opened  an  institution  at  Nottingham  for  the 
education  of  boys  under  twelve  years  of  age.  It  is  known  as 
St.  Joseph's  Seminary. 

Between  1877  and  1891  thirty-five  churches  were  built  and 
as  many  new  congregations  established,  which  fact  showed  that 

♦In  December,  1900,  the  Sisters  of  Charity,  of  their  own  accord,  transferred  St.  Vincent's 
Asylum,  Toledo,  to  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann,  thereby  vindicating  Bishop  Gilmour's 
contention. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  133 

generosity  and  activity  were  as  strong  as  ever  in  the  diocese,  in 
spite  of  the  financial  panic  which  for  over  five  years  during  this 
period  had  depressed  the  country  at  large. 

In  1877  Bishop  Gilmour  began  to  systematize  the  routine  and 
business  affairs  of  his  diocese  by  establishing  a  chancery  office, 
which  up  to  this  time  had  existed  only  in  name.  He  had  plats 
made  of  all  the  church  property,  and  the  respective  deeds  indexed 
and  labeled  for  ready  reference.  Parish,  and  "permit"  records, 
records  of  priests  and  religious  institutions  were  begun,  and  blank 
forms  for  diocesan  and  annual  reports,  together  with  letter  books 
and  letter  files,  were  introduced. 

Bishop  Gilmour  had  also  a  large  steel  vault  built  as  an  annex 
to  the  Chancery  of^ce,  in  which  to  preserve  from  destruction  by 
fire  the  valuable  and  constantly  increasing  diocesan  archives.  The 
vault  is  14  feet  wide,  18  feet  long  and  9  feet  high.  It  is  filled  with 
well  arranged  cases,  shelving  and  files,  making  it  an  easy  matter 
to  reach  any  of  its  varied  contents  at  a  moment's  notice. 

In  1878  the  collecting  of  historical  data  of  every  congregation 
and  institution  in  the  diocese  was  begun.  Promptly  and  kindly 
did  the  clergy  and  the  heads  of  institutions  respond  to  the  Bishop's 
request  for  the  same,  and  soon  there  was  an  abundance  of 
historical  matter,  which  is  now  on  file  in  the  diocesan  archives. 
From  this  source  the  writer  has  largely  drawn  for  the  history  of 
the  diocese. 

In  May,  1882,  the  sixth  Diocesan  Synod  was  held  in  St.  Mary's 
Seminary,  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine  priests  of  the  secular  and 
regular  clergy  being  in  attendance.  As  a  result  of  this  Synod  we 
have  the  present  diocesan  legislation,  which,  with  the  exception  of 
about  half  a  dozen  of  its  two  hundred  and  sixty-two  statutes,  is  in 
perfect  harmony  with  the  laws  of  the  Third  Plenary  Council  of 
Baltimore,  held  in  November,  1884. 

In  July,  1882,  Bishop  Gilmour  went  to  Europe,  to  visit, 
among  other  countries,  his  native  Scotland,  which  he  had  not 
seen  since  he  left  it,  as  a  child,  in  1829.  Besides  traveling  exten- 
sively through  Ireland,  England,  France  and  Germany,  he  also 
paid  his  ad  limi)ia  visit  to  Rome,  his  first  official  visit  to  the  Holy 
See,  although  he  had  been  there  for  a  few  weeks  in  1875,  as  an 
invalid.  During  his  absence  (till  February,  1883),  the  Very  Rev. 
Vicar  General  BofT  administered  the  affairs  of  the  diocese. 


134  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

At  the  Diocesan  Synod,  held  in  1882,  the  following  Statute 
(No.  242)  was  published:  "Cities,  where  there  is  more  than  one 
church,  shall,  after  the  present  cemeteries  are  filled,  have  but  one 
common  cemetery."  A  few  years  later  it  was  found  necessary  by 
some  of  the  Toledo  parishes,  to  secure  additional  land  for  burial 
purposes,  as  their  parish  cemeteries  had  been  nearly  filled  with 
interments  and  the  supply  of  burial  lots  nearly  exhausted.  There 
were  then  four  distinct  Catholic  cemeteries  in  that  city.  Bishop 
Gilmour  felt  that  now  the  time  had  come  to  put  into  effect  in 
Toledo  the  above  quoted  Statute.  In  this  he  was  seconded  by 
nearly  all  the  local  pastors,  and  especially  by  those  who  had  no 
parish  cemeteries.  Accordingly,  in  1887,  he  bought  several 
adjoining  parcels  of  land  fronting  on  Dorr  street,  quite  near  the 
city  limits,  and  easy  of  access.  The  total  purchase,  made  on 
borrowed  money,  amounted  to  forty  acres  of  very  choice  land, 
beautifully  located.  During  at  least  three  years  he  made 
frequent  trips  to  Toledo,  between  spring  and  autumn,  whenever 
his  manifold  duties  permitted,  to  superintend  the  laying  out  and 
beautifying  the  new  cemetery.  He  personally  paid  the  expenses 
connected  with  these  frequent  trips  and  the  buggy  hire  to  and 
from  the  cemetery,  besides  giving  his  time  and  attention  to  the 
project.  Today,  thanks  to  the  Bishop's  unremitting  efforts,  not 
always  seconded  as  they  should  have  been  by  those  supposedly 
most  interested,  the  Catholics  of  Toledo  have  in  Calvary  Cemetery 
— as  it  is  named — one  of  the  finest  and  most  attractive  burial 
grounds  in  this  country,  and  of  which  they  are  justly  proud. 

On  January  3,  1889^  the  Seventh  Diocesan  Synod  was  held 
in  St.  Mary's  Seminary,  Cleveland.  It  was  attended  by  one 
hundred  and  forty-four  priests,  of  whom  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
three  belonged  to  the  secular  clergy.  On  this  occasion  the  oiScials 
of  the  Matrimonial  Court,  and  of  the  Disciplinary  Court,  were 
appointed,  as  were  also  the  Synodal  Examiners.  Nine  parishes  in 
the  diocese  were  also  made  rectorates.  viz..  in  Cleveland — St. 
Peter's,  St.  Malachy's,  St.  Stephen's;  Toledo — St.  Patrick's; 
Tiffin — St.  Joseph's ;  Sandusky — Sts.  Peter  and  Paul's ;  Fremont — 
St.  Joseph's ;  Delphos — St.  John's  ;  Youngstown — St.  Columba's. 
The  pastors  of  these  parishes,  at  the  time,  were  also  declared 
irremovable  rectors. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  135 

It  had  long  been  a  question  with  Bishop  Gilmour,  how  to 
arrange  for  the  prescribed  annual  Retreats  for  his  clergy,  which 
had  grown  too  large  in  number  to  be  accommodated  at  the  same 
time  in  any  diocesan  building.  It  was  suggested  that  he  arrange 
for  such  Retreats  by  calling  half  of  the  clergy  each  year  to  the 
Seminary,  and  by  having  annually  two  separate  Retreats,  eacli 
could  be  attended  by  one-fourth  of  the  priests,  who  would  then  be 
properly  accommodated.  The  Bishop  readily  adopted  the  sugges- 
tion, which  went  into  effect  in  the  summer  of  1889.  and  has  ever 
since  proved  quite  satisfactory  to  the  clergy. 


136  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 


CHAPTER  V 

THE   RT.   REV.   BISHOP   GILMOUR'S   ADMINISTRATION. 

(CONTINUED.) 

BISHOP  GILMOUR'S  LAST  YEARS  OF  ADMINISTRATION  FULL  OF  TROUBLES  AND 
TRIALS— THE  PARNELL  BRANCH  OF  THE  IRISH  LAND  LEAGUE— ITS  OPPO- 
SITION TO  BISHOP  GILMOUR— HE  LECTURES  ON  "THE  IRISH  QUESTION"— 
THE  LADIES'  LAND  LEAGUE  DENOUNCED  BY  BISHOP  GILMOUR— THE 
LADIES'  LAND  LEAGUE  IS  CONDEMNED  AND  ITS  MEMBERS  EXCOM- 
MUNICATED—THE ANTI-CATHOLIC  CLEVELAND  LEADER— ITS  EDITOR. 
EDWIN  COWLES— BISHOP  GILMOUR  SUED  FOR  LIBEL— THE  "CATHOLIC 
KNIGHT"  CASE— THE  CASE  OF  THE  REV.  P.  F.  QUIGLEY,  D.  D.— THE  CASE 
OP  THE  REV.  JOHN  B.  PRIMEAU— SITE  PURCHASED  FOR  ST.  JOHN'S  HOS- 
PITAL—THE "GORDON  MITER"— BISHOP  GILMOUR'S  LAST  ILLNESS— HE  DIED 
AT  ST.  AUGUSTINE,  FLA.— HIS  REMAINS  BROUGHT  TO  CLEVELAND— THE  RT. 
REV.    MGR.    F.    M.    BOFF  IS  APPOINTED  ADMINISTRATOR   OF   THE   DIOCESE. 

THE  latter  years  of  Bishop  Gilmour's  administration  (1882- 
1891)  were  for  him  years  of  troubles  and  trials,  caused  by 
his  love  of  order,  enforcement  of  discipline,  and  the  vindi- 
cation of  the  rights  of  his  episcopal  office.  The  result  was  that  he 
had  to  meet  almost  constant  opposition.  He  was  maligned,  often 
not  understood,  and  very  often  misjudged  for  many  of  his  admin- 
istrative acts,  which  in  the  nature  of  things  he  could  not  always  or 
satisfactorily  explain  to  the  public,  or  to  those  affected  by  them. 
The  few  who  knew  the  "inner  history"  of  these  acts — among  them 
the  writer — knew  also  that  the  Bishop  had  at  least  thorough 
honesty  of  purpose,  and  absolute  personal  unselfishness  as  his 
guides,  even  though  they  did  not  always  deem  some  of  his  acts 
opportune  or  prudent,  so  far  as  they  were  able  to  judge. 

Some  of  these  acts  developed  into  "cases"  which  reached  the 
newspapers,  often  in  distorted  form,  garnished  with  falsehood  or 
misrepresentation  of  facts.  Thus  the  Bishop  was  placed  before  the 
pubHc  in  an  unfavorable  light,  as  though  he  were  harsh,  arbitrary, 
and  a  selfseeker.  At  times  appearances  were  against  him,  but  he 
knew,  as  did  also  the  very  few  mentioned,  that  he  was  misjudged. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  137 

When  circumstances  warranted,  he  would  explain  such  of  his 
episcopal  acts  as  aroused  opposition  or  strife,  but  more  often  he 
could  not  speak,  and  so  bore  insult  and  assault  in  silence.  His 
silence  often  shielded  those  whose  conduct  forced  him  to  act,  and 
who,  feeling  secure  because  of  the  Bishop's  enforced  silence,  were 
loudest  in  their  protests  and  strongest  in  their  opposition  against 
him. 

In  this  chapter  the  writer  will  endeavor,  to  the  best  of  his 
ability,  in  the  light  of  truth  and  charity,  to  give  a  brief  account  of 
the  more  noted  "cases"  which  gained  widespread  publicity, 
disturbed  the  peace  of  the  diocese  and  caused  Bishop  Gilmour 
many  a  heartache. 

THE  PARNELL  BRANCH  OF  THE  IRISH  LAND  LEAGUE. 

Not  long  after  Bishop  Gilmour's  advent  in  Cleveland  he 
found  an  element  among  the  laity  of  his  flock  that  was  more 
national  than  Catholic,  and  which  soon  showed  opposition  to  him 
because  he  refused  to  accept  its  views  or  to  permit  it  to  meddle 
with  his  affairs  and  duties  as  bishop.  That  element  appeared 
under  various  disguises,  always  cloaked  under  "patriotism."  It 
was  organized  into  a  society  of  one  name,  and  shortly  after  of 
another  name — from  an  apparently  harmless  literary  association 
to  the  oathbound  and  condemned  Clan-na-gael  society;  but  it 
always  remained  the  same  disturbing  un-Catholic  element  in  the 
community. 

In  1881  it  was  known  as  the  "Parnell  Branch  of  the  Irish 
Land  League."  It  advocated  the  "No  Rent"  policy  as  the  best 
means  of  solving  the  question  of  Land  Tenure  in  Ireland. 

When  Bishop  Gilmour  condemned  the  Parnell  Branch  for 
holding  this  morally  untenable  view  he  aroused  their  bitter  enmity. 
They  then  tried  by  every  means  to  make  the  public  believe  that  he 
was  opposed  to  their  native  land,  whilst  the  very  contrary  was  the 
truth,  as  by  word,  pen  and  deed  he  proved. 

In  order  to  aid  the  Irish  cause  in  regard  to  land  tenure,  and 
at  the  same  time  to  disabuse  the  public  as  to  his  position  towards 
the  Land  League  policy  in  general,  he  delivered  a  lecture  on 
February  6,  1882,  in  the  Cleveland  Tabernacle,  before  an  immense 
and  most  attentive  audience.  The  subject  of  the  lecture  was :  "The 
Irish  Question,"  which  he  discussed  in  a  masterly  manner,  eliciting 


138  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

frequent  and  hearty  applause.  Following  are  a  few  passages  taken 
from  his  lecture ;  they  are  self-explanatory.  Referring  to  the 
"No  Rent"  policy,  he  said: 

"Now,  what  is  'no  rent?'  On  what  is  it  based?  In  its  naked 
deformity  'no  rent'  means  that  the  tenant,  under  the  plea  that  he  is 
poor  and  the  landlord  rich,  will  pay  no  rent  for  the  use  of  the  land 
he  occupies.  But  this  is  theft — clear,  unqualified  theft, — and  is 
based  on  the  comnumistic  doctrine,  'projierty  is  robbery.' 

"On  the  same  plea  the  robber  is  justified.  No  viler  doctrine 
was  ever  promulgated  in  the  streets  of  Paris.  It  is  un-Catholic,  it 
is  un-Irish,  and  if  continued  in  and  forced  as  a  part  of  the  Land 
League  doctrine,  then  the  Land  League  is  doomed,  and  no  power 
on  earth  can  or  ought  to  save  it.  No  special  pleading  nor  plausible 
theorizing  can  conceal  the  fact  that  'no  rent'  means  robbery.  As 
well  take  a  man's  purse,  as  take  his  land.  The  cause  of  Ireland  is 
too  sacred  to  be  wantonly  dragged  into  the  gutters,  or  the  fair  flag 
of  Erin  be  tarnished  by  robbery.  There  is  too  much  that  is  holy 
in  the  original  Land  League  movement  to  require  any  of  the  mad 
doctrines  of  Paris  to  give  it  strength.  Keep  the  Land  League  pure 
say  I.  Keep  the  stain  of  robbery  from  it.  Let  it  stand  upon  the 
right  of  the  tenant  to  a  support  from  the  land  he  cultivates,  to  a 
right  in  the  improvement  he  makes,  to  fixity  of  tenure  at  a  fair 
price  now  and  ownership  hereafter,  and  I  pledge  success  to  the 
Land  League,  and  at  no  distant  future  an  end  to  landlordism  in 
Ireland.  With  the  battle  cry,  'fair  rents  now  and  a  fair  price  here- 
after,' the  Land  League  must  win  because  it  says  'justice  to  the 
tenant,  justice  to  the  landlord,'  and  under  such  a  banner  there  will 
be  unity,  and  strength,  and  victory," 

The  Bishop  then  proposed  the  following  as  a  remedy  agamst 
the  grave  injustice  done  the  Irish  tenantry: 

"To  accomplish  this  you  will  naturally  ask  what  I  propose. 
Well,  then,  I  propose :  First,  for  the  present  the  tenant  shall  pay 
a  fair  rent,  but  no  more.  Second,  the  landlord  shall  give  the  tenant 
fixity  of  tenure.  Third,  the  improvements  made  by  the  tenant 
shall  be  the  tenant's.  Fourth,  in  time  the  landlord  shall  be  forced 
to  sell  the  land  to  the  tenant,  for  which  the  tenant  shall  pay  a  fair 
price.  Fifth,  Ireland  shall  have  Home  Rule,  and  thus  be  enabled 
to  develop  her  own  resources,  establish  manufactures,  and  open 
up,  in  her  own  way,  commerce  with  the  world." 

As  was  to  be  expected,  the  lecture  intensified  the  animosity  of 
the  Parnell  Branch  against  Bishop  Gilmour.  But  he  showed  how 
little  he  cared  for  their  ill  will,  by  publishing  the  following  card  on 
February  8,  two  days  after  his  lecture : 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  139 

A  CARD  FROM  BISHOP  GILMOUR. 

''Editor  Plain  Dealer:  In  your  issue  of  yesterday  you  say,  in 
speaking-  of  my  lecture:  'Bishop  Gilmour  delivered  his  lecture  by 
invitation  of  the  Land  League.'  This  is  a  mistake.  Bishop 
Gilmour  did  not  deliver  his  lecture  'by  invitation  of  the  Land 
League.'  but  on  the  contrary,  when  asked  by  the  Parnell  Branch 
of  the  Land  League  to  deliver  a  lecture  before  them,  he,  for  many 
reasons,  some  of  which  he  stated  in  his  lecture,  very  distinctly 
refused  to  lecture  at  the  invitation  of  the  Parnell  Branch  of  the 
Land  League.  Bishop  Gilmour  lectured  at  his  own  invitation, 
and  at  no  one  else's,  but  invited  the  delegates  of  the  English 
speaking  congregations  (Irish)  of  the  city,  to  make  the  necessary 
arrangements  for  the  lecture,  these  delegates  representing  the 
entire  Irish  population  of  the  city.  Bishop  Gilmour  does  not 
belong  to  a  'Branch'  of  his  people,  far  less  to  a  'Branch'  so  utterly 
reckless  and  radical  as  the  Parnell  Branch  of  the  Land  League  of 
Cleveland.  When  Bishop  Gilmour  speaks  he  speaks  to  and  for  his 
whole  people.  'Branches'  lopped  of¥  from  the  tree  soon  become 
rotten  timber,  and  the  Parnell  'Branch'  of  Cleveland  is  no 
exception. 

"This  may  appear  a  small  matter,  but  the  intent  with  which 
it  was  said  in  the  Plain  Dealer  was  to  continue  the  effort  so 
maliciously  made  by  the  Parnell  'Branch'  to  place  me  in  a  false 
position,  as  was  the  original  invitation  of  this  Parnell  'Branch' 
when  they  invited  me  to  lecture  before  them,  intending  as  they 
did  that  if  I  refused  to  lecture  before  them,  as  they  knew  I  would. 
then  to  raise  the  cry  'the  Bishop  is  opposed  to  the  Land  League,' 
and  if  I  did  lecture  then  to  herald  far  and  wide,  'the  Bishop  is  in 
favor  of  'No  Rent.'  '  When  I  cut  the  knot  and  lectured  for  and 
before  the  whole  people,  they  (Parnell  'Branch')  tried  to  get  up  a 
disturbance  in  the  hall,  and  now  one  of  their  leaders  slips  in  the 
Plain  Dealer  maliciously  the  words  above,  hoping  thereby  to  begin 
anew  the  effort  of  placing  me  falsely  before  the  public.  It  is  about 
time  that  the  Parnell  'Branch'  of  the  Land  League  in  Cleveland 
understand  that  they  in  no  sense  represent  anything  Catholic. 

fR.  GILMOUR, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland.'' 

Bishop  Gilmour  having  finally  checkmated  the  Parnell 
Branch  of  the  Land  League,  its  members  adopted  other  tactics,  by 
organizing  a  Land  League  composed  of  women,  hoping  and 
believing  that  the  Bishop  would  not  dare  to  oppose  the  latter, 
because  they  were  women.  But  they  were  soon  undeceived,  for 
hardly  had  the  Ladies'  Land  League  been  formed,  when  its  con- 


140  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

demnation  by  the  Bishop  was  pubHshed,  by  him,  in  the  Catholic 
Universe,  on  May  25,  1882,  as  appears  from  the  following: 

"Sunday,  May  14th  inst.,  there  was  formed,  in  connection 
with  the  Parnell  Branch  of  the  Land  League  of  Cleveland,  a 
Ladies'  Land  League.  On  last  Sunday  (21st),  in  the  Cathedral,  I 
took  occasion  to  warn  the  women  of  Cleveland  against  joining,  or 
having  anything  to  do  with  this  or  any  other  Ladies'  Land  League, 
giving  as  my  reasons  'the  impropriety  of  women  becoming 
politicians  or  appearing  in  the  indecorous  role  of  noisy  agitators/ 
adding,  further,  'that  home  was  woman's  sphere ;  there  she  was 
queen,  and  there  God  had  destined  her  to  wield  her  influence;  that 
neither  by  nature  nor  talents  was  woman  fitted  for  the  political 
arena ;  that  strife  and  noise,  and  newspaper  notoriety  gravely 
compromised  the  modesty  and  delicacy  of  woman's  character,  and 
that  when  woman  attempted  to  play  the  part  of  man  she  forgot 
her  sex  and  her  place  in  society.' 

"For  having  dared  to  utter  these  sentiments  and  to  warn  the 
Catholic  women  of  Cleveland  against  the  unwomanly  brawling  of 
female  politicians,  the  'presidentess'  of  this  Ladies'  Land  League 
informs  her  last  Sunday  afternoon  audience,  composed  of  noisy 
men  and  inexperienced  unmarried  women,  'that  they  did  not  want 
any  Scotch  dictation ;'  'that  love  of  country  had  nothing  to  do 
with  religion,'  and  'that  rites  and  ceremonies  never  fed  a  country.' 
In  addition  to  this  one  of  the  men  said:  'I  am  tired  of  this 
continual  talk  about  priests  and  bishops  in  connection  with  Irish 
aflFairs.'     *     *     * 

"This  Ladies'  Land  League  is  formed  by,  and  in  connection 
with  the  Parnell  Branch  of  the  Land  League,  and  within  one  week 
after  its  formation  the  public  is  informed  that  'these  ladies  are 
going  to  give  a  picnic,'  though  it  is  not  stated  what  is  to  be  done 
with  the  money  hoped  to  be  made. 

"Now  there  is  much  in  connection  with  the  men,  who  manage 
and  inspire  this  Parnell  Land  League  of  Cleveland,  to  excite 
distrust  in  the  purity  of  their  motives  in  encouraging  and  urging, 
and  'coaxing  ladies' — as  their  'presidentess'  expressed  it — to  form 
this  Ladies'  Land  League.  The  history  of  these  gentlemen  for  the 
last  ten  years  renders  their  motives  doubtful,  and  the  direction  of 
the  moneys  some  of  them  have  heretofore  controlled  is  not 
calculated  to  inspire  confidence. 

"The  same  men  who  govern  and  lead,  and  inspire  this  Parnell 
Branch  of  the  Land  League  in  Cleveland  are  well  known  as 
organizers.  There  is  little  known  to  wily  poHticians  with  which 
they  are  not  acquainted.  One  day  they  are  the  prominent  figure, 
the  next,  another  is  pushed  forward.     It  is  one  movement  today. 


ST.   JOSEPHS    SCHOOLS.   TIKKIX. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  141 

another  tomorrow.  Society  follows  society  in  quick  succession, 
but  they  are  always  officers,  treasurers,  leaders,  talkers,  speech- 
makers,  at  the  head  of  committees,  bringing  in  resolutions, 
running  hobbies,  and  daily  dogmatizing  on  the  duties  of  priests 
and  bishops,  on  the  formation  of  governments,  and  on  the 
profoundest  questions  of  political  economy.  Under  the  plea  of 
patriotism  they  cry  down  every  one  who  doubts  or  questions  their 
unsound  and  insane  theories.     *     *     * 

"Ten  years  ago  the  organizers  of  this  Parnell  Land  League 
were  the  leaders  and  managers  of  the  Irish  Literary  Association, 
at  that  time  including  a  large  number  of  excellent  men.  Soon 
after  my  arrival  in  Cleveland  I  discovered  'that  there  was  a  society 
within  a  society'  in  this  literary  association  and  that  the  literary 
part  of  the  association  was  but  a  cloak  for  a  secret  oathbound 
society.  I  touched  them  with  the  word  'Catholic'  and  the  Asso- 
ciation melted  away.  Then  these  gentlemen  managed  to  get  the 
funds  of  the  Association  voted  for  the  organization  of  a  military 
company  of  which  some  of  them  became  officers.  In  time  this 
company  in  shame  was  disarmed  and  disbanded  by  order  of  the 
Governor.  Then  these  same  leaders  became  busy  in  the  cause  of 
the  skirmishers,  raising  money,  organizing  picnics,  etc.  Where 
this  Skirmishing  Fund  has  gone  to  no  one  knoweth.  They  had  a 
picnic  last  summer,  and  months  after  balances  of  the  funds  were 
unaccounted  for,  and  now  by  'coaxing'  a  few  silly  young  women  to 
form  what  they  are  pleased  to  call  a  Branch  of  the  Parnell  Land 
League,  they  have  arranged  to  have  under  the  name  and  gauzy 
disguise  of  a  'Ladies'  Land  League'  another  picnic,  hoping  to 
shield  themselves  behind  a  breastwork  of  petticoats.     *     *     * 

"I  plead  for  woman,  I  plead  for  female  modesty  and  Catholic 
female  delicacy.  Let  me  not  plead  in  vain.  If  you  will  assail  me, 
do  so,  but  save  my  flock.  Save  the  women  of  my  flock  the 
disgrace  of  a  society  of  female  politicians. 

"Few  of  the  members  of  this  Parnell  Branch  of  the  Land 
League  are  practical  Catholics.  Most  of  them  hold  and  teach 
heresy  against  Catholic  teaching  on  the  subject  of  authority, 
church  and  State  property,  and  government.  There  is  not  one  of 
the  whole  organization  master  of  the  smaller  catechism,  yet  they 
one  and  all  dogmatize  on  authority,  the  relation  of  the  Church  to 
State,  the  rights  of  property,  the  rights  of  government,  etc.,  with 
a  flippancy  and  confidence  that  would  abash  a  St.  Thomas  or  a 
St.  Augustine. 

"No,  gentlemen,  either  you  are  Catholics  or  you  are  not. 
If  you  are  Catholics  you  must  take  from  the  Church,  not  the 
Church  from  you.  If  you  are  not  Catholics,  say  so,  and  then  we 
will  cease  discussing  you  or  your  acts.     But  if  you  are  Catholics 


142  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

and  will  seek  your  following  among  Catholics,  you  can  not  and 
will  not  be  permitted  to  dictate  to  both  bishop  and  priests.  The 
bishop  is  the  guardian  of  faith  in  his  diocese,  and  the  present 
Bishop  of  Cleveland  insists,  as  long  as  you  pretend  to  be  Catholic, 
that  you  shall,  in  matters  of  faith  and  morals,  take  from  him,  not 
he  from  you,  nor  will  he  allow  you,  unrebuked,  to  further  destroy, 
under  the  plea  of  patriotism,  the  faith  of  the  people  entrusted  to 
his  care,  nor  will  he  further  allow  you  to  teach,  unrebuked, 
doctrines  subversive  of  the  principles  of  honesty ;  nor  will  he 
permit  you,  unrebuked,  to  tamper  with  female  modesty,  and  by 
your  sham  pretense  of  patriotism  turn  our  Catholic  women  into 
brawling  politicians.  You  must  take  your  place  either  as  Catholics 
or  heretics;  if  Catholics,  you  must  live  subject  to  your  faith;  if 
heretics,  then  subject  to  the  choice  you  make.  But  you  cannot  sit 
on  the  fence  and  jump  down  on  God's  side  when  it  suits  you  and 
then  jump  on  the  devil's  side  when  it  suits  you.  As  you  choose  you 
must  abide,  but  you  shall  not  further  be  permitted,  unrebuked,  to 
poison  by  your  false  doctrines  and  un-Catholic  conduct  the  minds 
of  our  Catholics,  or  assail  the  modesty  of  our  Catholic  women  by 
turning  them,  for  your  selfish  ends,  into  noisy  politicians  or  news- 
paper pests.  fR.  GILMOUR, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland." 

As  was  expected  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  his  denunciation  of  the 
Ladies'  Land  League  aroused  a  storm  of  indignation  among  its 
few  members  and  its  many  abettors  and  sympathizers.  He  was 
virulently  attacked  in  public  meetings,  in  the  newspapers, 
editorially  and  by  "cards,"  signed  and  anonymous.  But  fair- 
minded  people,  wdio  did  not  permit  passion  to  sway  or  w^arp  their 
judgment,  approved  in  public  and  private  the  Bishop's  letter. 
Meanwhile,  however,  the  bitter  feeling  now  aroused  against  him 
increased,  but  it  did  not  make  him  the  less  courageous  in  holding 
the  unpopular  stand  he  felt  himself  in  conscience  obliged  to  take, 
as  a  shepherd  of  his  flock,  part  of  which  had  now  "strayed  to 
pastures  strange  and  new."  In  an  official  letter,  published  on 
June  1,  1882,  he  followed  up  the  condemnation  of  the  Ladies'  Land 
League,  by  excommunicating  the  members  thereof.  He  prefaced 
the  excommunication  by  the  following  self-explanatory  statement : 

OFFICIAL. 

"In  answer  to  my  grave  and  severe  criticism  of  last  week  on 
the  formation  of  a  Ladies'  Branch  of  the  Parnell  Land  League  of 
Cleveland,  the  'Presidentess'  thereof  last  Sunday  afternoon  informs 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  143 

her  audience  and  the  pubHc  that  they  must  'away  with  such 
dictation'  as  their  Bishop  gave  them  when  he  told  them  'the  noisy 
poHtical  arena  was  no  place  for  woman.' 

"In  the  same  hall,  and  by  one  of  the  men  who  are  pushing 
forward  these  silly  women,  it  was  said  at  the  same  meeting,  'if  they 
W'Cre  to  be  ruled  by  .Scotch,  or  Italian  or  English  priests  we  had 
better  shut  down  on  the  whole  lot.'     *     *     * 

"So  long  as  this  Parnell  Branch  of  the  Land  League  confined 
itself  to  the  simple  discussion  of  the  Irish  question,  I  passed 
them  in  comparative  silence,  as  I  am  strongly  in  sympathy  with 
the  cause  of  Ireland,  and  have  ever  spoken  in  clear  terms  upon  the 
question  both  in  Cleveland  and  elsewhere,  when  time  and  place 
presented  an  opportunity.  No  man  has  ever  spoken  stronger 
words  than  I  on  the  wrongs  of  Ireland,  as  seen  in  my  late  lecture 
on  the  Land  League.  I  resented,  and  today  resent,  the  imputation 
and  the  charge  so  industriously  made  by  the  men  of  this  Parnell 
Branch  of  the  Land  League,  that  because  I  refuse  to  advocate  the 
no-rent  policy  so  lately  in  vogue  that  therefore  I  am  the  enemy  of 
Ireland.  I  reject  such  charge  as  simply  untrue.  So  long  as  this 
Land  League  Society  had  confined  itself  to  a  male  membership, 
they  and  I  would  have  probably  had  but  a  difference  of  opinion  as 
to  the  means  to  help  the  cause  of  Ireland.  They  had  their  views. 
I  had  mine,  and  we  were  free  to  differ,  and  as  men  to  act  it  out  as 
men.  But  when  they  bring  women  into  the  political  arena,  and 
will  attempt  to  unsex  the  women  of  my  flock;  to  make  them 
brawling  politicians ;  and  under  the  plea  of  patriotism  attempt  to 
destroy  female  modesty  and  so  bring  shame  on  every  Catholic 
woman  of  Cleveland,  then  it  is  time  to  speak,  and  to  speak  in 
words  that  will  end  dispute.  When  the  question  is  squarely  raised 
on  choosing  between  female  modesty  and  pretended  patriotism 
then  I  place  myself  on  the  side  of  female  modesty;  and  when  it 
comes  to  defending  the  female  modesty  of  my  flock  as  against  the 
brazen  unwomanliness  of  female  politicians,  I  accept  the  gauge 
and  will  see  that  no  Catholic  woman  within  my  diocese  shall  turn 
herself  into  a  brawling  politician.  If  there  are  women  of  this  kind, 
and  if  there  are  women  in  Cleveland  who  will  turn  themselves  into 
brawling  politicians,  then  they  shall  not  be  Catholic  women,  and 
if  heretofore  they  have  so  called  themselves,  then  the  public  shall 
know  they  are  so  no  longer.  No  woman  within  the  diocese  of 
Cleveland  shall  at  the  same  time  be  a  Catholic  and  a  brawling 
politician.  The  Catholic  woman  must  live  within  the  modesty 
of  the  home ;  she  must  be  the  ornament  of  the  family  circle,  and 
her  womanly  delicacy  and  gentle  nature  shall  not  be  tainted  with 
the  noisy  brawl  of  the  virago.  Woman  must  be  woman;  women 
shall  not  be  permitted  to  unsex  themselves  and  at  the  same  time. 


144  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

within  the  limits  of  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  remain  members  of 
the  Catholic  Church." 

The  excommunication  of  the  Ladies'  Land  League  is  worded 
as  follows : 

"Now  therefore,  I,  Richard  Gilmour,  by  the  grace  of  God 
and  the  appointment  of  the  Apostolic  See,  Bishop  of  Cleveland, 
hereby  and  by  these  presents,  excommunicate  and  declare  excom- 
municated, ipso  facto,  and  within  the  limits  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleve- 
land, cut  off  from  the  communion  of  the  Catholic  Church,  any 
woman  now  a  member  of  the  Parnell  Branch  Ladies'  Land  League 
of  Cleveland  who  shall  attend  any  meeting  of  said  Ladies'  Land 
League,  in  what  is  known  as  the  Parnell  Hall,  Cleveland,  or  in  any 
other  hall,  whether  such  meeting  be  held  next  Sunday  afternoon, 
or  hereafter  at  any  other  time  or  place.  I  further  declare  excom- 
municated, ipso  facto,  and  within  the  limits  of  the  Diocese  of 
Cleveland,  cut  off  from  the  communion  of  the  Catholic  Church, 
any  woman  or  women,  who  shall,  after  the  publication  of  this,  join 
said  mentioned  Ladies'  Land  League. 

"Female  modesty  must  be  maintained  let  the  cost  be  what 
it  may.  No  Catholic  woman  shall  be  permitted  to  forget  her 
womanhood;  or  if  she  does,  she  shall  within  the  diocese  of  Cleve- 
land cease  to  be  in  communion  with  the  Catholic  Church. 

"We  hereby  direct  that  next  Sunday,  4th  inst.,  this  letter  shall 
be  read  at  all  Masses  in  all  the  English  speaking  churches  of  the 
city  of  Cleveland,  and  we  also  direct  pastors  to  warn  the  women  of 
their  respective  congregations  against  joining  the  above  Ladies' 
Land  League,  or  in  any  manner  countenancing  any  movement 
which  will  tend  to  taint  or  lessen  among  us  Catholic  female 
modesty. 

"Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  my  episcopal  residence, 
Cleveland,  this  first  day  of  June,  1882. 

(Signed)  fR.  GILMOUR, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland." 

Amid  all  the  consequent  storm  of  abuse  the  Bishop  remained 
serene,  feeling  confident  that  in  time  his  plea  for  womanly  modesty 
would  be  heard  and  approved  by  the  faithful  of  his  flock  and  by 
the  public  at  large — as  it  was ! 

THE  COWLES    CASE. 

For  many  years  the  Cleveland  Leader  had  the  distinction  of 

being  the  most  rabid  anti-Catholic  paper  pubHshed  in  the  United 

States.     Its  editor,  Edwin  Cowles,  hardly  permitted  a  day  to  pass 

in  which  he  did  not  pen  an  item  or  editorial  full  of  virus  against  the 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  145 

Catholic  Church,  pope,  bishops,  or  priests.  It  became  a  mania 
with  him,  so  much  so  that  Charles  A.  Dana,  the  brilliant  and 
learned  editor  of  the  Neiv  York  Sun,  named  him  the  "Papaphobic 
editor,"  and  "Hebetudinons  crank"  of  the  Leader,  both  of  which 
expressive  titles  were  re-echoed  by  many  newspapers  and  clung  to 
Edwin  Cowles  till  his  death.  No  matter  how  absurd  or  false  his 
anti-Catholic  diatribes,  or  how  often  refuted,  he  repeated  them 
unblushingly.  Bishop  Gilmour  took  up  the  cudgels  against  him 
on  many  occasions,  and  in  his  characteristic,  blunt,  plain  language 
castigated  him  severely,  and  without  mercy.  Edwin  Cowles  in 
consequence  allowed  no  opportunity  to  pass,  in  taking  sides 
against  Bishop  Gilmour,  criticising  such  acts  of  his  administration 
as  had  reached  the  public,  distorting  them  out  of  all  semblance  to 
truth,  and  imputing  motives  to  them  that  had  never  entered  the 
Bishop's  mind.  Among  the  many  acts  thus  criticised  was  the 
Bishop's  condemnation  of  the  Ladies'  Land  League.  For  this 
Edwin  Cowles  charged  Bishop  Gilmour  with  being  an  oppressor 
of  conscience,  and  offered  to  the  Bishop  the  use  of  the  Leader 
columns  for  a  refutation  of  that  charge,  if  refute  it  he  would  or 
could.  The  Bishop  at  once  accepted  the  offer  by  writing  a  letter 
to  the  Leader  in  w^hich  he  said  that  it  ill  became  its  editor, 
Edwin  Cowles,  to  charge  him  (the  Bishop)  wath  being  an  "oppres- 
sor of  conscience,"  when  abundant  proof  was  in  his  possession  to 
prove  that  the  editor  himself  had  enacted  that  role  towards  his 
own  daughter,  who,  as  was  then  well  known,  had  become  a 
Catholic.  The  letter  was  refused  publication  in  the  Leader,  and 
the  manuscript  though  called  for  was  not  returned ;  besides,  the 
messenger  who  called  for  it  was  violently  put  out  of  the  Leader  s 
office.  The  result  of  this  encounter  was  that  Edwin  Cowles  was 
arrested  for  assault  and  battery,  and  fined.  On  the  following  day 
(June  16,  1882)  the  letter,  intended  for  the  Leader,  and  reproduced 
by  the  Bishop  from  memory,  was  published  in  the  Press.  The 
following  passages  are  taken  from  the  Bishop's  letter,  above 
mentioned,  and  need  no  comment : 
Editor  Press: 

For  some  three  weeks  the  Leader  has  indulged  in  a  serial 
attack  upon  the  Catholic  church  in  general  and  myself  in 
particular,  in  which  much  has  been  said  of  tyranny  on  the  one 


146  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Iiaiul  and  liberty  on  the  other.  I  have  been  represented  as  a 
"tyrant"  because  of  my  late  action  toward  the  "Ladies'  Branch  of 
the  Parnell  Land  League,"  city.  In  the  Leader  s  issue  of  Tuesday 
my  action  is  spoken  of  as  "overbearing  and  tyrannical,"  and  I  am 
accused  of  issuing  "threats  of  damning  souls  for  all  eternity,"  and 
my  "arrogance  and  tyranny"  are  given  as  cause  "for  the  breaking 
down  of  Catholicity."  Catholics  are  spoken  of  as  "bound  in  chains 
and  meekly  submitting  their  necks  to  the  yoke  of  their 
ecclesiastical  enslavers."  I  am  also  reminded,  "This  is 
the  age  of  free  thought  and  emancipation  from  all  tyranny, 
whether  civil  or  ecclesiastical."  I  am  also  told  that  "I  am  living 
under  a  government  republican  in  character,  and  the  reign  of  the 
slave  driver  is  over," 

For  long  years  the  Leader  has  set  itself  up  as  the  champion  of 
free  thought  and  religious  liberty ;  the  right  of  each  to  the  free 
practice  of  his  or  her  religion  and  the  tyranny  and  crime  of  any  one 
to  coerce  or  in  any  way  to  interfere  with  the  religion  of  another. 
The  Catholic  religion  was  held  up  to  scorn,  myself  constantly 
assailed  as  a  "tyrant,"  who  would  crush  out  free  thought  and  free 
conscience,  if  I  only  could;  and  I  was  triumphantly  told  "this  was 
an  age  of  free  thought  and  emancipation  from  all  tyranny,  whether 
civil  or  ecclesiastical." 

Now  in  the  face  of  all  this  loud  championship  of  free  thought, 
and  the  right  of  each  individual  to  the  free  exercise  of  his  or  her 
religion  it  is  surely  not  too  much  to  ask  that  the  editor  of  the 
Leader,  Mr.  Edwin  Cowles,  should  practice  what  he  so  loudly 
champions.  Whether  he  does  or  does  not  let  the  following  plain 
tale  unfold. 

It  is  a  matter  of  public  notoriety  that  three  years  ago  the 
daughter  of  Mr.  Edwin  Cowles  became  a  Catholic,  but  it  is  but 
little  know'n  what  she  has  had  to  suffer  for  her  act.  From  the  loud 
championship  of  "free  thought"  and  "freedom  in  religion,"  made 
by  her  father,  Mr.  Cowles,  one  would  hardly  expect  him  to  inter- 
fere, or  place  a  barrier  to  the  religious  convictions  of  any  one,  far 
less  one  so  dear  and  near  to  him  as  his  own  daughter.  Yet  what 
are  the  facts  in  the  case?  Scarcely  had  Mr.  Cowles  heard  of  his 
daughter's  conversion  to  the  Catholic  religion  than,  frantic  with 
rage,  he  rushed  to  Rome,  "and,  though  in  the  depth  of  winter, 
insisted  upon  her  joining  him  in  London,  where  for  months  every 
engine  he  could  bring  to  bear  on  her  was  used  to  force  her  to 
abandon  her  faith."  He  failed.  In  time  his  daughter  returned  to 
Cleveland,  and  from  her  father's  house,  on  Saturday  evening,  sent 
to  me  a  lady  friend,  asking  me  "to  dispense  her  from  hearing  Mass 
for  the  follov,'ing  two  or  three  Sundays,"  giving  as  the  reason : 
"She  (Miss  Cowles)  would  not  be  permitted  to  attend  Mass  in 


ST.    MARY'S  SCHOOL.   CONNEAUT. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  147 

Cleveland."  In  answer  I  sent  a  letter  through  this  lady  friend, 
saying  I  had  no  power  to  grant  such  dispensation.  On  hearing 
this  Miss  Cowles,  in  the  dark  of  the  evening,  left  her  father's 
house  and  went  out  to  the  country,  and  next  day  (Sunday)  heard 
Mass  in  a  neighboring  country  church.  She  did  the  same  the  two 
succeeding  Sundays,  though  her  father's  house  is  within  100  yards 
of  the  cathedral.  Further,  "she  was  not  permitted  to  see  her 
pastor;"  "nor  permitted  any  liberty  in  the  practice  of  her  religion," 
and  much  more  of  like  import  which  time  and  circumstances 
can  unfold,  and  all  of  which  I  am  fully  able  to  establish,  both  by 
letters  and  affidavits,  if  Mr.  Cowles  will  only  ask  for  them,  or 
attempt  to  deny  these  facts. 

For  so  loud  a  champion  of  religious  freedom  and  individual 
rights,  the  above  would  seem  incredible,  were  the  facts  and 
evidence  not  incontrovertible.  That  his  daughter  had  a  right  to 
change  her  religion,  is  beyond  doubt ;  that  she  did  so  unbiased  and 
in  the  maturity  of  her  judgment,  and  at  her  own  free  choice,  is 
undeniable;  that  she  wished  to  practice  the  Catholic  religion,  and 
from  her  father's  house  attend  the  church  of  her  choice,  the  above 
shows ;  that  she  was  forbidden  to  do  so  the  above  clearly  proves ; 
that  the  cause  of  her  inability  to  do  so  was  her  father,  Mr.  Edwin 
Cowles,  is  not  of  doubt,  as  the  evidence  and  letters  in  my  hands 
prove.  And  all  this  by  a  man  who  is  never  done  advocating  the 
freedom  of  conscience,  and  the  right  of  man  or  woman  to  the  free 
choice  and  exercise  of  his  or  her  religion.  So  long  as  this  right 
was  abstract,  or  was  exercised  against  the  Catholic  Church  all  was 
well,  and  no  word  was  too  strong  for  its  defense;  but  when  the 
matter  was  brought  to  his  own  home,  and  his  own  flesh  and  blood 
sought  to  do  what  he  had  so  often  asserted  as  a  right  which  it  was 
tyranny  to  estop,  the  result  is  as  above.  Perhaps  not  in  the  whole 
range  of  religious  persecution  is  there,  considering  the  teachings 
of  the  man,  conduct  more  inconsistent,  oppression  of  conscience 
more  brutal,  or  an  exercise  of  paternal  power  more  tyrannical  than 
the  above  shows.  Yet  this  fierce  oppressor  of  conscience,  this 
tyrant  of  the  helpless  dependence  of  his  own  child,  has  the  hypo- 
critical insolence  to  charge  me  with  "arrogance  and  tyranny," 
calling  me  "a  hurlcr  of  anathemas,"  and  "a  curser  for  time  and 
eternity,"  at  the  same  time  proclaiming  himself  the  defender  of 
religious  liberty,  and  the  undying  champion  of  the  rights  of  con- 
science— the  inalienable  right  of  every  man  and  woman  to  worship 
God  according  to  the  dictates  of  his  or  her  conscience,  and  with 
proudest  boast  proclaiming  that  "this  was  the  age  of  free  thought 
and  emancipation  from  all  tyranny,  whether  civil  or  ecclesiastical." 
Whether  Mr.  Edwin  Cowles'  daughter  has  been  permitted  the 
free  exercise  of  the  religion  of  her  choice,  let  the  above  say ;  and 


148  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

whether  Mr.  Edwin  Cowles  permits  to  others  what  he  so  loudly 
demands  for  himself,  the  public  will  be  able,  before  we  are  done 
with  this  case,  pretty  well  to  judg-e. 

If  Mr.  Cowles  has  the  least  doubt  of  the  truth  of  the  ([uotations 
as  above,  or  of  the  authenticity  of  the  letters  in  my  hands,  proving 
far  more  than  I  have  above  intimated.  I  will  place  the  originals  in 
the  hands  of  the  county  clerk  for  the  inspection  of  Mr.  Cowles  and 
the  public.  fR.  GILMOUR, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland. 

P.  S. — Wednesday  evening  I  sent  the  original  of  the  above 
letter,  now  re-written  from  memory — but  substantially  what  the 
original  contained — to  the  Leader  ofifice.  asking  its  publication. 
Its  insertion  in  the  columns  of  the  Leader  was  refused.  When, 
yesterday  (15th)  afternoon,  I  sent  Rev.  G.  F.  Houck,  my  secretary, 
to  ask  for  the  manuscript,  he  was  assaulted  by  Mr.  Cowles,  who 
failed  to  return  my  manuscript,  forcing  me  thus  to  depend  on 
memory  for  the  reproduction  of  its  contents,  as  best  I  may. 

The  Bishop  published  a  second  letter  in  the  Cleveland  Press, 
on  June  20,  1882,  in  answer  to  an  editorial  published  in  the 
Cleveland  Voice,  attacking  him  in  regard  to  the  "Cowles  Case." 
The  following  passages  are  quoted  from  that  letter : 

Editor  Press : 

In  the  last  issue  of  the  Voice  there  is  a  long  and  very  violent 
article  on  the  now  burning  question  of  Mr.  Edwin  Cowles'  treat- 
ment of  his  daughter,  consequent  on  her  conversion  to  the 
Catholic  religion,  in  which  it  is  charged  that  the  conversion 
of  the  lady  in  question  "was  one  of  the  most  infamous  and 
brutal  cases  of  proselyting  that  the  history  of  the  Church,  in 
this  part  of  the  world,  at  least,  records ;"  and  further,  it  is  stated 
that  "a  special  dispensation  from  the  Pope  himself  was  secured, 
and  a  concealment  of  the  fact  of  the  conversion  and  an  effort  made 
to  reveal  it  to  the  father  only  when  the  child  had  been  made  dead 
to  him  and  the  world  by  immurement  within  a  foreign  convent/* 
and  that  all  this  asserted  wrong  was  made  "not  from  piety  or  zeal 
for  the  salvation  of  the  soul  of  the  convert,  but  simply  and  entirely 
from  vindictive  hate  towards  the  father." 

"Were  the  above  the  language  and  thought  of  the  Voice  itself, 
likely  it  had  remained  unnoticed,  but  it  is  the  language  of  Mr. 
Cowles,  studiously  circulated  privately  through  Cleveland  since 
his  daughter's  conversion.  The  object  is  to  prejudice  the  public 
mind  and  to  create  the  belief  that  Mr.  Cowles  was  so  great  a  power 
against  the  Church  that  all  the  power  of  the  Church,  from  the  Pope 
down  to  the  Catholic  servants  formerly  in  his  house,  w^ere  all 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  149 

banded  in  a  gigantic  conspiracy  for  his  humiliation.  There  is 
nothing  Hke  exaggerating  one's  importance,  and  persuading  one's 
self  that  he  is  a  tremendous  power,  because  he  edits  a  know-noth- 
ing paper  in  Cleveland.  This  Mr.  Cowles  has  done,  and  to  such 
extent  that  he  is  the  laughing  stock  of  the  country.  He  has  a 
local  influence  that  finds  sympathy  in  the  deep  prejudice  of  the 
Western  Reserve,  where  as  yet  the  more  liberal  sentiment  of  the 
country  has  not  found  solid  footing.  But  that  Mr.  Cowles  or  the 
Leader  has  ever  formed  the  subject  of  Catholic  thought  outside  the 
narrow  limits  of  Northern  Ohio  is  the  quintessence  of  nonsense, 
or  that  the  Pope,  or  the  Church,  or  anybody  else  within  the 
Church  in  position  or  influence  ever  conspired  or  plotted  for  the 
conversion  of  his  daughter  is  the  purest  nursery  tale.  Conversions 
in  the  Catholic  Church  are  not  such  rare  or  such  extraordinary 
things.  They  are  of  every  day  count,  and  form  no  matter  of 
comment,  unless,  perchance,  the  convert  be  some  distinguished 
person.  Nor  would  the  conversion  of  Mr.  Cowles'  daughter  have 
formed  the  subject  of  a  day's  comment,  beyond  the  circle  of  her 
immediate  friends,  had  it  not  been  for  her  father's  well-known 
hostility  to  the  Church  that  drew  attention  to  the  matter. 

"There  was  nothing  remarkable  or  unusual  in  the  conversion 
of  Mr.. Cowles'  daughter.  She  had  been  raised  with  the  usual 
prejudices  against  Catholics.  She  went  abroad,  and  like  so  many 
others,  found  Catholicity  different  from  what  she  had  been  taught. 
The  discovery  excited  a  desire  to  know  more,  and  with  knowledge 
came  faith  and  final  conversion.  Such  is  the  usual  course  with  all 
converts,  and  she  was  no  exception.  Such  cases  are  of  every  day 
occurrence,  and  but  for  the  frenzied  anti-Catholic  utterances  of  her 
father  had  remained  unnoted  and  unheralded.  The  statement  of 
any  plot  or  conspiracy  for  her  conversion  is  a  worthy  sister  to  the 
now  long-exploded  Maria  Monk  slander.  The  statement  that  the 
Pope  gave  any  dispensation  for  her  to  conceal  her  faith  is  a 
gratuitous  falsehood.  There  may  have  been  a  delay  to  promptly 
notify  her  family,  from  the  natural  dislike  to  meet  a  father's  anger, 
but  a  dispensation  to  conceal  her  religion  and  play  the  deceiver — 
never.  Pope,  nor  bishop,  nor  priest  did,  nor  could,  grant  such 
dispensation,  and  I  know  whereof  I  speak.  Were  such  trickery 
practiced  in  the  Catholic  Church,  converts  would  soon  discover  it, 
and  being  mostly  Protestants  of  the  more  intelligent  class,  and 
many  of  them  converts  at  the  loss  of  friends,  fortune,  and  social 
position,  they  would  rise  up  to  expose  such  fraud  and  return  to 
their  former  belief. 

"Such  statements  are  the  purest  fables,  and  the  Voice,  in 
repeating  them,  only  evidences  the  tenacity  of  slander,  or  the 
gratuitousness  of  malice  in  religious  controversy.     There  was  no 


150  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

such  dispensation  granted.  I  much  doubt  if  the  conversion  of 
Miss  Covvles  was  ever  made  k-nown  to  the  Holy  Father,  beyond 
the  announcement  of  the  fact  when,  perchance,  she,  hke  others, 
was  introduced  to  him  at  a  pubHc  audience. 

"Catholics  were  not  the  first  to  publish  her  conversion.  The 
J^oice  first  published  it  to  Cleveland,  and  it  was  not  until  long  after 
it  had  been  heralded  far  and  wide  that  the  fact  was  mentioned  in 
our  local  Catholic  paper,  the  Universe.  And  though  for  years  I 
have  had  facts  and  letters  in  my  possession  gravely  damaging  to 
Mr.  Cowles'  character  because  of  his  treatment  of  his  daughter,  yet 
I  have  silently  borne  all  his  bitter  attacks  until  his  late  continued 
abuse.  In  pure  defense,  and  to  show  the  public  the  insincerity  of 
the  man,  and  to  protect  religion  against  his  malice,  I  opened  a 
new  chapter  in  his  character. 

"Mr.  Cowles  states  his  daughter  has  been  an  invalid  for  these 
20  months  past,  and  then  boastingly  adds  she  has  been  most 
tenderly  cared  for.  I  believe  all  that ;  and  bad  as  Mr.  Cowles  may 
be  in  controversy,  I  assume  he  would  not  physically  maltreat  his 
child.  But  the  ill-treatment  I  complain  of  occurred  previous  to 
his  daughter's  return  from  Europe,  and  immediately  on  her  return. 
Is  perhaps  her  present  sickness  not  a  sequence  to  the  mental  pain 
that  a  father's  anger  and  the  struggle  between  conscience  and  filial 
affection  would  entail?  Mr.  Cowles,  in  an  angry  and  exceedingly 
scurrilous  letter,  written  me  three  days  ago,  charges  that  an  effort 
was  made  to  immure  his  daughter  in  a  foreign  convent.  He  has 
made  the  same  accusation  in  private,  and  it  finds  publicity  in 
Sunday's  Voice,  and  the  Church  and  priesthood  are  roundly 
abused.  But  both  Mr.  Cowles  and  the  Voice  forget  to  state  that 
Mr.  Cowles'  daughter  was  informed,  when  all  efforts  to  alienate 
her  from  her  Catholic  faith  had  failed,  'that  she  should  consider 
herself  abandoned  by  her  family.'     *     *     * 

"The  article  in  Sunday's  Voice  was  evidently  intended  to 
influence  public  opinion  and  excite  sympathy  for  Mr,  Cowles  in 
his  trial  for  assaulting,  so  rudely  and  unprovokedly,  my  secretary. 
When  in  controversy  with  the  pen.  an  opponent  resorts  to  physical 
violence,  he  writes  his  own  defeat.  And  when  a  newspaper 
permits,  as  did  the  Leader,  Sunday,  the  suggestion  of  assassination 
of  an  opponent,  it  is  time  the  police  see  to  it. 

"My  charges  are,  first,  that  for  conscience  sake,  Mr.  Cowles 
persecuted  his  daughter  while  in  Europe.  Second,  that  on  her 
return  to  America,  he  did  the  same  in  Cleveland.  These  are  my 
charges,  and  so  far  Mr.  Cowles  has  not  attempted  to  deny  them, 
nor  will  he,  knowing  full  well  my  ability  to  substantiate  them.  Let 
Mr.  Cowles  squarely  deny  them,  and  then  the  issue  will  be  before 
the  public,  and  let  me  take  the  consequences  if  I  fail  to  prove 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  151 

them.  Side  issues  and  restatements  of  old  and  oft  refuted  slanders 
have  nothing  to  do  with  my  two  distinct  charges  as  above  made. 
Nor  will  it  do  to  plead  kindness  in  sickness  after  the  date  when  the 
persecution  was  inflicted.  My  charges  are  clear  both  as  to  time 
and  place.    Let  them  demand  the  evidence  and  I  shall  produce  it. 

fR.  GILMOUR, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland." 

After  the  above  quoted  letters  appeared,  Edwin  Cowles  sued 
Bishop  Gilmour  for  criminal  and  civil  libel.  He  also  at  the  same 
time  sued  in  like  manner  the  Editors  of  the  Cleveland  Press  and 
Catholic  Universe  for  publishing  the  letters.  As  set  forth  in  his 
two  letters,  the  Bishop  had  based  his  charge  against  Edwin  Cowles 
on  the  fact  that  he  had  in  his  possession  a  number  of  letters 
written  by  Miss  Helen  Cowles  herself,  accusing  her  father  of  inter- 
fering with  her  liberty  of  conscience.*  After  the  suits  were  entered 
the  Bishop  consulted  his  attorneys  and  found  to  his  great  surprise 
that  unless  the  statements  in  the  letters  from  Miss  Cowles  were 
sworn  to  by  herself  as  true,  they  could  not  be  brought  into  court 
as  evidence.  It  was  a  trying  dilemma  for  her,  to  choose  between 
appearing  publicly  against  her  father,  and  allowing  the  Bishop  to 
fail  in  his  defense  against  the  libel  suits.  After  many  delays,  and 
much  pleading  on  the  part  of  the  daughter,  the  Bishop  finally 
yielded,  in  not  forcing  Miss  Cowles  to  testify  in  court,  as  she  was 
in  bad  health ;  also  in  not  insisting  on  the  sworn  identification  and 
truth  of  her  letters  in  his  possession.  As  he  felt  that  without  her 
testimony  he  could  not  hope  to  clear  himself  of  the  libel  charged 
against  him,  he  accepted  the  proposition  of  Edwin  Cowles'  attor- 
neys, to  withdraw,  in  a  card  to  be  published  in  the  Leader,  the 
original  charge,  in  so  far  as  it  might  be  construed  to  imply  physical 
violence  of  father  to  daughter.  This  the  Bishop  did  on  September 
25,  1884,  whereupon  the  suits  were  withdrawn.  Thus  ended  the 
case,  which  had  been  tried  meanwhile  at  the  bar  of  public  opinion, 
with  its  verdict  against  Edwin  Cowles,  who  never  rallied  from  the 
blow  he  received  by  the  conversion  of  his  daughter  to  the  Catholic 
Church. 

Sometime  after  her  conversion  she  married  a  Mr.  Pomeroy, 
and  went  with  him  to  Europe.     There  she  again  became  quite  ill, 


•The  letters  are  now  preserved  in  the  Diocesan  archives  of  Cleveland. 


152  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

and  was  taken  to  a  Catholic  hospital  in  Najilcs.  where  she  died  in 
communion  with  the  Catholic  Church. 

"THE  CATHOLIC  KNIGHT"  CASE. 
The  Catholic  Knight  made  its  first  appearance  in  Cleveland,  in 
June,  1882,  as  a  semi-monthly  paper,  and  was  thus  published  until 
December,  1880.  It  then  appeared  weekly.  Its  ostensible  object 
was  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  Knights  of  St.  John  and  other 
kindred  societies,  and  it  might  have  done  good  work  had  it  con- 
fined itself  to  this  legitimate  sphere.  In  less  than  two  years  from 
the  time  of  its  first  issue  the  Catholic  Knight  threw  off  its  mask,  and 
its  columns  became  a  channel  for  malcontents  in  the  diocese  and 
elsewhere.  Editorial  attacks  on  the  Bishop  of  Cleveland,  and  on 
bishops  of  other  dioceses  and  their  administrative  acts,  as  well  as 
on  priests  and  laymen  who  were  loyal  to  their  bishop,  were  of 
almost  weekly  occurrence.  Anonymous  and  signed  communica- 
tions, as  well  as  answ-ers  to  real  and  apparently  fictitious  question- 
ers, were  of  the  same  stamp  as  the  editorials.  The  paper,  in  conse- 
quence, although  bearing  a  Catholic  name,  was  most  un-CathoHc 
in  tone  and  spirit  and  became  a  scandal  to  the  good  priests  and  to 
the  rightminded  laity  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland  and  neighboring 
dioceses.  Although  the  editor  was  repeatedly  warned  by  the 
Bishop  to  desist  from  his  scandalous  attacks  on  lawful  authority, 
and  to  keep  within  the  limits  of  legitimate  Catholic  journalism,  no 
heed  was  paid  to  the  warning.  The  editor  espoused  every  case  that 
w'as  antagonistic  to  the  Bishop,  notably  the  cases  of  the  Revs.  John 
B.  Primeau,  Patrick  F.  Quigley,  D.  D.,  and  of  St.  Vincent's 
Asylum,  Toledo.  Language  was  not  too  disrespectful  or  imperti- 
nent, insinuations  not  too  vile,  and  charges  not  too  absurd,  but 
they  appeared  against  the  Bishop  or  his  adherents  of  the  clergy 
and  laity,  in  the  columns  of  the  Catholic  Knight.  The  editor  and  his 
"correspondents"  were  shrewd  enough,  however,  to  attack  from 
ambush  in  language  that  kept  them  safe  from  criminal  libel. 
Finally,  after  repeated  but  fruitless  warnings,  the  Bishop  published 
the  following  condemnation  of  the  CatJwlic  Knight,  on  October  2, 
1890: 

To  the  Clergy  and  Laity  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland : 

For  the  information   of  all  concerned,   and   for  the   special 
information   of  the   clergy   and  laity   intrusted   to   our  care,   we 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  153 

publish  the  following  instructions  and  decrees  of  the  Third  Council 
of  Baltimore,  and  respectfully  inform  both  clergy  and  laity  that 
these  decrees  are  in  full  force  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  and  no 
one,  lay  or  cleric,  is  at  liberty  or  authorized  to  disregard  them, 
or  by  subterfuge  or  individual  explanation  do  away  with  their 
binding  force.  The  decrees  speak  for  themselves  and  are  as 
follows,  viz. : 

"We  are  filled  with  shame  and  greatly  grieved  that,  in  virtue  of  our  pastoral 
duty,  we  are  obliged  from  time  to  time,  to  admonish  the  editors  of  Catholic 
journals  that  neither  they  nor  their  correspondents  shall  assail  persons  in  eccle- 
siastical authority;  more  especially  Bishops,  viciously  misconstruing,  criticising, 
and  condemning  their  decisions,  decrees,  and  regulations,  given  and  enacted  in 
the  administration  of  their  dioceses,  thereby  holding  them  up  to  the  ridicule 
and  contempt  of  both  Catholics  and  Protestants.  They  should  rather  learn 
from  the  Apostle  (Heb.  xiii,  17)  to  obey  their  prelates  and  be  subject  to  them. 
They  should,  by  their  example  and  writings,  commend  the  same  obedience  to 
others.  They  should  remember  the  counsel  and  command  of  our  Holy  Father, 
Leo  XIII,  who,  in  his  Encyclical  of  January  25,  1882,  lays  down  that,  in  the 
first  place  the  names  of  Bishops  shall  be  held  sacred  by  Catholic  writers.  Their 
office,  the  high  authority  in  which  they  are  placed,  and  the  duty  they  have  to 
fulfill,  make  them  worthy  of  respect.  Nor  shall  private  individuals  arrogate  to 
themselves  the  right  to  judge  those  things  which  in  the  exercise  of  their  author- 
ity their  sacred  pastors  shall  ordain.  From  such  interference,  disorder,  and 
intolerable  confusion  must  needs  follow.  Hence  this  reverence,  which  should 
be  found  in  all,  should  be  especially  found  in  Catholic  journalists,  as  a  conspicu- 
ous example  for  others  to  follow. 

"Now,  that  this  evil,  which  to  the  scandal  of  the  faithful  and  even  of  Pro- 
testants, grows  and  spreads  from  day  to  day,  may  not  increase  and  prevail  with 
impunity,  we  believe  that  recourse  should  be  had  not  only  to  admonitions  and 
exhortations,  but  also  to  ecclesiastical  punishments.  Wherefore,  if  in  the  future, 
any  persons,  whether  lay  or  cleric,  either  themselves  or  through  their  associates 
or  others  encouraged  by  them,  attack,  in  newspapers,  pamphlets  or  other  pub- 
lications for  the  people,  ecclesiastics,  especially  those  invested  with  the  dignity 
of  office,  using  against  them  injurious,  abusive  and  insulting  language;  still 
more  if  they  presume  to  canvass  and  condemn  through  any  of  these  publications 
the  motives  of  the  Bishop  in  the  government  of  his  diocese  we  declare  that  not 
only  the  writers  themselves  but  also  the  patrons  and  abettors  of  this  most  per- 
nicious abuse,  are  disturbers  of  order,  contemners  and  enemies  of  ecclesiastical 
authority,  guilty  of  the  most  serious  scandal,  and  therefore  when  their  crime  is 
sufficiently  proved,  they  may  be  punished  with  Canonical  Censures." — III  Plen. 
Coun.  Bait.  Tit.  VII,  Nos.  230-231. 

In  accordance  with  the  above  teachings  and  prescriptions  of 
the  Third  Council  of  Baltimore,  we  have  twice  officially  condemned 
the  Catholic  Knight,  of  Cleveland,  as  a  paper  un-Catholic  in  tone 
and  teaching;  a  fomenter  of  discord;  an  inciter  to  disobedience 
and  rebellion;  a  falsifier  of  law  and  fact,  and  a  cesspool  of  scandal. 

Mindful  of  the  admonition  that  the  evil-doer  should  be 
admonished,  and  at  present  not  wishing  to  proceed  to  canonical 
censures,  though  the  Third  Council  of  Baltimore  authorizes  us  to 
do  so,  we  now  for  the  third  time  condemn  the  Catholic  Knight  and 
forbid  its  circulation  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  and  by  virtue  of 
our  episcopal  authority  we  hereby  withdraw  from  each  and  every 
priest  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  and  reserve  to  ourselves,  the 
power  to  absolve :    1.    Joseph  J.  Greeves,  editor  and  proprietor  of 


l-,4  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

said  Catholic  Knight.  2.  All  and  every  one,  lay  or  cleric,  asso- 
ciated with,  or  aiding;  and  assisting  said  Greeves  in  the  office  and 
work  of  editor  of  said  Catholic  Knight.  3.  All  correspondents,  lay  or 
cleric,  who  write  for,  or  in  any  way  contribute  news  or  matter  to 
the  columns  of  said  Catholic  Knight.  4.  Canvassers,  agents,  or 
distributers  of  said  Catliolic  Knight,  lay  or  cleric,  even  those  who 
have  paid  their  subscriptions,  and  who  after  the  publication  of  this 
letter  continue  to  receive  and  read  said  Catholic  Knight,  or  have 
others  to  read  it  for  them.  6.  All  others,  lay  or  cleric,  who  in 
any  way  support  or  encourage  said  Catholic  Knight,  or  by  money 
contributions,  or  by  purchasing  or  borrowing  copies,  or  receiving 
free  copies,  or  pretended  free  copies  thereof,  encourage  or  recom- 
mend its  circulation ;  or  who,  secretly  or  publicly,  directly  or 
indirectly,  recommend  or  have  others  to  recommend  said  Catholic 
Knight,  or  who  in  any  way  aid,  or  abet,  or  encourage,  or  counsel 
said  Catholic  Knight  in  its  course  of  scandal,  and  falsehood  and 
contempt  of  law  and  authority. 

The  above  limitation  of  faculties  and  reservation  will  go  into 
efifect  Sunday,  the  19th  inst.,  so  that  after  that  date  no  priest  in  the 
diocese  of  Cleveland  can  absolve  said  Joseph  J.  Greeves,  or  any  of 
the  persons,  lay  or  cleric,  described  or  included  in  the  above 
classes. 

We  hereby  direct  that  next  Sunday,  the  5th  inst.,  this  letter 
shall  be  read  and  published  to  the  people  at  each  and  every  Mass 
said  or  sung  in  churches  having  a  rector  or  resident  pastor,  and  in 
the  mission  churches  on  the  first  Sunday  visited  after  Sunday,  the 
19th  inst. 

Given  under  our  hand  and  seal  at  our  Episcopal  residence, 
Cleveland,  this  second  day  of  October,  eighteen  hundred  and 
ninety.  fRICHARD  GILMOUR, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland. 

The  condemnation  of  the  Catholic  Knight  did  not  change  the 
spirit  of  the  paper,  but  did  seriously  affect  its  circulation,  as 
many  of  its  subscribers,  though  not  approving  its  course,  were 
prompted  by  curiosity  "to  read  what  the  Knight  had  to  say"  about 
diocesan  affairs.  Now,  that  the  Bishop  condemned  the  paper,  they 
and  all  other  obedient  Catholics  within  his  diocese  ceased  to 
take  it. 

Although  the  penalties,  attached  to  the  condemnation  of  the 
Knight,  ceased  at  the  Bishop's  death,  the  condemnation  continued 
as  to  its  moral  effect,  because  the  reason  for  its  condemnation 
also   continued,   as   above  stated.      The   steady   lessening   of   its 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  155 

boasted  but  never  large  circulation  led  to  the  eventual  discon- 
tinuance of  the  paper.* 

THE  QUIGLEY  CASE. 

Another  of  the  cases  that  gained  much  notoriety  through  the 
newspapers  and  otherwise,  and  which  reached  the  public  in  dis- 
torted form,  was  that  of  the  Rev.  P.  F,  Quigley,  D.  D.,  at  the 
time  (1889)  pastor  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  church,  Toledo,  to 
which  position  he  had  been  appointed  in  1885,  by  the  Administra- 
tor of  the  diocese,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  during  Bishop 
Gilmour's  absence  in  Europe. 

Owing  to  his  well  known  eccentric  character,  it  was  not  long 
ere  he  got  into  trouble  in  Toledo,  which  brought  his  name  into 
undue  prominence  in  the  newspapers.  Repeated  complaints 
of  various  kinds  were  made  against  him  to  the  Bishop,  forcing 
the  latter  to  make  inquiry,  and  to  take  action.  This  aroused 
Father  Quigley's  opposition  and  enmity,  and  led  him  to  oppose 
his  bishop,  openly  and  in  secret,  notably  in  the  case  of  the  Rev. 
J.  B.  Primeau,  whose  adviser  and  abettor  he  was  in  his  case,  an 
account  of  which  is  given  in  another  part  of  this  chapter. 

Matters  came  to  a  climax  when  Bishop  Gilmour  suspended 
him  from  the  exercise  of  priestly  functions,  and  removed  him  from 
the  pastorate  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  church,  Toledo,  as  appears 
from  the  letter  he  sent  him  on  March  19,  1889,  of  which  the  follow- 
ing is  a  copy : 

"Cleveland,  O.,  March  19th,  1889. 
"To  Rev.  Patrick  Francis  Quigley,  D.  D. 

"By  virtue  of  the  powers  conferred  on  bishops  by  the  Council 
of  Trent,  Session  XIV,  chapter  the  first,  de  Refonnatione,  I, 
Richard  Gilmour,  Bishop  of  Cleveland,  for  cause,  of  which  I  have 
certain  knowledge,  hereby  and  by  these  presents  'ex  informata 
conscientia,'  suspend  you.  Rev.  Patrick  Francis  Quigley,  a  divinis, 
for  the  three  months  next  following,  and  by  these  same  presents 
hereby  remove  you  from  the  office  of  Pastor  of  St.  Francis  de 
Sales'  church,  Toledo.  Three  months  from  the  date  of  this  letter 
you  will  report  to  me  for  duty. 

♦Shortly  after  Bishop  Horstmann  came  to  Cleveland,  the  editor  of  the  Knight  called 
on  him,  with  a  request  that  the  official  notices  of  the  diocese  be  published  in  iiis  paper. 
The  Bishop  refused  his  request. 

The  following  paragraph  appeared  in  the  Catholic  Knight,  on  July  29,  1893: 
"After  this  issue  the  Catholic  Knight,  of  Cleveland,  and  Catholic  Standard,  ot  Toledo, 
will  pass  into  the  hands  of  the  Catholic  Press  Association,  Mr.  Joseph  J.  Greeves  having 
disposed  of  his  entire  interest  in  both  papers,  to  enable  him  henceforth  to  give  his  un- 
divided attention  to  the  steadily  increasing  business  of  his  Catholic  book  store."  Not 
long  after  this  the  owner  of  the  book  store  made  an  assignment  for  the  benefit  of  hia 
creditors. 


156  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

"Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  my  Episcopal  residence, 
Cleveland,  this  nineteenth  day  of  March,  eighteen  hundred  and 
eighty  nine.  fRICHARD  GTLMOUR. 

Bishop  of  Cleveland." 

The  writer,  as  the  Bishop's  messenger,  served  the  above 
quoted  letter  on  the  Rev.  Dr.  Quigley,  at  his  residence,  in  Toledo. 
Not  knowing  what  charge  prompted  this  extreme  action,  and 
fearing  its  consequences,  he  warningly  asked  the  Bishop  whether 
he  felt  certain  that  he  had  just  and  sufficient  cause  for  WTiting  such 
a  letter.  The  Bishop  assuring  him  that  he  had  such  cause,  the 
letter  was  served,  as  above  stated.  To  the  credit  of  Father  Quigley 
be  it  said  that  he  obeyed  the  mandate  of  his  Bishop,  and  imme- 
diately vacated  the  pastoral  residence.  Availing  himself  of  his 
rights,  according  to  Canon  Law,  he  at  once  appealed  his  case,  and 
shortly  after  went  to  Rome  for  redress.  His  removal  and  suspen- 
sion caused  much  excitement  in  his  parish,  and  in  Toledo.  It  thus 
reached  the  newspapers,  and  through  them,  the  country  at  large, 
with  the  result  that  much  criticism,  adverse  to  the  Bishop's  action, 
was  aroused. 

On  April  6,  1889,  the  Bishop  sent  a  long  and  exhaustive 
statement  of  his  grievances  against  Father  Quigley,  to  Cardinal 
Simeoni,  Prefect  of  the  Propaganda,  without  however  giving 
specific  reasons  for  the  suspension  inflicted  and  the  removal  made. 
When  asked  by  the  Cardinal,  about  a  month  later,  to  give  at 
once  the  specific  reasons,  the  Bishop  replied,  in  June  following, 
that  as  soon  as  he  felt  it  was  opportune  and  prudent,  he  would  do 
so  without  further  delay.  On  this  answer  Cardinal  Simeoni  at 
once  acted,  by  ordering  the  re-instatement  of  Father  Quigley  as 
pastor  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  church,  thus  overruling  the  Bishop's 
action.  Father  Quigley  returned  to  Toledo  in  December,  1889, 
and  resumed  his  former  pastoral  charge  by  authority  of  the  Holy 
See.  As  was  to  be  expected,  he  was  welcomed  by  his  parishioners, 
and  remained  their  pastor  till  his  death,  in  August,  1895.* 

*In  1894  the  foundation  for  a  new  parish  school  was  begun  on  lots  in  the  rear  of 
St.  Francis  de  Sales'  church.  Permission  to  build  the  school  was  granted  by  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Bishop  Horstmann  who  relied  on  the  representation  made  to  him  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Quigley,  sustained  by  his  parish  council,  that  the  site  was  suitable  and  the  project 
easy  of  accomplishment.  After  the  foundation  was  finished,  by  means  of  borrowed  money, 
at  a  cost  of  over  $25,000  it  had  to  be  abandoned,  as  the  site  proved  very  unsatisfactory. 
At  this  writing  the  parish  has  yet  to  face  the  debt,  with  nothing  but  the  foundation  walls 
to  show  for  it.  Dr.  Quigley  caused  Bishop  Horstmann  also  considerable  trouble,  relative 
to  mismanagement  of  parish  affairs.  However,  on  his  death  bed,  he  wrote  the  Bishop  a 
letter  of  apology. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  157 

THE  PRIMEAU  CASE. 

One  of  the  cases  that  excited  much  notoriety  and  widespread 
interest,  as  it  also  gave  rise  to  grave  scandal,  was  that  of  the 
Rev.  John  Baptist  Primeau.  It  was  also  the  last  case  in  Bishop 
Gilmour's  disturbed  administration  of  nearly  nineteen  years,  for 
he  died  within  six  months  after  its  settlement,  after  an  illness  of 
nearly  two  years.  The  public  facts  in  the  case,  given  as  succinctly 
as  possible,  are  as  follows:  The  Rev.  John  B.  Primeau  had  been 
pastor  of  a  large  and  flourishing  French  parish,  in  Worcester, 
Mass.,  for  twelve  years — until  January,  1882.  For  good  and  suf- 
ficient reasons  he  left  his  parish  and  the  Diocese  of  Springfield, 
and  made  search  for  pastoral  employment  elsewhere,  in  ten 
different  dioceses.  He  finally  made  application  to  Bishop  Gilmour, 
in  May,  1882.  In  the  following  month  he  came  to  Cleveland  and  a 
few  days  later  (June  22)  he  was  given  pastoral  charge  of  Archbold, 
and  its  missions — Bryan,  Stryker  and  Wauseon.  He  held  the 
charge  till  November  15,  1883,  when,  on  the  plea  of  ill  health,  he 
asked  to  be  relieved  of  it.  His  request  was  granted,  and  he  went  to 
France.  He  returned  to  the  United  States  in  July,  1884,  and  in  the 
month  of  September  following  called  on  Bishop  Gilmour  and 
asked  him  for  pastoral  work.  As  the  Bishop  then  had  need  of  a 
French  priest  for  St.  Louis'  parish,  in  Toledo,  he  appointed  Father 
Primeau  pastor  thereof,  by  letter,  dated  September  26,  1884.  The 
Bishop  having  received  several  complaints  a  few  years  later  against 
Father  Primeau,  he  resolved  to  dismiss  him  from  the  diocese,  and 
to  do  so  before  presumptive  incardination  might  justly  and  legally 
be  claimed.  On  November  24,  1888,  he  sent  Father  Primeau 
notification  to  that  effect,  as  appears  from  a  letter  he  sent  him,  of 
which  the  following  is  an  exact  copy : 

"Cleveland,  O.,  November  24,  1888. 

"Rev.  J.  B.  Primeau.  Dear  Sir: — As  you  were  not  incardi- 
nated  into  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland,  and  as  I  am  not  willing  to 
incardinate  you  into  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland,  I  hereby  inform 
you  that  at  6  o'clock  p.  m.,  December  13,  your  faculties  as  a  priest 
in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland  shall  cease,  and  at  the  same  date  you 
shall  cease  to  be  pastor  of  St.  Louis'  Church,  Toledo.  Meanwhile 
you  shall  make  out  your  financial  accounts  and  inventory,  as  per 
Statute  220,  and  send  them  to  our  Chancellor. 

"Given  under  my  hand  and  seal,  the  place  and  date  as  above. 

fRICHARD  GILMOUR. 

Bishop  of  Cleveland." 


158  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

Father  Primeau  appealed  to  the  Most  Rev.  Archbishop  Elder 
against  Bishop  Gilmour's  action,  in  thus  removing  him  from  his 
pastoral  charge  and  dismissing  him  from  the  diocese.  His  Grace 
made  due  inquiry,  and  thereupon  informed  Father  Primeau  that 
he  had  no  case  against  the  Bishop.  Father  Primeau  then  appealed 
to  the  Holy  See,  and  meanwhile  refused  to  vacate  the  pastoral 
residence  of  St.  Louis'  church.  Bishop  Gilmour  obtained  a  writ 
of  ejectment  from  a  Justice's  Court  against  Father  Primeau,  who 
then  appealed  to  the  Common  Pleas  Court  of  Lucas  County  for 
temporary  injunction  against  the  Bishop.  The  writ  was  granted 
by  Judge  Lemmon,  pending  the  hearing  of  the  case.  The  case 
was  heard  during  March  and  April,  1899,  the  trial  lasting  about 
five  weeks.  The  Judge  decided,  on  October  14,  1889,  that,  since 
the  case  came  partly  under  church  law,  and  Father  Primeau  had 
appealed  to  the  Courts  of  the  Church  so  far  as  the  ecclesiastical 
features  of  his  case  were  concerned,  he  should  remain  in  peaceable 
possession  of  the  pastoral  residence  he  now  occupied,  until  they 
had  passed  upon  the  appeal.  Meanwhile  Father  Primeau's  succes- 
sor in  the  pastorate  of  St.  Louis'  church,  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Smith,  was 
obliged  to  live  in  a  rented  house,  nearly  two  miles  distant  from  the 
church,  no  suitable  house  located  nearer  having  been  available. 
The  Holy  See  referred  Father  Primeau's  appeal  back  to  Arch- 
bishop Elder,  with  direction  to  hear  the  case  at  issue  between  the 
Rev.  Primeau  and  Bishop  Gilmour,  the  latter  now  being  the 
defendant  on  appeal.  After  repeated  delays,  owing  in  part  to 
Bishop  Gilmour's  serious  illness,  beginning  in  August,  1889,  the 
case  was  finally  put  on  trial  in  the  Archbishop's  residence,  at 
Cincinnati,  Archbishop  Elder  presiding  as  Judge,  with  the 
Very  Rev.  Dr.  Byrne,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Sele  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Engbers, 
as  legal  advisors,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Moeller,  as  notary.  The 
Rev.  S.  B.  Smith,  D.D.,  of  Paterson,  N.  J.,  appeared  as  advocate 
for  the  plaintiff.  Father  Primeau,  and  the  Rev.  Seraphin  Bauer, 
the  Procurator  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland,  acting  as  such  for 
Bishop  Gilmour,  the  defendant,  who  was  then  ill,  each  day  arising 
from  his  bed  of  sickness  to  attend  the  trial.  The  hearing  of  the 
case  was  begun  on  March  5,  1890,  and  the  trial  continued  until 
March  19,  following,  when  the  Court  adjourned  until  April  23, 
1890,  as  the  intervening  time  was  during  the  busy  Easter  season. 


CALVARY    CEMETERY,    YOUNGSTOWX—THE   GREAT   COPPER   CRUCIFIX. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  159 

Although  the  defendant  and  his  advocate  were  ready  to  proceed 
with  the  trial  on  April  23,  the  time  set  for  its  continuance,  the 
Rev.  S.  Bauer  having  personally  appeared  at  the  Archbishop's  resi- 
dence, yet  the  plaintiff  and  his  advocate  failed  to  appear,  the  latter 
having  withdrawn  from  the  case  on  the  plea  of  illness,  which  plea 
was  accepted  by  the  Court.  The  next  date  set  for  a  continuance  of 
the  trial  was  Nov.  11,  1890.  Father  Primeau  appeared  with  the 
Rev.  John  H.  Muehlenbeck  as  his  advocate,  and  the  Rev.  Seraphin 
Bauer  appeared  for  his  client,  Bishop  Gilmour.  The  case  was  now 
vigorously  prosecuted.  The  plaintiff  contended  that  he  could 
prove  his  incardination  under  the  decrees  of  the  II  and  III  Plenary 
Councils  of  Baltimore.  He  relied  however  more  on  the  less 
definite  decrees  of  the  II  Plenary  Council.  Under  this  con- 
tention he  claimed  that  he  could  not  be  dismissed  from  the  diocese, 
and  if  incardinated,  that  he  could  not  be  removed  from  his  parish, 
except  for  grave  reason;  and  if  such  reason,  or  cause,  were 
criminal,  or  disciplinary,  that  then  he  would  have  to  be  tried  by 
regular  process,  as  provided  by  Canon  law. 

This  time  the  trial  of  the  case  lasted  until  November  21,  1890. 
Every  point  bearing,  or  that  was  supposed  to  bear,  on  the  question 
of  Father  Primeau's  incardination  as  a  priest  of  the  diocese  of 
Cleveland,  was  brought  forward  and  contested.  Finally,  after 
hearing  all  the  evidence,  and  the  pleas  and  arguments  of  both 
advocates,  the  Most  Rev.  Archbishop  Elder,  as  Judge,  delivered 
the  following  decision  on  November  22,  1890,  as  published  in  the 
Catholic  Universe,  on  December  18,  1890: 

"William  Henry  Elder,  by  the  grace  of  God,  and  the  favor 
of  the  Apostolic  See,  Archbishop  of  Cincinnati. 
"To  the  Rev.  John  Baptist  Primeau,  Toledo,  Ohio : 

"Be  it  known  to  you  that : 

"Whereas,  in  our  Metropolitan  Court  of  the  Province  of 
Cincinnati,  in  the  case  of  the  Rev.  John  Baptist  Primeau  versus  the 
Right  Rev.  Richard  Gilmour,  Bishop  of  Cleveland,  after  a  full 
hearing  of  the  parties  on  the  question  of  Incardination,  we 
rendered  judgment  on  the  twenty-second  day  of  November,  in  the 
year  1890,  to  the  effect : — That  Rev.  John  B.  Primeau  is  not  and 
has  not  been  a  Priest  incardinated  into  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland : 

"And,  Whereas,  on  the  same  day  and  before  the  adjournment 
of  the  Court,  we  gave  sentence,  that  you,  in  consequence  of  that 
judgment,  should  vacate  the  pastoral  residence  of  the  church 
of  St.  Louis  in  East  Toledo,  and  also  the  church  of  St.  Louis : 


160  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

"And,  Whereas,  by  virtue  of  the  Decree  23G  of  the  Third 
Plenary  Council  of  Baltimore,  your  appeal  from  our  judgment  has 
not  a  power  to  suspend  your  removal  from  the  charge  of  the 
church  and  congregation  of  St.  Louis,  as  ordered  by  the  Bishop  of 
Cleveland : 

"Now,  therefore,  We  hereby  give  our  Mandate,  that  you 
vacate  the  church  of  St.  Louis  aforesaid,  and  the  pastoral  residence 
and  all  the  premises;  and  surrender  to  such  person  or  persons  as 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  of  Cleveland  may  designate,  all  the  property, 
real,  personal  and  mixed,  and  all  the  papers,  books  and  other 
effects  of  whatsoever  character,  that  belong  to  the  congregation 
of  St.  Louis,  or  which  have  usually  been  under  the  custody  of  the 
pastor  of  said  congregation : 

"And,  We  order  you  to  obey  this  Mandate,  under  the  penalty 
of  all  the  pains,  inabilities  and  other  punishments  imposed  by  the 
Church  in  such  cases. 

"Given  from  our  Residence  in  Cincinnati,  State  of  Ohio, 
under  our  hand  and  seal  this  First  Day  of  December,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord,  One  Thousand  Eight  Hundred  and  Ninety. 

(Seal)  fWiLLiAM  Henry  Elder. 

Henry  Moeller,  Notary.  Archbishop  of  Cincinnati." 

State  of  Ohio,  ) 

Lucas  County.   ) 

"Joseph  D.  Ford,  being  duly  sworn  according  to  law,  deposes 
and  says  that  he  served  the  original  Mandate,  of  which  the  fore- 
going is  a  copy,  on  the  Rev.  John  B.  Primeau,  by  delivering  the 
same  to  him  in  person  at  the  pastoral  residence  of  the  church  of 
St.  Louis,  in  the  City  of  Toledo,  County  of  Lucas  and  State  of 
Ohio,  on  the  9th  day  of  December,  1890,  at  about  9  o'clock  a.  m., 
in  the  presence  of  Carlos  Colton,  witness. 

(Signed)  Joseph  D.  Ford. 

"Sworn  to  before  me  and  subscribed  in  my  presence  this,  9th 
day  of  December,  1890. 

(Signed)  Ellsworth  N.  Beard, 

(L.  S.)  Notary  Public,  Lucas  County,  O." 

The  Cincinnati  Enquire?-,  inspired  by  those  sympathizing  with 
the  Rev.  J.  B.  Primeau,  in  his  contention  against  Bishop  Gilmour, 
published  the  following  article  in  its  issue  of  November  23,  1890. 
the  day  after  the  Archbishop's  decision  was  rendered : 

"THE     BISHOP     GILMOUR-FATHER     PRIMEAU     CONTROVERSY 

FINALLY  ENDED." 

"The  case  of  Rev.  Father  Primeau,  of  Toledo,  against  Bishop 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  161 

Gilmour,  the  head  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Diocese  of  Cleveland, 
was  officially  decided  by  Most  Rev.  Archbishop  William  Henry 
Elder  at  the  Archiepiscopal  residence  yesterday  afternoon  in  favor 
of  the  priest.  The  case  is  of  much  interest  in  clerical  circles,  as  it 
virtually  decided  the  rights  of  the  members  of  the  minor  clergy  in 
the  ecclesiastical  government.  Rev.  Primeau  was  the  pastor  of  a 
congregation  in  Toledo,  and  has  been  in  office  for  three  years. 
This  term  gave  him  the  right  of  remaining,  or  rather  of  immunity 
from  transfer  without  cause.  Bishop  Gilmour  sought  to  remove 
him,  and  he  resisted  the  order.  He  was  suspended,  and  took  an 
appeal  to  Rome. 

"After  some  deliberation  the  case  was  referred  to  Archbishop 
Elder,  who  is  Bishop  Gilmour's  superior,  for  final  adjudication. 
For  nearly  a  week  the  affair  has  been  under  discussion  before  the 
Archbishop  and  his  council,  and  yesterday  a  decree  was  given 
against  Bishop  Gilmour,  thereby  reinstating  the  suspended  priest, 
who  is,  therefore,  cleared  of  all  suspicion  of  contumacy." 

From  the  above  article  the  reader  may  draw  his  own  con- 
clusion !  With  the  Most  Rev.  Archbishop  Elder's  decision  the 
case  of  Father  Primeau  ended  and  a  few  weeks  later  he  left  the 
pastoral  residence  of  St.  Louis'  church.  In  April,  1891,  Bishop 
Gilmour  died,  and  in  the  following  month,  the  Rt.  Rev.  F.  M.  Boff, 
Administrator  of  the  diocese,  allowed  Father  Primeau  to  take 
temporary  charge  of  Toussaint,  a  small  mission,  until  he  could  find 
another  bishop  willing  to  adopt  him.  He  remained  at  Toussaint 
until  October,  181)2,  when  he  returned  to  the  diocese  of  Montreal, 
to  which  he  canonically  belonged,  as  was  proved  in  the  trial. 


On  September  12,  1800,  Bishop  Gilmour  purchased  a  parcel 
of  land  on  Detroit  street,  in  Cleveland,  for  a  much  needed  hospital, 
to  serve  the  Catholic  population  in  the  western  part  of  the  city, 
and  intended  by  him  to  be  a  diocesan  institution  similar  to  Charity 
Hospital,  which  is  owned  by  the  diocese.  The  purchase  was  made 
possible  by  the  munificent  gift  of  v$5000,  from  the  late 
W.  J.  Gordon,"  one  of  the  most  generous  non-Catholic  benefactors 


♦During  her  last  illness,  the  wife  of  Mr.  Gordon  directed  that  her  costly  jewels  be 
given  to  Bishop  Gilmour,  to  be  used  as  settings  for  a  miter.  Mr.  Gordon  added  to  them 
also  the  precious  jewels  of  his  deceased  daughter,  Georgia,  a  convert,  and  paid  for  the 
making  of  the  miter,  which  is  considered  the  costliest  in  the  United  States.  Bishop  Gil- 
mour wore  it  for  the  first  time  on  Pentecost  Sunday,  1888.  On  his  deathbed  he  bequeathed 
it,  with  his  pectoral  cross,  to  the  diocese  of  Cleveland  in  the  following  expressive  words: 
"I  give  my  pectoral  cross  and  my  miter  to  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  with  the  prayer  that 
my  successor  will   find  both  lighter  than  I  found   them." 


162  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

of  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  He  had  also  g'iven  fi"ec|uent  and  large 
donations  for  charitable  pnrposes,  during  Bishop  Rappe's  admin- 
istration, whose  friend  and  admirer  he  was,  no  less  than  ot 
Bishop  Gilmour. 

For  nearly  two  years,  prior  to  1891,  Bishop  Gilmour  had  been 
a  sufferer  from  intestinal  troubles,  that  often  caused  him  excru- 
ciating pain.  In  August,  1890,  he  had  another  severe  attack  which 
forced  him  to  remain  a  patient  at  Charity  Hospital  for  several 
months,  and  allowed  him  to  attend  only  to  the  most  important 
diocesan  affairs.  In  his  weakened  condition  he  was  obliged  to 
attend  the  trial  of  the  Primeau  case,  at  Cincinnati.  Whilst  there 
he  was  under  medical  treatment  at  the  Good  Samaritan  Hospital. 
After  the  case  was  heard  and  decided,  he  returned  to  Charity 
Hospital,  the  worse  for  the  worry  and  fatigue  he  underwent  whilst 
at  Cincinnati.  He  rallied  somewhat  in  December,  1890,  but  in 
March,  1891,  his  physician  urged  him  to  go  for  a  while  to  the 
milder  climate  of  Florida.  Before  leaving,  he  gave  his  vicar 
general,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Boff,  full  charge  of  the  diocese.  He 
also  approved  the  plans  for  St.  John's  Hospital,  to  be  located  on 
Detroit  street,  Cleveland,  and  for  the  Mother  House  of  the  Sisters 
of  Charity,  at  Lakewood.  These, were  his  last  administrative  acts 
as  Bishop  of  Cleveland.  Little  did  he  think  then,  that  he  would 
never  return  to  his  beloved  diocese,  for  whose  interests  he  had 
labored  so  earnestly  and  unselfishly  for  nearly  twenty  years. 
Hardly  had  he  reached  St,  Augustine,  Florida,  when  he  felt  that 
the  last  call  was  not  far  distant.  He  there  arranged  his  temporal 
and  spiritual  affairs,  with  a  mind  and  memory  that  were  wonder- 
fully clear.  In  the  evening  of  Monday,  April  13,  1891,  and  per- 
fectly resigned  to  the  divine  will,  he  gave  up  his  soul  to  God.  His 
remains  were  brought  to  Cleveland,  where  an  immense  concourse 
of  people  awaited  them  at  the  Union  Station  and  accompanied  them 
to  the  Cathedral.  The  obsec|uies  were  held  there  also,  on  Tuesday, 
April  21,  in  the  presence  of  an  audience  that  taxed  the  capacity  of 
the  large  church.  The  Bishop's  remains  were  then  reverently 
placed  in  the  crypt  beneath  the  sanctuary  of  the  Cathedral,  there  to 
rest  in  peace  until  the  Trumpet  call.* 


*The  reader  is  referred  to  Bishop  Gilmour's  biographical  sketch  for  a  detailed  account 
of  his  last  days,  obsequies,  etc. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  163 

A  few  days  after  Bishop  Gilmour's  death  the  Most  Rev. 
Archbishop  Elder  appointed  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff  as 
administrator  of  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  scde  z'acante.  This 
appointment  was  approved  shortly  after  by  the  Holy  See.  The 
administratorship  of  Algr.  Boff  was  uneventful  and  of  short  dura- 
tion. He  was  however  kept  busily  engaged  in  attending  to  the 
routine  and  important  diocesan  affairs,  till  the  advent  of  Bishop 
Gilmour's  successor,  in  March,  1892. 


164  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 


CHAPTER  VI 

THE  RIGHT  REV.  IGNATIUS  F.  HORSTMANN,  THIRD 
BISHOP  OF  CLEVELAND.  HIS  ADMINISTRATION, 

1892—1900. 

THE  RT.  REV.  DR.  HORSTMANN  CONSECRATED  BISHOP  AT  PHILADELPHIA,  PA., 
FEBRUARY  25,  1892— FULL  TEXT  OF  HIS  FIRST  SERMON  (PASTORAL  AD- 
DRESS) IN  THE  CATHEDRAL  AT  CLEVELAND,  MARCH  8,  1892— SITE  FOR 
PREPARATORY  SEMINARY  BOUGHT  —  PHOTOGRAPHS  OF  CHURCHES, 
SCHOOLS,  ETC.,  COLLECTED  FOR  THE  DIOCESAN  ARCHIVES— ST.  VINCENT'S 
UNION  ESTABLISHED— CALVARY  CEMETERY  (CLEVELAND),  OPENED  IN  1894 
—BISHOP  HORSTMANN  VISITS  ROME  IN  1894— THE  APOSTOLATE  FOR 
MISSIONS  TO  NON-CATHOLICS  ORGANIZED  IN  1895— THE  REV.  A.  F.  KOLA- 
SZEWSKI   AND  HIS   SCHISMATIC     CONGREGATION— HIS     EXCOMMUNICATION. 

FOR  months  after  Bishop  Gihnour  gave  up  to  death  his  crozier 
and  miter,  speculation  ran  high,  as  to  who  would  be  his  suc- 
cessor. Several  lists  of  names,  expressing  the  choice  of  the 
consultors  and  rectors,  as  also  of  the  diocesan  clergy,  were  sent  to 
Rome.  But  Rome,  in  her  wisdom  and  prudence,  rejected  all  the 
names  submitted,  and  appointed  as  successor  to  Bishop  Gilmour,  a 
priest  who  was  a  total  stranger  to  the  diocese,  and  one  who  was  in 
every  way  equipped  for  the  responsible  and  burdensome  office  of 
Bishop — the  Rev.  Ignatius  F.  Horstmann,  D.  D.,  Chancellor  of 
the  Archdiocese  of  Philadelphia.  The  appointment  was  made  on 
November  29,  1891,  and  published  on  December  14,  1891.  When 
the  welcome  news  was  received  in  Cleveland  and  throughout  the 
diocese,  the  clergy  and  laity  rejoiced,  and  all  accepted  Rome's 
decision  as  the  best  possible  solution  of  a  question  that  had  already 
caused  considerable  friction. 

The  consecration  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Horstmann  took  place  in 
the  Cathedral  of  Philadelphia,  on  Wednesday,  February  25,  1892. 
The  Most  Rev.  William  H.  Elder,  D.  D.,  Archbishop  of 
Cincinnati,  was  the  consecrator,  assisted  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishops 
O'Hara,  of  Scranton,  and  Chatard,  of  Vincennes. 

Bishop  Horstmann  arrived  in  Cleveland,  on  Tuesday  evening, 
March  8,  and  on  the  following  morning  his  installation,  as  the 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  165 

third  Bishop  of  Cleveland,  took  place  in  the  Cathedral.  He 
pontificated,  and  Bishop  Foley,  of  Detroit,  preached  the  installa- 
tion sermon.  At  the  end  of  the  Mass  Bishop  Horstmann  feelingly 
addressed  his  clergy  and  the  immense  audience. 

Following  is  the  full  text  of  his  first  sermon  in  Cleveland,  and 
deserves  to  be  called  also  his  first  Pastoral  address.  It  gives  the 
key-note  of  his  administration,  and  an  outline  of  his  policy,  as  the 
head  and  ruler  of  the  large  and  important  diocese  now  committed 
to  his  care : 

*'  'Glory  to  God  on  high  and  peace  on  earth  to  men  of  good 
will.'  Such  was  the  heavenly  song  of  the  angelic  choir  pro- 
claiming to  the  earth  the  glad  tidings  that  the  God-made  man  was 
born  in  the  stable  at  Bethlehem  and  ever  since  our  Holy  Mother 
the  Church  has  made  use  of  the  same  hymn  at  the  celebration  of 
every  one  of  her  joyous  festivals.  Glory  to  God !  Peace  to  men  of 
good  will !  What  words  more  appropriate  could  I  take  for  a  text 
on  this  solemn  occasion  of  my  installation  as  Bishop  of  this  diocese 
of  Cleveland?  Glory  to  God  and  peace  to  men  of  good  will.  Such 
is  the  message  Jesus  Christ  sends  to  me  today.  The  same  message 
he  sends  also  to  you.  All  glory  be  to  the  Most  High  for  your 
magnificent  profession  of  faith,  hope,  and  love  of  God,  for  this 
wonderful  manifestation  of  the  glorious  unity  of  the  Catholic 
Church  you  gave  to  the  world  last  evening  and  which  your 
presence  here  before  the  altar  continues.  I  come  to  you  as  a  stran- 
ger ;  perhaps  even  my  very  name  was  heretofore  unknown  to  most 
of  you.  I  come  from  another  diocese  far  away.  I  did  not  belong 
even  to  your  ecclesiastical  province,  and  yet  you  welcome  me  with 
open  arms,  with  your  whole  souls ;  you  gave  me  your  hearts.  And 
why?  Because  I  come  to  you  as  the  choice  of  the  Vicar  of  Jesus 
Christ,  to  whom  the  care  of  the  whole  Church  has  been  intrusted ; 
because  he  has  designed  to  select  me,  unworthy  as  I  am,  and  to 
give  me  authority  and  to  place  me  here  in  this  portion  of  his  trust, 
to  feed,  rule  and  govern  for  him  and  in  his  name  the  souls  of  this 
vast  diocese  of  Cleveland,  redeemed  by  the  most  precious  blood  of 
Jesus  Christ.  Glorious  unity  of  our  holy  faith  !  We  are  all  one, 
believing  the  same  truths,  all  one,  obedient  to  the  one  supreme 
head  of  Christ's  Church,  all  one  in  loyal  child-like  communion  with 
him ;  and  this,  your  enthusiastic  reception  of  me,  is  a  public  profes- 
sion of  your  Catholic  Faith,  of  Catholic  unity. 

"Did  I  call  myself  a  stranger  to  you.  brethren  ?  Let  me 
recall  the  word.  No  good  priest  is  a  stranger  to  the  children  of  the 
Faith.  No  bishop  can  ever  be  a  stranger  amongst  Catholics;  and 
when  that  bishop  comes,  delegated  by  the  Vicar  of  Jesus  Christ, 


166  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

he  comes  as  one  placed  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to  rule  the  church 
committed  to  his  care.  He  comes  as  a  father  to  his  family,  as  a 
shepherd  to  his  flock,  as  a  ruler  to  his  subjects.  No  stranger,  then, 
am  I  to  you.  '1  know  Mine,'  said  Jesus  Christ,  'and  Mine  know 
Me.'  It  is  enough  for  you  to  know  that  I  am  your  Bishop,  and  at 
once,  with  word  and  heart,  as  loyal  Catholics,  you  cry  out:  'We 
know  you ;  we  reverence  you  ;  we  bless  your  coming;  for  you  come 
to  us  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.'  Glory  to  God,  then,  for  this  noble 
profession  of  your  Faith.  Glory  to  God,  for  this  sublime  manifes- 
tation of  the  unity  of  the  Catholic  Church.  I  would  not  be  human, 
however,  were  I  not  touched  by  these  proofs  of  your  Catholicity. 
I  receive  them  not  for  myself,  but  for  my  ofifice.  'Not  to  us,  O 
Lord,  not  to  us.  but  to  Thy  name  be  all  the  glory.'  Personally  I 
have  no  claim  whatsoever,  either  to  your  esteem  or  your  love ;  but 
as  your  Bishop  I  rejoice  with  you  today  that  the  widowed  Church 
of  Cleveland  welcomes  her  new  spouse  and  pastor.  God  grant  that 
my  mission  amongst  you  may  be  for  the  edification  of  all,  not 
only  of  those  of  the  household  of  the  Faith,  but  also  of  all  who  are 
outside  of  the  fold  of  Jesus  Christ.  God  grant  that  my  work 
amongst  you  may  be  for  the  resurrection  of  many  and  for  the  ruin 
of  none.  O  supreme  blessing,  if  when  I  must  sing  my  Nunc 
dimittis,  I  can  say  truthfully:  'Those  whom  Thou  gavest  me  I 
have  kept  and  none  are  lost,  O  Lord,  through  my  negligence  or 
fault.'     Such,  brethren,  is  my  prayer  at  this  solemn  moment. 

"And  now  what  shall  be  my  message  to  you?  What  other 
than  that  of  our  divine  Lord  Himself  to  His  Apostles  after  His 
resurrection:  Pax  vobis;  peace  be  to  you.  Peace!  It  is  the  only 
real  good  here  on  earth.  All  else  is  vanity.  Peace !  The  peace 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which  surpasses  all  human  understanding. 
Peace  through  the  truth — the  whole  truth,  as  it  was  made  known 
by  Jesus,  preserved  by  His  Church  and  as  communicated  by  Her 
to  us  through  her  divinely  appointed  teaching  authority,  especially 
that  of  the  Roman  pontiffs.  Peace  through  the  grace  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  in-dwelling  always  in  your  souls.  Peace  to  all  who  are  of 
good  will,  who  desire  earnestly  to  do  the  will  of  God.  Like 
St.  Paul,  I  can  say  sincerely  as  your  Bishop,  I  know  neither  Roman 
nor  barbarian,  I  know  no  nationality  and  never  shall.  You  are  all 
my  children,  intrusted  to  my  care,  and  I  realize  that  the  great 
Bishop  of  souls,  the  Prince  of  pastors,  our  Lord  and  Judge,  will 
demand  your  souls  at  my  hand.  Awful  responsibility!  To  be  a 
priest  would  make  the  very  angels  tremble ;  but  to  be  a  Bishop, 
with  the  care  of  over  200  priests  and  over  200,000  souls,  who  can 
carry  such  a  burden?  Were  it  not  for  the  divine  assurance:  'You 
have  not  chosen  me  but  I  have  chosen  you  and  I  have  sent  you, 
that  you  should  go  and  bring  forth  fruit,  and  your  fruit   shall 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  167 

remain' ;  were  it  not  for  the  consoling  words  of  St.  Paul :  'I  can 
do  all  things  in  Him  Who  strengtheneth  me,'  I  would  cry  out : 
'Spare  me,  O  Lord;  have  mercy  on  me;  take  this  chalice  away 
from  me.' 

"Brethren  of  the  clergy,  I  depend  on  you,  on  all  of  you,  to 
support  me  in  my  sublime  vocation.  I  can  do  nothing  without 
you.  I  am  simply  your  general.  You  are  my  of^cers  and  without 
your  intelligent,  obedient  co-operation,  your  zealous,  self-sacrific- 
ing ministry,  all  my  efforts  will  be  in  vain  and  useless.  I  must  ever 
be  likes  Moses  on  the  Mount,  praying  with  uplifted  hands,  while 
the  children  of  Israel  were  engaged  in  battle.  My  hands  must  be 
supported,  on  the  one  side  by  my  clergy,  faithful,  true,  loyal, 
zealous;  and  on  the  other  by  you,  dear  children  of  the  laity, 
seconding  all  their  efforts  for  the  glory  of  God,  the  spread  of 
religion  and  the  sanctification  and  salvation  of  souls.  I  depend  on 
your  material  support,  on  your  generosity,  on  your  spirit  of  self- 
sacrifice  and  on  your  prayers.  Give  me  only  good,  whole-souled 
priests  and  I  know^  I  shall  have  a  faithful.  God-fearing  people ;  and 
with  priests  and  people,  all  working  together  for  God's  glory,  the 
future  of  this  great  diocese  of  Cleveland  will  be  a  joy  to" God  and 
man. 

"As  a  seminarian  I  met  your  first  Bishop,  Bishop  Rappe;  as 
a  priest  I  knew  your  late  revered  Bishop.  Bishop  Gilmour.  May 
their  wishes  inspire  me  and  their  prayers  help  me  to  follow  faith- 
fully in  their  footsteps ;  and  whilst  they  pray  for  this  Church  of 
Cleveland,  let  us,  dear  brethren,  pray  also  for  the  happy  repose  of 
their  souls,  and  praise  these  men  of  renown,  our  fathers  in  their 
generation,  whose  godly  deeds  have  not  failed.  They  worked  and 
suffered  much  to  build  up  this  diocese.  Their  bodies  we  buried  in 
peace  but  their  names  shall  live  unto  generation  and  generation. 
Let  this  Church  of  Cleveland  always  declare  their  praise. 

"And  now,  dear  brethren  of  the  clergy  and  dear  children  of 
the  laity,  placing  all  my  trust  in  the  mercy  and  goodness  of  God,  I 
begin  my  work  among  you.  My  life  belongs  to  you.  Servant  of 
the  servants  of  God,  is  the  noblest  of  the  titles  of  the  Vicar  of 
Jesus  Christ  on  earth.  Your  servant  is  also  the  noblest  title  your 
Bishop  can  claim.  The  Master  has  said :  'The  Son  of  Man  hath 
come  not  to  be  ministered  unto  but  to  minister,  and  to  give  his 
life  a  redemption  for  many.'  'And  the  servant  is  not  greater  than 
his  Lord.'  My  duty  is  to  follow  Him.  'I  am  thy  servant;  grant 
me  understanding  that  I  may  know  thy  testimonies,  O  Lord  i' 
My  glory  is  to  be  His  servant  and  yours.  I  place  my  vocation 
under  the  guardianship  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus.  He,  the 
great  Bishop  of  souls,  must  teach  me  the  virtues  required  by  my 
high  office,  to  be  meek  and  humble,   true   and   loyal,   firm   and 


1G8  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

courageous  for  the  Faith  and  the  j^ood  of  souls.  It  is  He  who  has 
imposed  the  burden  on  nie.  His  will  he  also  the  (hity  of  giving 
me  the  hght  and  strength  to  fulfill  its  obligations. 

"May  the  ever  Blessed  Virgin,  Mother  of  God,  guard  me;  she 
who  has  ever  guarded  my  steps  from  childhood  till  now,  whom  I 
have  ever  loved  and  revered  as  my  mother  in  every  deed,  whose 
protection  has  never  failed  me;  she,  I  feel,  will  continue  her 
motherly  care  in  my  regard.  She  shall  ever  remain  my  hoi)e.  my 
strength,  my  sweetest  consolation  amidst  whatsoever  trials  and 
crosses  may  afflict  me. 

"And  St.  John,  the  beloved  disciple,  the  favored  ai)ostle  and 
model  bishop,  under  whose  patronage  this  cathedral  church  is 
placed,  will  watch  over  me  and  pray  for  me  before  the  Throne  of 
Grace  that  light  and  strength  may  be  vouchsafed  me  in  the 
discharge  of  my  sublime  ministry. 

"And  the  angel  protector  of  this  church  of  Cleveland  will, 
I  am  sure,  watch  over  and  defend  me  in  every  danger. 

"O  God,  my  sovereign  Lord,  what  is  it  that  I  now  ask  of  thee? 
^^'ith  Solomon,  I  do  not  ask  for  riches  or  honors  or  length  of  days. 
I  ask  for  nothing  temporal  or  worldly.  No,  Lord ;  all  these  are 
vanity,  but  grant  unto  Thy  servant,  I  beseech  Thee,  heavenly 
light  and  wisdom  and  prudence ;  grant  me  the  sevenfold  gifts  of 
Thy  holy  spirit  that  I  may  rule  this  vast  flock  which  Thou  hast 
committed  to  my  care,  with  justice  and  mercy ;  that  I  may  answer 
the  desires  of  Thy  own  Sacred  Heart ;  tliat  thus,  when  my  life's 
work  is  over,  they  may  be  my  crown  and  my  glory  forever  in 
heaven. 

"In  your  daily  prayers,  brethren,  do  not  forget  your  Bishop, 
but  beg  of  God  that,  like  David,  he  may  ever  be  a  man  after  God's 
own  heart ;  that  all  his  thoughts  and  desires,  all  his  words  and 
actions  may  redound  to  the  greater  honor  and  glory  of  God  and 
the  salvation  of  souls.     Amen." 

Familiar  as  Bishop  Horstmann  was  with  the  routine  work  of 
governing  a  diocese,  whilst  Chancellor  of  the  Philadelphia  diocese, 
he  very  soon  familiarized  himself  also  with  his  new  surroundings, 
and  took  up  the  reins  of  administration,  dropped  in  death  by  his 
])redecessor.  He  adopted  all  the  existing  business  methods  and 
forms,  and  reappointed  as  his  immediate  official  assistants  those 
who  had  served  in  like  position  under  Bishop  Gilmour.  Thus  the 
affairs  of  the  diocese  received  attention  without  any  hitch  or  halt, 
that  otherwise  might  have  been  expected  under  a  new  regime. 
Owing  to  Bishop  Gilmour's  long  illness  much  work  that  could  not 
be  deleo-ated  had  to  remain  undone.    This  work  was  now  taken  in 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  169 

hand  by  the  new  bishop  and  kept  him  steadily  occupied  for  many 
months  after  his  installation.  Churches  were  established,  others 
dedicated,  confirmation  administered  and  the  large  and  varied 
interests  of  the  diocese,  both  spiritual  and  temporal,  administered 
by  liim,  with  greatest  zeal  and  self-sacrifice. 

On  his  episcopal  visits  throughout  the  diocese  he  was  rejoiced 
to  find  an  excellent  spirit  among  the  clergy  and  laity,  whom  he 
soon  easily  won  by  his  kindness  and  genial  manner,  and  by 
whom  also  he  was  received  with  filial  respect  and  warmest 
welcome.  He  also  found  the  diocese  in  most  orderly  condition, 
with  an  array  of  churches,  schools  and  institutions  that  greatly 
surprised  and  pleased  him. 

One  of  Bishop  Horstmann's  first  important  official  acts  was  to 
approve  of  the  founding  of  a  Preparatory  Seminary  for  boys 
desirous  of  studying  for  the  priesthood,  as  intended  by  Bishop 
Gilmour,  who  had  commissioned  his  vicar  general,  Mgr.  F.  M. 
Boff,  to  collect  funds  among  the  clergy  for  that  purpose.  The 
money  thus  raised  was  largely  augmented  from  the  Bishop's 
private  means,  and  invested  in  a  site  for  the  proposed  building. 
It  is  located  on  Carroll  street,  Cleveland,  near  the  Jesuit  College, 
which,  according  to  the  plan  proposed,  is  to  furnish  the  young- 
aspirants  to  the  holy  ministry  their  collegiate  training.  The  site 
cost  $12,700,  but  owing  to  lack  of  means  the  erection  of  the 
necessary  building  had  to  be  indefinitely  postponed.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  that  this  laudable  project  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  seconded  by 
his  successor,  may  soon  be  realized,  so  that  the  diocese  may  not 
further  be  obliged  to  send  its  young  levites  elsewhere  to  pursue 
their  collegiate  studies. 

On  December  20,  1892,  Bishop  Horstmann  published  a 
circular  in  which  he  ordered  that  throughout  the  diocese  the 
Dc  Pro  fund  is  bell  be  rung  each  evening,  either  immediately  after 
the  Angelus,  or  at  7  o'clock  p.  m.,  to  remind  the  faithful  to  pray  for 
the  poor  souls  in  purgatory.  The  devotion  struck  a  popular  chord 
and  soon  became  a  fixed  custom. 

In  the  same  month  and  year  Bishop  Horstmann  asked  the 
pastors  of  congregations  to  send  to  the  diocesan  archives  duplicate 
photographs  of  their  respective  churches.  The  same  request  was 
sent  to  the  heads  of  all  the  religious  and  educational  institutions. 


170  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

In  a  short  time  a  most  valiial)]e  array  of  pliotographs  was  collected, 
one  set  of  which  was  mounted  in  two  lart^e  albums,  properly  en- 
grossed and  indexed.  The  other  set  was  likewise  mounted  in  a 
splendidly  bound  album  and  presented  to  His  Holiness,  Leo  XHJ. 
by  Bishop  Horstmann  when  he  made  his  first  ofificial  visit  to  Rome, 
in  December,  1894. 

In  line  with  Bishop  Gilmour's  similar  action  some  years 
previous,  the  diocese  was  again  divided,  in  August,  1893,  into  five 
districts,  each  of  which  was  assigned  to  one  of  the  five  orphan 
asylums  located  in  the  diocese.  The  sisterhoods  were  allowed  to 
collect  only  in  the  district  now  assigned  to  their  respective  asylums, 
in  order  to  make  this  annual  call  on  the  charity  of  the  faithful  as 
light  a  burden  as  possible. 

At  the  suggestion  of  Bishop  Horstmann,  the  Sisters  of 
Charity,  connected  with  St.  Vincent's  Orphan  Asylum,  Cleveland, 
commenced  in  1894  the  St.  Vincent's  Union,  its  membership  being 
composed  of  the  laity,  who  contribute  as  annual  dues  the  sum  of 
twenty-five  cents  towards  the  support  of  the  Asylum.  The  sum 
total  thus  realized  each  year  has  proved  of  great  assistance  to  the 
Sisters  in  their  work  of  charity.  The  members  of  the  Union  share 
in  many  spiritual  favors,  and  are  also  recipients  of  the  well  edited 
paper,  published  in  December  of  each  year  for  the  benefit  of  the 
Asylum,  under  the  name  of  "St.  Vincent's  Union." 

As  in  1892  St.  Joseph's  and  St.  John's  cemeteries,  in  Cleve- 
land, had  become  nearly  filled  with  interments,  it  was  of  imperative 
necessity  for  Bishop  Horstmann  to  secure  a  suitable  tract  of  land 
for  a  cemetery  which  would  serve  the  needs  of  all  the  Cleveland 
parishes.  For  six  months  he  and  a  committee  of  city  pastors  made 
search  for  such  land.  Every  available  tract  of  land  between  Dover 
and  Willoughby  was  visited  and  examined  as  to  soil  and  accessi- 
bility. Finally  the  Leland  Farm  in  Newburg  township  was  con- 
sidered the  best  possible  site,  because  located  equi-distant  between 
East  and  West  Cleveland,  and  easily  reached  by  the  Broadway 
electric  cars  from  all  parts  of  the  city.  There  was  also  a  fair  pros- 
pect that  an  electric  line,  along  the  west  line  of  the  Leland  Farm, 
would  soon  be  built  from  the  city  limits,  near  Broadway,  to  xA.kron. 
These  facts,  as  well  as  the  soil  and  beautiful  landscape  of  the  fifty 
acre  tract  of  land,  induced  the  Bishop  to  make  the  purchase  in 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  171 

April,  1893.  At  once,  under  the  direction  of  a  noted  civil  engineer, 
assisted  by  a  large  force  of  men,  about  twenty-five  acres  of  the 
land  were  graded  for  burial  lots  and  single  graves,  macadamized 
drives  built,  and  drainage  provided.  The  farm  was  so  transformed 
by  autumn  that  its  original  owners  could  not  have  recognized  it. 
On  November  26,  1893,  the  graded  part  was  solenmly  blessed  by 
the  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck,  who  had  been  delegated  by  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  for  that  purpose.  About  ten  priests  took  part  in 
the  ceremony  which,  in  spite  of  the  cold  weather,  was  witnessed  by 
a  vast  concourse  of  people.  The  new  burial  ground  was  given  the 
name  of  Calvary  Cemetery.  At  first  considerable  displeasure  was 
manifested  by  many  of  the  laity  belonging  to  outlying  parishes, 
but  that  feeling  has  nearly  vanished,  owing  to  the  ease  with  which 
the  cemetery  can  be  reached,  either  by  carriage  or  electric  cars, 
the  latter  passing  the  main  entrance  to  the  cemetery.  Bv  the  end 
of  the  year  1900,  over  8,000  interments  had  been  made  in  Calvary 
Cemetery.  In  1900  Bishop  Horstmann  purchased  an  additional 
fifty  acre  tract  of  land,  adjoining  Calvary  Cemetery  on  the  east, 
thus  making  the  entire  cemetery  site  one  hundred  acres  in  extent. 
During  the  same  year  also  an  electric  funeral  car  was  introduced, 
which  is  rapidly  growing  in  public  favor. 

Bishop  Horstmann  paid  his  first  ol^cial,  or  ad  limina,  visit  to 
Rome  in  1894.  He  left  Cleveland  early  in  November  of  that  year 
and  returned  on  Christmas  eve.  He  gave  Pope  Leo  XHI  a  full 
account  of  the  excellent  condition  of  religion  in  his  diocese.  The 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  was  delighted  with  the  long  and  interesting 
audience  granted  him  by  the  Holy  Father.  On  the  same  occasion 
he  personally  handed  His  Holiness  the  Peter  Pence  offering  made 
that  year  by  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 

Whilst  Bishop  Gilmour  was  ill  in  the  Providence  Hospital,  at 
Washington,  in  November,  1889,  he  expressed  to  one  of  his 
priests,  then  visiting  him,  his  ardent  wish  to  inaugurate  in  his 
diocese  the  evangelization  of  non-Catholics,  and  hoped  one  or 
more  of  his  priests,  with  taste  for  such  work,  would  put  into  effect 
his  long  cherished  plan.  Owing  however  to  long  illness  and 
constant  press  of  duties  in  other  directions,  nothing  was  or  could 
be  done  in  the  matter,  so  near  and  dear  to  his  heart.  It  was 
reserved  to  his  successor,  Bishop  Horstmann,  to  put  it  into  effect. 


172  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

As  the  celebrated  Panlist  missionary.  Father  ElHott^  was  engaged 
in  similar  work,  and  therefore  had  experience,  perhaps  such  as  no 
other  priest  in  this  country  had.  Bishop  tlorstmann  invited  him  to 
come  to  Cleveland  and  train  one  or  more  priests  for  that  ])urpose. 
This  he  readily  did.  He  came  in  September,  1894,  and  associated 
with  himself  the  Revs.  William  S.  Kress,  John  H.  Muehlenbeck, 
Edward  P.  Graham,  and  Ign.  J.  Wonderly,  and  gave  missions  to 
non-Catholics  in  various  parts  of  the  diocese,  with  much  success. 
The  missions  consisted  of  a  series  of  lectures  in  public  halls,  or  in 
any  other  available  places  to  which  the  desired  audience  could  be 
attracted.  A  special  feature  of  the  missions  was  the  "question 
box,"  which  soon  became  very  popular.  The  fairness  and  patience 
shown  by  the  missionaries  towards  their  often  unsympathetic 
hearers  won  the  good  will  and  attention  of  those  that  first  attended 
with  misgiving  or  deep  seated  prejudice.  The  result  was  that 
many  embraced  the  Faith.  In  September,  1805,  the  present 
Cleveland  Apostolate  was  organized,  and  is  continuing  the  work, 
so  well  begun  by  Father  Elliott. 

One  of  the  few  legacies  of  trouble  that  came  to  Bishop 
Horstmann  from  his  predecessor,  and  wdiich  caused  grave  public 
scandal,  was  the  case  of  the  Rev.  A.  F.  Kolaszew^ski.  He  had  been 
ordained  for  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  in  July, 
1883,  and  was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  Stanislas'  (Polish)  congre- 
gation, in  Cleveland.  Between  188G  and  1800,  frequent  charges 
were  made  against  the  Rev.  Kolaszewski.  The  investigation  of 
these  charges,  and  the  bitter  partizanship  for  and  against  the  Rev. 
Kolaszewski,  among  the  people  of  St.  Stanislas'  parish,  caused 
Bishop  Gilmour  and  the  Episcopal  curia  a  great  deal  of  trouble. 
Besides,  the  Fifth  Provincial  Council  of  Cincinnati,  the  Primeau 
trial,  and  the  death  of  the  Bishop,  were  in  the  way  of  reaching 
definite  results  in  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Kolaszewski.  Within  two 
months  after  Bishop  Horstmann  came  to  the  diocese,  another 
grave  charge  was  made  against  Rev.  Kolaszewski.  He  was  unable 
to  disprove  it,  and  so,  on  May  28,  1802,  oft'ered  his  resignation. 
His  resignation  was  accepted  by  the  Bishop,  on  condition  that  he 
leave  the  diocese,  which  he  did.  He  went  to  Syracuse,  N.  Y., 
where  he  passed  under  the  name  of  "Father  Colly."  After  he  left 
Cleveland  it  was  found  that  St.  Stanislas'  church  had  a  debt  of  over 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  173 

$90,000,  about  half  of  which  was  unauthorized  by  the  Bishop  and 
therefore  unknown  to  him.  The  Rev.  Kolaszewski  remained  at 
Syracuse  until  May,  1894,  when,  regardless  of  his  promise  to 
Bishop  Horstmann,  he  returned  to  Cleveland,  and  at  once 
organized  a  schismatic  congregation,  composed  of  a  considerable 
number  of  Poles  who  had  been  his  followers  while  he  was  pastor  of 
St.  Stanislas'  church.  He  purchased  a  tract  of  land  on  Tremont 
street,  not  far  from  his  former  church  and  pastoral  residence,  and 
on  it  built  a  church.  This  schismatic  church  he  had  "dedicated" 
on  August  18,  1894-,  by  a  so-called  "archbishop,"  named  Vilatte. 

Bishop  Horstmann  referred  the  case  of  the  Rev.  Kolaszewski 
to  the  Apostolic  Delegate,  Monsignor  Satolli,  who  sent  him,  on 
May  20,  1894,  from  Trenton,  N.  J.,  the  following  letter  in  reply. 
It  was  published  in  the  Catholic  Universe  of  May  2G,  1894: 

"Church  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  Trenton,  N.  J.,  May  20,  1894. 
"Rt.  Rev.  I.  F.  Horstmann.  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Cleveland: 

"Rt.  Rev.  and  Dear  Sir — With  the  deepest  regret  I  have 
learned  what  has  taken  place  recently  in  Cleveland  on  the  part  of 
the  priest,  Kolaszewski,  and  a  certain  number  of  Poles,  who  asso- 
ciated themselves  with  him.  Father  Kolaszewski's  action,  and  all 
that  he  dared  say  in  regard  to  forming  a  Polish  congregation  in 
Cleveland,  deserves  the  greatest  reproach ;  I  reprobate  and  con- 
demn it  most  energetically  and  with  my  full  authority.  Moreover, 
I  protest  most  earnestly  against  his  allegation  that  I  have  author- 
ized him,  or  given  him  the  least  encouragement  as  regards  his 
going  to  Cleveland.  He  has  not  my  authority  for  any  religious 
act  which  he  has  performed,  or  wdiich  he  will  perform  in  the 
future.  He  has  not  even  permission  for  saying  Mass.  He  is  a 
disgrace  to  the  priestly  character,  and  is  leading  the  poor  people 
who  confided  in  him.  because  he  is  a  priest,  away  from  the  flock  of 
Christ.  Therefore,  the  only  thing  that  remains  for  him  to  do  is: 
to  leave  Cleveland  immediately  and  to  betake  himself  to  some 
place,  in  order  to  do  penance  for  his  sins,  and  to  atone  for  the  great 
scandal  he  has  caused  to  the  faithful. 

"It  is  my  wish  and  order  that  all  the  Poles  of  Cleveland  should 
be  informed  and  enlightened  as  to  the  falsity  of  Father  Kolaszews- 
ki's statements,  and  the  sacrilegious  character  of  his  actions. 
They  should  no  longer  have  any  relations  with  him  as  a  priest ; 
they  should  be  faithful  and  obedient  to  their  Bishop,  the  only  one 
who  has  the  right  of  governing  the  Catholic  Church  in  Cleveland ; 


174  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY    • 

no  act  of  worship  exercised  against  his  will  can  be  lawfnl,  or  in  any 
sense  Catholic. 

"With  my  best  regards,  I  remain,  yonrs  in  Christ, 

•[•Francis,  Archbishop  Satolli, 

Delegate  Apostolic." 

T,  the   undersigned,   a   notary   public   in   and   for   Cuyahoga 
County,  Ohio,  hereby  certify  the  above  to  be  a  true  copy  of  the 
original  letter,  read  by  me  this  23d  day  of  Mav,  A.  D.  1894. 
(Seal)  P.  J.  Brady, 

Notary  Public. 

The  Rev.  Kolaszewski  paid  no  heed  to  the  Apostolic  Dele- 
gate's letter,  but  continued  in  his  course  of  disobedience.  Bishop 
Horstmann  also  had  sent  him,  on  May  11,  1894,  a  letter  of  w-arning 
to  desist  from  exercising  any  priestly  functions  in  the  diocese  of 
Cleveland.  This  warning,  with  its  embodied  prohibition,  also 
remained  unheeded.  The  Bishop  then  published  on  June  20,  1894, 
the  sentence  of  excommunication  against  the  Rev.  Kolaszewski 
and  a  warning  to  his  misguided  people.  Both  documents  appeared 
in  the  Catholic  UiuT'crsc.  on  June  23,  1894.  Following  is  their  full 
text : 

SENTENCE  OF  EXCOMMUNICATION  PROMGULGATED  AGAINST 
THE  REV.  A.  F.  KOLASZEWSKI. 

Cleveland,  O.,  June  20,  1894. 
Considering  that  on  the  11th  day  of  last  May  we  had  a  per- 
emptory notice  served  on  the  Rev.  A.  F.  Kolaszewski,  forbidding 
him  under  penalty  of  excommunication,  to  be  incurred  ipso  facto, 
to  celebrate  Mass,  or  to  exercise  any  priestly  functions  in  the 
diocese  of  Cleveland,  or  to  do  anything  toward  establishing  an 
independent  congregation ;  considering  that  in  total  disregard  of 
this  order  he  notoriously  celebrated  Mass  in  public,  in  the  city  of 
Cleveland,  and  established  an  independent  congregation,  under  the 
title  of  the  "Immaculate  Heart  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary;"  con- 
sidering, moreover,  that  we  sent  him  two  letters  inviting  him  to 
come  and  see  us  personally,  that  we  might  appeal  to  him  and 
induce  him  to  abandon  his  evil  and  scandalous  course — both  of 
which  letters  of  invitation  he  disregarded ;  considering,  finally,  that 
we  had  a  peremptory  summons  served  on  him  to  appear  before  us 
in  court,  in  our  Episcopal  residence,  on  Wednesday,  June  20th 
inst.,  at  10  o'clock  a.  m.,  ad  audiendum  sententiam  declaratoriam 
excommunicationis,  unless  he  would  show  cause  why  such  sentence 
should  not  be  pronounced,  and  that  he  failed  to  appear  at  the  time 
and  place  appointed ; 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  175 

We  therefore  and  herel:)y  do  declare  and  pronounce  that  the 
said  Rev.  A.  F.  Kolaszewski  has  incurred  major  excommunication, 
and  we  decree  that  his  excommunication  he  published. 

Given  under  our  hand  and  seal,  at  our  Episcopal  residence, 
date  and  place  as  above.  flGNATIUS  FREDERICK, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland. 

By  order  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  of  Cleveland, 

G.  F.  HoucK,  Notary. 

To  Whom  it"  May  Concern : 

As  the  Rev.  A.  F.  Kolaszewski  has  been  publicly  excom- 
municated by  us.  we  hereby  publicly  and  officially  warn  all  the 
faithful  under  our  jurisdiction,  under  penalty  of  grievous  sin,  not 
to  disobey  these  our  commands,  viz. : — They  must  not  become 
members  of  the  schismatic  congregation,  established  by  the  said 
Rev.  A.  F.  Kolaszewski,  and  incorporated  under  the  title  of  "The 
Immaculate  Heart  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,"  and  those  who  are 
members  thereof  must  cease  to  be  such.  They  must  not  render 
aid  or  support  to  the  said  schismatic  congregation.  x-Xs  for  those 
who  are  acting  as  trustees  or  officers  of  said  incorporated  congre- 
gation of  the  Immaculate  Heart  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  we 
declare  that  unless  they  immediately  resign  their  trust  and 
positions,  they  will  incur  excommunication,  ipso  facto,  and  that 
reserved  to  ourselves. 

All  the  faithful  must  know  that  the  said  Rev.  A.  F.  Kolas- 
zew^ski  can  not  validly  impart  absolution  in  the  sacred  tribunal  of 
penance,  and  is  absolutely  forbidden  to  administer  the  sacraments; 
also  that  they  are  strictly  prohibited  from  applying  to  him  for  any 
sacrament  or  receiving  from  him  any  sacrament.  Should  they  do 
so  they  commit  mortal  sin.  They  are  also  forbidden  to  attend 
services  in  the  church  of  said  congregation,  or  to  receive  any 
religious  ministrations  from,  or  hold  any  religious  communication 
with,  the  said  Rev.  A.  F.  Kolaszewski. 

We  direct  that  this  notice  be  publicly  read  at  all  the  Masses 
in  all  the  churches  of  our  diocese  on  the  Sundav  after  its  receipt. 

flGNATIUS  FREDERICK, 

Bishop  of  Cleveland. 

By  order  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop, 

G.  F.  HoucK, 
Chancellor  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 
Cleveland,  O.,  June  20,  1894. 

The  grave  scandal  given  thus  far  by  the  action  of  the  Rev. 
Kolaszewski  did  not,  however,  cease,  but  continued  in  even  graver 
form.     But  as  the  excommunication  placed  the  recalcitrant  priest 


176  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

outside  of  the  pale  of  the  Church,  notliing  further  was  or  could  be 
done  in  his  case  by  the  Church  authorities.  In  December,  1897, 
the  Rev.  Kolaszewski  became  seriously  ill,  and  asked  to  be  received 
back  into  the  Church.  As  Rome  reserved  his  case  the  Bishop  could 
do  nothing  for  him,  unless  he  accepted  the  conditions  imposed 
upon  him,  viz.,  to  retract,  to  submit,  to  do  penance,  and  to  promise 
that  as  soon  as  he  was  physically  able  to  go  to  Rome,  he  w^ould  do 
so  and  there  seek  absolution.  This  he  refused  to  do,  and  w^ith  his 
refusal  the  question  of  reconciliation  ended.  Up  to  the  present 
writing,  December,  1900,  he  has  continued  in  his  course,  and  with 
it  the  scandal  to  religion  remains.  The  Rev.  Kolaszewski  secured, 
through  a  Canadian  agency,  a  $25,000  mortgage  loan  from  Eng- 
land, in  1897.  This  has  enabled  him  to  continue  his  schismatic 
congregation,  which  is  constantly  diminishing  in  size.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  that  the  remainder  of  the  misguided  people  will,  with  their 
misguiding  leader,  be  brought  to  a  realization  of  their  hopeless 
condition,  and  return  repentantly  to  Mother  Church. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  I77 


CHAPTER  VII 

BISHOP   HORSTA'IANN'S   ADMINISTRATION. 

(CONTINUED). 

BISHOP  HORSTMANN  PUBLISHES  A  PASTORAL  LETTER  IN  REFERENCE  TO  THE 
GOLDEN  JUBILEE  OF  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND— CELEBRATION  OF  THE 
DIOCESAN  GOLDEN  JUBILEE  AT  TOLEDO  AND  CLEVELAND,  IN  OCTOBER, 
1897— EXTRACTS  FROM  SERMONS  PREACHED  ON  THE  OCCASION— FULL  TEXT 
OF  BISHOP  DE  GOESBRIAND'S  LETTER  IN  CONNECTION  WITH  THE  JUBILEE 
—SUNDAY  FUNERALS  ABOLISHED— PHOTOGRAPHS  OF  PRIESTS  COLLECTED 
FOR  THE  DIOCESAN  ARCHIVES— RESUME  OF  THE  HISTORY  OF  THE 
DIOCESE— TABLE  SHOWING  NUMBER  OF  CHURCHES,  INSTITUTIONS,  ETC., 
ON  DECEMBER  31,   1900. 

THE  year  1897  marks  an  epoch  in  the  annals  of  the  diocese  of 
Cleveland — its  Golden  Jubilee  as  a  diocese.  On  October 
10,  1847,  the  missionary  of  the  Maumee  Valley,  and  first 
resident  pastor  of  Toledo,  the  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe,  was  conse- 
crated the  first  Bishop  of  the  newly  erected  diocese  of  Cleveland. 
It  was  therefore  most  fitting  that  the  50th  anniversary  of  his  con- 
secration, as  also  of  the  completion  of  the  first  half-century  of  the 
Cleveland  diocese,  should  be  duly  commemorated.  With  this  in 
view  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann  published  a  letter  on  October 
1,  1897,  in  which  he  ordered  a  solemn  celebration  of  these  two 
events,  on  Sunday,  October  10,  in  every  church  having  a  resident 
pastor.  A  special  public  celebration  was  also  arranged  for  Cleve- 
land, to  take  place  on  October  13,  1897,  in  order  to  make  it 
possible  for  the  invited  prelates  and  priests  from  outside  of  the 
diocese  to  attend.  The  Catholic  societies  of  Cleveland  and  its 
neighborhood  were  also  invited  for  this  occasion. 

The  following  is  taken  from  Bishop  Horstmann's  letter,  above 
mentioned,  and  gives  in  succinct  form,  and  graphic  language,  the 
history  of  the  diocese,  and  honorably  mentions  those  who  helped 
to  make  that  splendid  history : 

Reverend  Brethren  of  the  Clergy  and  Dear  Children  of  the  Laity : 

St.  John  in  his  sublime  vision  tells  us  that  "All  the  angels 

stood  round  about  the  throne,"  and  they  fell  before  the  throne 


178  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOI.ICITV 

upon  ihcir  faces  and  adored  Ciod,  sayini;-:  "Amen,  benediction 
and  glory  and  wisdom  and  thanksgiving;-,  honor  and  power  and 
strength  to  our  God,  forc\-er  and  ever.  Amen."  Apoc.  vii.,  11-12. 
Such  is  the  hymn  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  in  heaven  to  God  and 
His  Son  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lamb  slain  for  our  salvation.  Such  also 
is  our  hymn  of  praise  and  thanksgiving  here  on  earth  to  our  God 
and  to  His  Son  Jesus  Christ,  now  that  we  commemorate  the 
golden  jubilee  of  the  foundation  of  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  On 
Sunday,  October  10,  18-17,  the  pastor  of  St.  Francis'  church, 
Toledo,  the  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe,  was  consecrated  the  first  Bishop 
of  this  diocese.  It  is  an  event  which  deserves  special  commemora- 
tion— an  eyent  which  should  fill  the  hearts  of  all  our  devoted 
children  of  the  faith  with  joy,  praise  and  thanksgiving  to  the  Most 
High,  for  His  manifold  mercies  and  blessings,  showered  down 
upon  this  diocese  during  the  last  fifty  years.  Gratitude  to  God  for 
His  innumerable  gifts  to  us  is  a  solemn  duty.  The  Lord  exacted 
it  of  the  Jews,  commanding  them  to  make  an  annual  commemora- 
tion of  His  special  favors  to  them.  Our  Holy  Mother,  the  Church, 
does  the  same  in  her  various  festivals  and  holy  days  of  obligation. 
God  reminds  us  constantly,  to  be  thankful  to  Him,  for  His  graces 
bestowed  on  us.  Of  the  few  complaints  that  came  from  the  Sacred 
Heart  of  Jesus  during  His  life  on  earth,  that  of  ingratitude  to  Him 
is  the  most  prominent.  'AVere  there  not  ten  (lepers)  made  clean? 
and  where  are  the  nine?  There  is  no  one  found  to  return  and  give 
glory  to  God  but  this  stranger."  Luke  xvii.,  17-18.  And  how 
many  causes  we  have  to  rejoice  and  to  give  praise  and  thanks  to 
God !  \Vhen  Bishop  Rappe  was  consecrated,  there  were  in  the 
whole  diocese  only  42  humble  churches,  and  of  these  only  !?>  had 
resident  pastors.  Now  there  are  24C)  churches  with  172  resident 
pastors.  Then  there  were  21  priests  within  the  limits  of  the 
diocese.  Now  there  are  244.  The  city  of  Cleveland  had  then  one 
priest,  the  Rev.  Maurice  Howard,  who  had  charge  of  the  only 
church  in  the  city,  St.  ALary's  on  the  Flats.  Now  there  are  34 
churches  in  the  city,  many  of  them  magnificent  structures.  In 
Toledo,  St.  Francis  de  Sales  was  the  only  church.  Now  Toledo 
has  eleven.  In  1847  the  estimated  Catholic  population  of  the 
diocese  was  about  10,000.  Now  it  is  certainly  300,000.  We  have 
a  diocese  thoroughly  equipped  for  its  work,  with  parochial  schools 
in  almost  every  parish  and  mission,  with  hospitals  and  asylums  for 
every  sutTering,  with  homes  for  the  aged,  with  academies  and  a 
college,  in  a  word,  a  great  diocese.  And  what  are  all  these  grand 
churches,  schools,  homes,  hospitals  and  asylums  but  public  mani- 
festations of  the  faith  and  self-sacrifice  of  the  children  of  the  faith ! 
Let  us  then  praise  God,  give  Him  honor  and  glory  and  thank.s- 
giying,  for  all  that  He  has  done  for  us.     No  doubt  during  these 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  179 

fifty  years  we  have  lost  many  souls  through  want  of  priests  to 
attend  the  families  scattered  sparsely  over  two  hundred  miles  of 
territory.  Many  ha\-e  made  shipwreck  of  the  faith  through  indif- 
ference and  worldliness ;  many  through  imperfect  knowledge  of 
their  holy  religion ;  many  through  ignorance  of  its  eternal  truths, 
of  its  sacraments  and  practices  of  devotion  ;  but  thank  God,  many, 
very  many,  remained  steadfast  and  handed  down  the  faith  of  our 
fathers  to  their  children  intact,  and  they  to  their  children,  even  to 
our  dav.  We  have  entered  into  the  fruits  of  their  labors.  We  can 
say  of  them,  both  priests  and  people,  in  the  words  of  the  Psalmist, 
"Going  they  went  and  wept,  casting  their  seeds,  but  coming  they 
shall  come  with  joyfulness,  carrying  their  sheaves,"  Ps.  125,  6-7; 
or  in  the  words  of  our  Divine  Lord  to  His  Apostles :  "It  is  one  man 
that  soweth  and  it  is  another  that  reapeth.  I  have  sent  you  to  reap 
that  in  which  you  did  not  labor;  others  have  labored  and  you  have 
entered  into  their  labors."  John  iv.,  ^7-38.  And  who  were  these 
laborers?  First  of  all  that  noble  band  of  pioneer  French  mission- 
aries, to  mention  only  the  names  of  Rappe,  Machebeuf  and 
De  Goesbriand,  who  all  became  glorious  bishops  in  the  Church. 
One  of  them  still  survives,  the  venerable  Bishop  of  Burlington, 
Bishop  De  Goesbriand.  who.  I  am  sure,  rejoices  with  us  today  and 
who  would  certainly  be  present  did  his  age  and  strength  allow  him 
to  make  the  long  journey.  Then  let  us  not  forget  that  humble, 
zealous  and  devoted  congregation  of  the  Precious  Blood,  which 
for  nearly  sixty  years  has  cared  for  the  spiritual  welfare,  especially 
of  the  Germans,  in  the  western  and  central  portions  of  the  diocese. 
The  name  of  Father  F.  S.  Brunner,  their  Provincial,  should  ever 
be  held  in  benediction.  I  recall  the  names  of  the  Rev.  Peter 
McLaughlin,  who  purchased  the  lots  on  which  the  Cathedral  now 
stands;  of  the  Revs.  J.  H.  Luhr  and  J.  J.  Doherty.  And  how 
much  the  diocese  owes  to  the  various  religious  communities  of 
devoted  Sisters  who  have  cared  for  the  Christian  education  of  the 
young — foremost  amongst  whom  must  be  mentioned  the 
Ursulines.  We  thank  God  for  their  labors.  We  have  entered  into 
the  fruits  of  those  labors.  It  is  our  duty  to  praise  them ;  for  the 
Holy  Spirit  tells  us  it  is  good  and  praiseworthy  to  do  so.  "Let  us 
now  praise  men  of  renown,  our  fathers  in  their  generation.  These 
were  men  of  mercy  whose  godly  deeds  have  not  failed.  Their 
bodies  are  buried  in  peace  and  their  name  liveth  unto  generation 
and  generation.  Let  the  people  show  forth  their  wisdom  and  the 
Church  declare  their  praise."'  Eccli.  xhv.  For  twenty-three  years 
Bishop  Rappe  labored  incessantly  in  building  up  the  Church  of 
God  entrusted  to  his  care.  His  name  will  go  down  in  history  as 
that  of  the  missionary  Bishop  of  the  diocese. 

The   special    work    of    Bishop    Gilmour    was    our    parochial 


180  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

schools.  Thanks  to  his  zeal  and  earnest  watchful  care  almost 
every  child  in  the  diocese  can  enjoy  the  priceless  benefit  of  a  truly 
Christian  education.  We  have  a  devoted  body  of  clerg'y,  apostolic 
men  and  true  missionaries.  To  God  be  the  praise  and  thanks- 
giving as  well  for  the  labors  of  those  who  sleep  in  the  Lord  as  for 
those  w'ho  are  now  bearing  the  heat  of  the  day  in  His  vineyard. 

Our  fathers  in  the  faith  did  their  work  well.  They  handed 
that  faith  down  as  our  most  glorious  inheritance.  We  in  turn  must 
do  the  same  for  our  children.  On  us  lies  that  dread  responsibility. 
May  we  all  realize  the  grandeur  of  our  vocation.     *     *     * 

Toledo  having  been  Bishop  Rappe's  first  field  of  missionary 
labor,  and  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  his  first  parish,  the  Golden  Jubilee 
services,  ordered  by  Bishop  Horstmann,  had  special  significance 
there.  The  occasion  was  one  of  grand  and  inspiring  solemnity. 
The  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann  was  celebrant  of  the  Pontificial 
Mass,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Loughlin,  Chancellor  of  the  Philadelphia 
diocese,  and  in  boyhood  days  a  parishioner  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales' 
church,  was  chosen  to  preach  the  sermon.  It  was  a  masterly  effort, 
and  deeply  impressed  the  vast  audience.  The  eloquent  speaker 
paid  the  following  beautiful  tribute  to  the  memory  of  Bishop 
Rappe : 

"No  genuine  Catholic  Toledoan,  my  brethren,  can  mention 
the  name  of  Amadeus  Rappe  w-ithout  the  profoundest  reverence 
and  the  most  ardent  filial  affection.  His  position  in  this  church 
and  in  your  hearts  must  ever  remain  unique  and  unrivaled ;  for 
though  a  merciful  Providence  has  singularly  blessed  you  wath  a 
succession  of  able  bishops  and  exemplary  pastors,  though  the 
number  of  your  instructors  in  Christ  has  steadily  increased  from 
year  to  year,  yet  the  labors  and  merits  of  later  benefactors  can  in 
nowise  overshadow  your  indebtedness  to  him  who  was  your  first 
father  in  Christ,  and  who  with  plenary  right  could  repeat  the  words 
of  St.  Paul:     'In  Christ  Jesus  by  the  gospel  I  have  begotten  you.' 

"The  revered  image  of  that  humble  and  saintly  prelate,  from 
whose  consecrated  hands  I  had  the  happiness  to  receive  the  sacra- 
ment of  confirmation,  is  indelibly  imprinted  upon  my  soul,  dimmed 
or  obscured  by  the  memory  of  none  of  the  statelier  and  more 
exalted  personages  whom  I  have  since  beheld.  The  light  of  those 
kindly  eyes,  now  closed  in  death,  still  shines  within  my  spirit,  and 
often  do  I  recall  the  burning  words,  made  all  the  more  charming 
and  effective  from  the  effort  it  cost  him  to  utter  his  thoughts  in  our 
sturdy  English  tongue,  in  which  he  preached  to  us  the  glad  tidings 
of  divine  love  and  incited  us  to  the  practice  of  the  Christian  virtues. 
Our  hearts  gladly  re-echo  the  terms  in  which  the  Holy  See  pro- 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  181 

nounced  its  definitive  and  deliberate  judgment  upon  his  character; 
he  was,  in  very  deed,  sanctus  et  apostolicus  senex,  a  saintly  and 
apostolic  old  man.  To  those  who  were  privileged  to  look  upon  his 
gentle,  manly  countenance,  and  to  know  somewhat  of  his  life  and 
labors,  he  must  ever  remain  the  embodied  ideal  of  an  apostle  of 
Jesus  Christ,  consumed  with  zeal  for  the  salvation  of  souls  and  the 
propagation  of  the  gospel,  knowing  nothing,  caring  for  nothing, 
preaching  nothing,  but  Christ  crucified,  and  striving  with  every 
energy  of  his  soul  to  bring  his  fellow  men  to  the  loving  feet  of  his 
divine  Master. 

"His  elevation  to  the  episcopate  had  made  no  change  in  his 
personal  habits ;  he  simply  continued,  on  a  wider  scale,  as  bishop, 
the  humble  routine  of  his  missionary  work ;  and  I  well  remember 
what  a  source  of  edification  it  was  to  see  him,  upon  frequent 
occasions  of  his  episcopal  visitations,  enter  the  confessional  and  sit 
in  that  irksome  tribunal  hour  after  hour,  accessible  to  the  lowliest 
sinner  who  thirsted  for  reconciliation.     *     *     * 

"And  surely  if  ever  there  existed  a  man  whose  self-sacrificing 
labors  entitled  him  to  the  everlasting  gratitude  of  a  community, 
that  man  was  Amadeus  Rappe,  whose  name  is  indissolubly  asso- 
ciated with  the  story  of  the  early  peopling  of  northern  Ohio.  It 
w'ould  scarcely  be  an  exaggeration  to  say  that  every  nook  and 
corner  of  the  northern  portion  of  this  State  has  been  the  scene  of 
his  indefatigable  labors.  He  was  ever  on  the  alert,  seeking  out 
the  poor,  scattered,  often  fever-stricken  workmen  whose  hard  toil, 
opened  the  way  for  your  present  marvellous  development.  He 
spoke  to  them  words  of  cheer  and  consolation ;  kept  them  faithful 
to  God  and  conscience ;  warned  them  against  the  perils  that 
threatened  them,  especially  against  the  grim  demon  of  intemper- 
ance; and  gathered  their  children  around  him  to  impart  to  them 
the  rudiments  of  Christian  doctrine.  Only  God's  recording  angel 
could  worthily  recount  the  details  and  the  blessed  fruits  of  a  life 
so  replete  with  arduous,  unremittent,  unassuming  toil.  O,  let 
it  not  be  said  that  the  people  of  northern  Ohio  are  so  engrossed  by 
material  concerns  as  to  take  no  account  of  the  heroic  men  who 
labored  to  keep  their  spiritual  interests  at  equal  pace  with  their 
worldly  advancement.  Of  what  avail  is  material  progress  if 
humanity  itself  deteriorates?  And  to  whom  do  you  owe  it  that  the 
descendants  of  those  sturdy  pioneers  who  felled  your  forests, 
drained  your  marshes,  and  ploughed  the  virgin  soil,  have  retained 
the  priceless  heritage  of  Christian  civilization,  if  not  to  men  like 
your  first  pastor  and  bishop,  and  to  that  noble  little  band  of  co- 
laborers,  men  and  women,  whom  he  summoned  to  his  aid  from 
every  distant  land  and  animated  with  the  zeal  which  consumed  his 
own  great  soul?     Thanks  to  the  zealous  eft'orts  of  Bishop  Rappe 


182  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

and  of  liis  fellow-workers,  Catholicity  has  been  co-eval  willi 
colonization  in  the  territory  covered  by  this  diocese;  nor  has  it 
happened  here,  as  it  has  unfortunately  happened  in  too  many 
sections  of  our  country,  that  large  bodies  have  been  lost  to  the 
faith  through  the  lack  of  facilities  for  practicing  their  holy  religion. 
In  those  primitive  times  we  did  not,  it  is  true,  possess  the  grand 
churches  and  magnificent  institutions  of  learning  and  charity  of 
which  you  are  so  justly  proud;  but  we  did  possess  all  the  essentials 
of  religion;  a  zealous  and  edifying  ])riesthood;  consecrated  virgins 
with  stout  and  manly  hearts;  an  honest,  industrious,  and  God 
fearing  population,  trained  and  disciplined  in  the  stern  school  of 
privation  and  toil ;  and,  over  all.  a  spiritual  commander  of  untiring 
energy  and  keenly  alive  to  all  necessities  of  the  hour.  For  it  is 
worthy  of  remark,  my  brethren,  that  the  foundations  of  the 
Catholic  religion  were  laid  so  wisely  and  so  broadly  by  the  first 
bishop  of  this  diocese  that  they  have  been  able,  without  change  or 
modification,  to  bear  the  weight  of  the  mighty  superstructure  of 
later  days.  Bishop  Rappe,  though  born  in  a  foreign  land,  and 
never  able  thoroughly  to  master  the  English  language,  was  never- 
theless a  genuine  American  at  heart,  a  warm  admirer  of  our 
democratic  institutions,  and  a  firm  believer  in  the  principle  that  a 
nation  of  self-governing  voters  must  be  a  nation  of  intelligent  and 
educated  Christians.  In  the  very  beginning  of  his  career,  notwith- 
standing the  prevailing  distress  and  the  utter  hopelessness  of  the 
outlook,  he  inaugurated  that  system  of  Catholic  parish  schools 
which  has  expanded  and  flourished  so  vigorously  throughout  the 
diocese  and  has  given  you  so  enviable  a  reputation  far  and  near. 
To  his  zealous  and  far-seeing  efiorts  and  persistent  exhortations 
you  are  also  indebted  for  the  happy  progress  amongst  you  of  the 
total  abstinence  movement,  which  has  proved  so  powerful  a  lever 
in  elevating  the  moral  and  social  condition  of  our  people.  It  was 
certainly  a  blessed  and  auspicious  day  when  the  good  Bishop, 
beholding  the  ravages  wrought  in  his  flock  by  the  demon  of  intem- 
perance, boldly  turned  his  back  upon  the  traditions  of  vine-covered 
France,  and  proclaimed  himself  from  henceforth  forever  a  total 
abstainer. 

"How  can  we  account  for  it,  my  Ijrethren,  that  a  man  who 
was  not  credited  with  extraordinary  brilliancy  of  natural  gifts,  and 
whose  laborious  career  gave  him  scant  leisure  for  exhaustive 
studies,  to  say  nothing  of  elegant  accomplishments,  should  have 
builded  and  ruled  the  house  of  God  with  such  unerring  instinct 
and  such  transcendant  skill  that  all  his  hopes  have  become  realities, 
all  his  prophecies  accomplished  facts,  and  that  for  half  a  century 
this  diocese  has  gone  on  developing  and  progressing  along  the 
lines  traced  out  by  the  mind  of  its  founder?"     -•'     *     * 


ST.    JOSEPH'S    SCHOOL.    YOUNGSTOWN. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  183 

Splendid  as  was  Toledo's  tribute  to  Bishop  Rappe,  and  its 
observance  of  the  Golden  Jubilee  of  the  diocese,  they  were  eclipsed 
by  Cleveland,  for  twenty-two  years  the  official  home  of  the  sainted 
prelate.  Wednesday,  October  13,  1897,  will  ever  be  a  red-letter 
day  in  the  Catholic  annals  of  Cleveland,  for  on  that  day  merited 
honor  and  due  praise  were  given  him,  whose  unselfish  labors  and 
apostolic  zeal  had  made  it  possible  for  the  diocese  of  Cleveland  to 
take  front  rank  with  the  dioceses  of  the  country  in  point  or 
Catholic  life  and  vigor,  in  matters  spiritual  as  well  as  temporal. 
The  religious  celebration  of  the  Golden  Jubilee  took  place  in 
St.  John's  Cathedral,  which  was  packed  to  overflowing.  Besides 
the  laity,  there  were  present  over  one  hundred  and  fifty  priests, 
seated  outside  the  sanctuary.  The  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann 
pontificated,  and  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  T.  P.  Thorpe  preached  the 
sermon,  which  was  eloquent  and  impressive.  He  paid  due  tribute 
to  the  founder  of  the  diocese,  and  to  his  successor,  the  lamented 
Bishop  Gilmour,  and  to  the  present  Bishop,  in  the  following 
beautiful  language : 

"Just  fifty  years  last  Sunday  since  the  miter  of  the  newly 
created  diocese  of  Cleveland  was  placed  upon  the  brow  of  an 
humble  Frenchman.  His  remarkable  zeal  as  a  missionary  along 
the  canals  and  through  the  malarial  marshes  for  many  miles  around 
Toledo  had  brought  him  into  weekly  contact  with  the  people  he 
was  called  to  rule  as  a  bishop,  and  won  for  him  the  apostolic  stalif 
he  ever  wielded  as  an  apostle.  He  found  the  new-made  diocese  as 
we  had  found  the  field  it  covers  before  the  beginning  of  our  golden 
years.  He  had  a  brave  heart  and  bravely  did  he  enter  on  his  work. 
In  the  pulpit,  in  the  confessional,  on  the  mission,  wherever  he  went 
his  rugged,  burning  eloquence  touched  the  souls  of  men.  There 
was  an  earnestness  in  his  manner  which  filled  our  conception  of 
Ezechiel  who  bore  the  message  of  God  to  the  Israelites  assembled 
on  the  banks  of  the  Chobar.  Temperance  was  his  theme  from 
morning  till  night,  and  temperance  in  eating  and  drinking  was  his 
daily  practice.  He  hewed  down  the  obstacles  that  stood  in  the  way 
of  church  organization  and,  under  his  apostolic  hand,  priests  were 
ordained,  schools  were  established,  hospitals  were  founded, 
churches  were  built  and  orphan  asylums  were  organized.  To  him 
be  the  glory,  our  first  missionary  Bishop — to  him  the  praise  and 
honor  as  the  example  of  a  zealous  priesthood ;  through  him  the 
Church  of  Cleveland  began  to  put  forth  her  branches  of  good 
works  according  to  the  measure  of  the  cross  of  Christ.  Advanced 
in  years,  and  with  the  burden  of  a  fast-growing  diocese  upon  him. 


184  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

he  lay  clown  his  crozier  at  the  feet  of  Pius  IX  in  1870,  and  while 
ministering  to  the  poor  on  the  banks  of  Lake  Champlain,  he 
yielded  up  his  soul  to  God  in  the  autumn  of  J 877.  He  laid  the 
foundation  deep  and  strong  and  on  it  now  rests  the  glory  of  the 
Church  of  Cleveland.  Peace  to  the  ashes  of  Bishop  ]\appe;  may 
his  soul  in  heaven  rejoice  with  us  today.  His  mantle  fell  on  the 
shoulders  of  Richard  Gilmour  who  was  consecrated  at  Cincinnati 
on  Sunday,  the  lith  of  April,  1872.  Under  the  powerful  hand  of 
this  truly  great  and  fearless  man,  the  spiritual  and  temporal  growth 
of  the  diocese  w^as  without  a  parallel.  He  may  be  called  the 
apostle  of  the  parochial  schools,  and,  in  a  broad  sense,  the  patron 
of  education.  His  w^ell  ordered  mind  left  its  impress  on  the  diocese 
and  won  for  it  the  proud  distinction  of  being  the  freest  from  debt 
and  among  the  best  regulated  dioceses  in  America.  Schools  arose 
everywhere,  magnificent  churches  were  begun  and  completed, 
hospitals  and  orphan  asylums  were  increased  in  number,  a  weekly 
new'spaper  was  established  and  a  college  for  higher  studies  called 
into  existence.  With  a  fearless  pen  he  defended  the  honor  of  the 
Church,  and  with  the  tongue  of  a  patriot  he  defended  the  honor  of 
the  country.  First  shunned  or  received  coldly  by  our  non-Catholic 
brethren,  he  became  before  death  the  first  citizen  of  Cleveland. 
His  massive  eloquence  was  always  wanged  with  burning  thoughts, 
but  tinged  with  an  alloy  of  severity,  yet  no  woman  ever  bore  a 
heart  more  tender  than  his.  He  sunk  to  rest,  the  victim  of 
insidious  disease,  among  the  orange  groves  of  Florida,  on  the 
13th  of  April,  1801,  and  over  his  honored  grave  the  benediction  of 
his  people  rests.  The  future  will  recognize  his  sterling  worth  and 
enshrine  his  name  among  the  greatest  prelates  of  the  American 
Church.  The  w^ork  of  Bishop  Rappe  received  a  new  impulse  at  his 
hand.  He  was  a  man  of  action  and  a  holy  Bishop ;  may  his 
glorified  soul  rejoice  w-ith  us  today. 

"The  third  Bishop  of  Cleveland  sits  on  his  throne  before  us, 
clothed  in  his  robes  of  office,  and  although  it  is  not  meet  to  praise 
a  man  while  he  liveth,  nor  yet  before  a  presence  so  august  as  this ; 
yet  I  am  constrained  to  say  'behold  an  Israelite  indeed  in  whom 
there  is  no  guile.'  He  received  episcopal  consecration  at  the 
hands  of  our  venerable  metropoHtan  in  the  Cathedral  of  Phila- 
delphia on  the  21:th  of  February,  1892.  It  was  a  happy  day  for  us  of 
the  widowed  see.  A  man  of  deep  learning,  and  long  experience  in 
the  priesthood,  was  invested  with  the  crozier  of  our  beloved 
diocese.  We  heard  his  character  from  the  inspired  lips  of  the 
Bossuet  of  the  American  Church  and  rejoiced  that  God  had  so 
blessed  us.  A  residence  of  nearly  six  years  amongst  us  has  verified 
all  that  w'as  said  of  him  on  that  memorable  day.  Under  his  gentle 
rule,  our  faith  has  become  more  practical,  w'orks  of  piety  have 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  185 

increased  and  grown  stronger,  churches  have  been  erected  and 
charitable  institutions  enlarged.  The  grand  works  of  Rappe  and 
Gilmour  have  been  greatly  supplemented  and  everywhere  we  find 
the  influence  of  his  kind  and  manly  heart.  It  is  certain  that  under 
his  episcopate  the  Church  of  Cleveland  will  put  forth  new  vigor, 
and  pushed  on  by  this  new  impulse,  will  see  in  the  field  of  her 
present  jurisdiction  at  least  two  more  episcopal  cities  before  she 
celebrates  the  centenary  of  her  existence.  Being  still  among 
men,  he  cannot,  like  his  predecessors,  give  thanks  with  glorified 
lips,  but  I  am  sure  that  down  deep  in  the  chambers  of  a  devotional 
heart,  he  renders  thanksgiving  to  God,  hardly  equalled  by  any,  for 
the  blessings  we  commemorate. 

"From  the  diocese  he  so  worthilv  rules  I  bear  a  message — an 
ad  nittltos  ouuos.  Blessed  be  the  three  who  have  ruled  over  us, 
their  names  shall  ever  live  in  benediction." 

Among  the  distinguished  prelates  present  in  the  sanctuary 
were  the  Metropolitan  of  the  Cincinnati  Province,  the  Most  Rev. 
Archbishop  Elder,  Archbishop  Ryan,  of  Philadelphia,  Bishop 
Foley,  of  Detroit,  and  Bishop  Rademacher,  of  Fort  Wayne,  each 
with  attendant  chaplains.  After  Mass  the  prelates  and  priests 
were  invited  to  a  banquet  in  Cathedral  Hall,  at  which  were  seated 
over  two  hundred  guests.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  banquet  a 
number  of  toasts  was  offered.  After  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horst- 
mann  spoke  eloquently  to  the  toast  assigned  to  him :  "TJic  Day  We 
Celebrate,"  he  read  a  letter  which  was  sent  him  by  Bishop  De 
Goesbriand,  of  Burlington,  who,  as  a  priest,  had  labored  in  the 
diocese  of  Cleveland  for  nearly  ten  years — until  1853,  when  he  was 
elevated  to  the  Episcopacy;  and  who  had  also  been  Bishop  Rappe's 
Vicar  General  for  the  first  six  years  of  his  episcopate.  Following 
is  a  full  text  of  his  interesting  and  reminiscent  letter: 

"Burlington,  Vt.,  Sept.  28th,  1897. 
"Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  of  Cleveland. 

"My  Dear  Lord: — I  am  glad  indeed  that  you  are  about  to 
celebrate  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  1 
remember  quite  w^ell  the  day  on  which  the  Rt.  Rev.  A.  Rappe 
received  episcopal  consecration  at  Cincinnati,  \\nien  a  few  years 
before  I  met  him  in  Ohio  he  enjoyed  the  reputation  of  a  most 
zealous  missionary ;  and  this  he  well  deserved.  When  Bishop 
Rappe  in  those  days  administered  the  Sacraments,  he  would  begin 
by  an  explanation  of  the  rites  he  was  about  to  perform,  and  after 
performing  them  he  would  offer  prayer,  and  resolutions  for  the 
future.     This  he  did  with  much  devotion,  on  his  knees. 


186  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOIJCITY 

''When  he  was  consecrated  Bishoj)  he  started  inmiecHately  for 
Cleveland  and  there  he  acted  more  like  a  missionary  than  a  bishop. 
The  principal  difficulty  in  the  way  of  success  was  the  very  small 
number  of  his  clergy,  the  great  difficulty  in  recruiting  priests, 
acquainted  with  the  English  and  German,  together  with  his  own 
imperfect  knowledge  of  the  language  of  the  country;  but  the 
Catholics  of  Cleveland  soon  found  out  what  kind  of  a  pastor 
Providence  had  sent  them.  He  was  a  father,  and  they  understood 
it. 

"As  soon  as  he  w-as  able  to  leave  the  city,  having  secured  a 
sufficient  number  of  priests  to  attend  the  Cathedral,  he  went  on  a 
visit  to  the  whole  diocese,  and  in  most  every  mission  or  settlement 
he  would  give,  alone,  a  two  or  three  days'  retreat ;  hear  confessions 
late  in  the  night,  after  traveling  a  whole  day  previously.  In  this 
visitation  he  never  forgot  to  teach  the  children  and  to  give  special 
attention  to  the  direction  of  the  operatives  of  the  railroads  and 
canals,  and  also  to  many  others,  who  had  no  chance  to  practice 
their  religion.  He  was,  however,  comforted  by  the  affection  and 
generosity  of  the  Catholics  of  his  diocese. 

"It  would  be  difficult  to  describe  all  his  efforts  to  bring  about 
the  conversion  of  sinners.  The  priests  who  knew  him  were  well 
aw^are  of  the  zeal  of  their  Bishop,  and  have.  I  think,  followed  his 
example.  As  I  write  these  few  lines,  I  fancy  I  see  the  venerable 
Bishop  stepping  out  of  his  way  to  visit  neglectful  Catholics,  or 
stopping  them  on  the  streets  and  after  some  severe  remonstrances 
begging  them  to  return  to  God.  He  was  generally  obeyed;  they 
would  make  him  a  promise,  and  then  he  would  address  them  as  a 
kind  father  would  his  children.  One  was  reminded  of  the  language 
of  St.  Paul  to  the  Galatians :  'My  little  children  of  whom  I  am  in 
labor  again,  until  Christ  be  formed  in  you;'  or  of  the  language  of 
the  Savior:  'How  often  would  I  have  gathered  you  together.' 

"Bishop  Rappe  would  complete  in  the  confessional  the  w'ork 
that  he  had  begun  by  his  private  or  public  instructions.  For  the 
space  of  six  years  he  was  my  confessor,  and  I  never  knew  a  more 
practical  adviser.  I  think  that  he  was  especially  happy  in  selecting 
ground  for  the  institutions  of  his  diocese ;  and  especially  in  the 
purchase  he  made  of  some  of  the  ground  on  which  stands  the 
Cathedral.  Providence  also  guided  him  in  the  religious  com- 
munities which  he  established  in  Cleveland,  whose  labors  have 
since  continued  amongst  you. 

"When  Bishop  Rappe  removed  from  Cleveland  to  Vermont, 
after  resigning  his  see,  which  was  after  an  episcopate  of  twenty- 
three  years,  he  might  apply  to  himself  the  words  of  Archbishop 
Kenrick :  'Another  might  have  done  better  than  I  did,  and 
another  might  have  done  worse.' 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  187 

"When  he  left  Cleveland  and  came  to  Vermont,  he  was 
evidently  guided  by  Providence.  He  was  seventy  years  of  age, 
and  I  thought  that  old  age  had  slightly  affected  his  mind.  When 
Mgr.  Roncetti  came  to  bring  the  Cardinal's  beretta  to  Archbishop 
McCloskey,  of  New  York,  he  came  to  Burlington  by  order  of  the 
Secretary  of  State,  and  offered  him  another  episcopal  see,  but 
Bishop  Rappe  refused  and  preferred  to  remain  a  missionary 
among  the  poor  Canadians  of  Northern  Vermont.  Since  1853, 
when  I  was  consecrated  Bishop  of  Burlington,  I  saw  very  little  of 
Bishop  Rappe ;  but  when  I  happened  to  meet  him  at  home  or  in 
Baltimore,  I  could  not  but  feel  sentiments  of  the  deepest  venera- 
tion and  affection  towards  a  prelate  of  the  Church  of  God,  who  had 
labored  so  long  and  so  faithfully  for  his  people.  Divine  Providence 
had  made  Bishop  Rappe  to  be  the  friend  and  father  of  the  poor. 
Such  he  was  in  Toledo,  among  the  forsaken  people  engaged  on 
the  public  works  of  the  State,  and  to  my  own  poor  people  in 
Northern  Vermont. 

"At  this  time  T  was  much  in  need  of  priests  speaking  the 
French  tongue ;  these  people  were  very  poor,  unable  to  build 
churches  or  support  priests  in  their  settlements.  A  large  book 
might  be  written  about  his  works  and  labors  among  the  Canadians 
whom  he  secretly  loved,  and  who  loved  and  venerated  him  in 
return.  He  helped  them  to  build  private  chapels  and  in  order  to 
enable  him  to  be  with  them,  he  constructed  behind  the  chancel,  a 
vestry  with  a  school-room ;  and  on  the  second  story,  he  had  a  room 
for  himself,  where  he  slept  and  could  pray,  without  being  dis- 
turbed. This  he  did  in  six  or  seven  settlements.  His  meals  were 
brought  to  him ;  and  in  this  way  he  laid  the  foundations  of  some 
small  parishes. 

"He  would  never  disappoint,  when  his  visit  was  announced. 
As  soon  as  he  arrived  at  some  mission,  the  Catholics  all  came  to 
the  church,  and  he  would  have  instructions,  prayers  and  confes- 
sions. This  practice  continues  since  the  day  that  death  removed 
him  from  amongst  us.  Besides  these  visits  in  Vermont,  he  was 
frequently  called  to  other  states  and  to  Canada. 

"The  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  was  naturally  quite  eloquent.  When  in 
his  Cathedral  at  Cleveland,  crowds  of  non-Catholics  were  always 
present  to  hear  him.  His  eloquence  was  that  of  the  heart,  and  he 
would  undou1)tedly  have  been  considered  one  of  the  best  preachers 
if  he  had  had  an  opportunity  to  practice  his  native  tongue.  His 
zeal  and  eloquence  were  known  about  and  outside  of  Ohio  and 
Vermont.  The  aministrator  of  Detroit  would  often  invite  him  to 
preach  in  French  in  his  city ;  and  so  did  the  clergy  of  Montreal, 
who  invited  him  to  speak  in  the  great  basilica  of  Notre  Dame,  one 
of  the  largest  churches  on  this  continent. 


188  A    HISTORY    OF    CATIIOlJCrrV 

"Althouj^h  he  was  not  a  ^reat  conlrovcrsialisl,  hv  had  liad 
g-reat  success  in  bringing  non-Cathohcs  into  the  Church.  I  could 
quote  many  names  in  Cleveland,  in  Toledo  and  in  Vermont. 
Bishop  Rappe  always  forgot  himself,  never  looked  for  the  esteem 
of  the  world.  He  had  chosen  the  better  part,  to  devote  himself  for 
the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souls.  And  indeed,  what  is 
all  that  the  world  esteems,  in  the  presence  of  eternity?  Eternity 
came  for  Bishop  Rappe.  I  had  the  consolation  to  assist  him  anrl 
give  him  the  last  sacraments  of  religion.  He  died  as  he  did  all 
else :  bravely,  full  of  faith  and  hope.  Had  it  been  in  my  power  to 
be  present  at  the  forthcoming  jubilee  of  the  Cleveland  diocese,  and 
address  some  of  your  people,  I  think  I  might  have  called  upon 
them  without  presumption,  to  ask  their  first  Bishop  to  pray  for 
them  and  to  bless  them  from  heaven.  As  it  is,  my  Lord,  let  them 
pray  for  him  also,  and  may  the  goodness  of  God  continue  to  pro- 
vide you  with  zealous  religious  and  priests ;  and  a  people  worthy 
of  the  first  Catholics  of  Cleveland,  who  so  nobly  helped  in  the 
building  up  of  the  Cleveland  diocese. 

fLOUIS  DE  GOESBRIAND, 

Bishop  of  Burlington." 

After  the  reading  of  Bishop  De  Goesbriand's  letter  Arch- 
bishop Ryan,  of  Philadelphia,  followed  in  response  to  the  toast: 
"The  Hierarchy."  with  a  magnificent  outpouring  of  that  eloquence 
which  has  won  for  him  among  other  titles  "the  modern  Chrysos- 
tom."  His  Grace  paid  the  following  tribute  to  the  memory  of 
Bishop  Rappe:  "Even  the  saints  have  been  misunderstood  by 
good,  honest  men ;  but  when  their  characters  have  been  vindicated, 
as  in  the  case  of  the  first  Bishop  of  Cleveland,  it  becomes  the 
duty  of  such  men  to  make  reparation  by  defending  what  before 
they  assailed.  To  continue  the  attack  would  be  but  to  act  as  a 
grave  rat  gnawing  at  the  coffin  of  the  dead." 

All  the  toasts  were  gems  and  elicited  the  most  cordial 
applause  from  the  enraptured  audience.  In  the  evening  Bishop 
Horstmann  and  his  guests  reviewed  from  the  front  entrance  of  his 
residence  the  great  and  splendid  parade  of  the  Catholic  societies, 
which  brought  to  a  glorious  close  the  joyful  festivities  of  the 
Golden  Jubilee  of  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  It  was  the  unanimous 
verdict  of  all  who  participated  in  the  celebration  that  it  was  perfect 
in  every  detail  and  reflected  great  credit  on  those  who  had  it  in 
charo-e. 


J^'t^JL 


ST.    JOSEPH'S   ACADEMY    GROUNDS,    WEST     PARK,     CUYAHOGA     CO. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  189 

For  many  years  an  abuse  had  existed  in  the  diocese,  with 
regard  to  Sunday  funerals,  akhough  Bishops  Rappe  and  Gihnour 
and  their  clergy  had  frequently  protested  against  it.  As  the  abuse 
continued  unabated,  Bishop  Horstmann  gave  the  subject  con- 
siderable thought,  and  finally  determined  to  use  radical  measures 
for  its  suppression,  by  publishing  the  following  order,  on  Decem- 
ber 23,  1897: 
"To  the  Rev.  Rectors  and  Pastors  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland : 

"From  and  after  January  1,  1898,  Sunday  funerals  will  be 
prohibited  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  except  in  case  of  extreme 
necessity,  to  which  fact  the  priest  issuing  the  burial  permit  will 
certify  by  letter  to  the  sexton,  or  superintendent,  of  the  cemetery 
in  which  interment  is  to  be  made.  If  by  reason  of  death  from 
contagious  disease  it  is  necessary  to  permit  an  interment  on 
Sunday,  only  a  hearse,  or  wagon,  and  not  more  than  three 
carriages,  or  other  vehicles,  will  be  allowed  to  enter  the  cemetery. 

"The  reverend  rectors  and  pastors,  as  also  those  having  im- 
mediate charge  of  Catholic  cemeteries,  will  be  governed  by  the 
above  regulation  in  regard  to  burial  permits  and  funerals.'' 

Since  the  publication  of  the  order.  Sunday  funerals,  except  in 
cases  of  emergency,  as  above  noted,  are  of  the  past.  Their  prohi- 
bition has  found  favor  throughout  the  diocese,  and  is  being  intro- 
duced elsewhere. 

As  stated  on  page  169  of  this  volume,  in  December.  1892. 
Bishop  Horstmann  asked  for  photographs  of  churches,  schools, 
institutions,  etc.,  and  within  a  few  years  a  very  large  and  valuable 
collection  of  these  photographs  was  accumulated,  and  placed  in  the 
diocesan  archives.  To  supplement  this  collection  the  Bishop 
published  a  notice  in  the  Catholic  Uiiizrrsc,  in  April.  1898,  asking 
for  photographs  of  living  and  deceased  priests,  now  or  formerly  in 
the  diocese.  In  September,  of  the  same  year,  he  sent  to  all  the 
pastors  in  the  diocese  a  circular  letter  containing  the  same  request, 
as  appears  from  the  following : 
"Rev.  Dear  Sir: 

"As  the  Diocesan  archives  contain  photographs  of  nearly  all 
the  churches,  schools,  etc..  I  think  it  but  proper  to  have  the  photo- 
graphs of  the  priests,  who  by  their  labors  and  self-sacrifice  made  it 
possible  to  have  our  diocese  ranked  by  common  consent  among 
the  foremost  in  the  country,  for  its  grand  array  of  ecclesiastical 
buildings.  I  would  therefore  be  thankful  for  a  copy  of  your  photo- 
graph, cabinet  size,  if  possible.     When  all  the  photographs  of  the 


1()0  A    HISTORY    OF    CATflOLICITY 

re\'erciKl  clergy  are  recei\ed.  1  shall  lia\c  them  arranged  in  ])roper 
albums,  and  placed  in  the  Diocesan  archives. 

"T  would  also  be  glad  to  have  photogra])hs  of  deceased  priests, 
who  formerly  labored  in  our  diocese.     Should  you  have  such,  and 
would  care  to  part  with  them,  you  will  oblige  by  sending  the  same 
to  the  Chancery,  along  with  your  own,  by  Nov.  1,  prox. 
"Yours  very  truly  in  Xt., 

flGN.  F.  HORSTMANN, 

pjishop  of  Cleveland.'' 

These  two  calls  resulted  in  a  collection,  thus  far  (December, 
1900),  of  over  oOO  photographs  of  priests,  with  promises  of  more 
later  on.  This  double  array  of  photographs  of  ecclesiastical  build- 
ings and  of  priests,  now  filed  and  indexed,  is  perhaps  not  equalled, 
certainly  not  surpassed,  by  any  diocese  in  the  United  States,  and 
will  l)e  of  incalculable  value  to  the  future  historian  of  the  diocese. 

Between  1S92  and  1900  a  wonderful  activity  displayed  itself 
in  the  diocese.  Many  new-  parishes  were  organized,  numerous 
churches,  some  of  them  architectural  gems,  were  built,  institutions 
established  or  enlarged,  and  a  great  increase  of  Catholic  popula- 
tion gained,  especially  in  the  larger  cities.  As  this  is  not  the  place 
to  enter  into  details  on  the  subject,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the 
historical  sketches  of  parishes  and  institutions,  in  this  volume.  But 
sufifice  it  to  say,  that  the  diocese  of  Cleveland  is  second  to  none  in 
Catholic  growth,  strength  and  vigor.  It  commands  the  respect  of 
the  country,  and  is  looked  upon  as  a  model  for  order  and  disci- 
pline. This  is  due.  under  God.  to  its  three  bishops,  and  to  the 
clergy  and  religious,  who  labored  in  season  and  out  of  season,  in 
order  to  spread  the  Kingdom  of  God  within  the  sphere  assigned 
to  them.    They  labored  for  God,  and  He  has  blessed  their  labors. 

Few  dioceses,  if  an}-,  in  the  United  States,  have  as  many  fine, 
costly  and  large  churches,  and  none  have  as  many  and  well 
equipped  parochial  schools,  colleges  and  academies  in  proportion 
to  Catholic  population,  as  are  located  within  the  limits  of  the 
diocese  of  Cleveland.  And  wherever  churches  or  schools  are 
built  to  replace  similar  edifices,  they  are  of  beautiful  proportions 
and  tasteful  design.  There  is  a  healthy  emulation  to  erect  churches 
worthy  their  sacred  use,  and  schools  at  least  equal  to  those  which 
Catholic  parents  are  forced  by  an  unjust  taxation  to  support,  Init 
which  in  conscience  thev  cannot  allow  their  children  to  attend. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  191 

The  diocese  of  Cleveland  is  provided  with  generouslv  sup- 
ported charitable  institutions,  coverino-  nearly  all  wants  of  suffer- 
ing and  neglected  humanity.  But  there  is  great  need  of  a  reforma- 
tory for  wayward  and  homeless  boys.  Lack  of  means,  however, 
has  thus  far  prevented  the  founding  of  such  an  institution,  to  take 
from  the  streets  and  shelter,  educate  and  train  in  virtue  and  for 
future  usefulness,  boys  who  are  now  going  to  spiritual  destruction. 
\\'ho  will  erect  such  an  imperishable  monument  to  charity,  out- 
lasting tablets  of  brass,  or  shafts  of  granite  or  marble? 

The  seminary,  "the  heart  of  the  diocese,"  is  also  greatlv  in 
need  of  enlargement  for  the  accommodation  of  a  sufficient  number 
of  young  levites,  who  are  not  only  to  take  the  place  of  the  laborers 
in  the  Lord's  vineyard,  called  to  then*  reward,  but  also  to  meet  the 
wants  of  a  rapidly  growing  diocese,  with  missions  and  congrega- 
tions springing  into  existence  on  every  side — and  no  priests  to 
serve  them. 

Father  Fenwick  came  for  the  first  time  to  Northern  Ohio,  in 
1817.  to  break  the  Bread  of  Life  to  the  famishing  children  of 
God's  Church,  living  in  sparse  numbers  within  the  limits  of  the 
present  flourishing  diocese  of  Cleveland.  He  was  the  first  priest 
to  visit  at  regular  intervals  this  part  of  Ohio,  after  the  Jesuits  were 
obliged  to  abandon  their  Indian  missions  on  the  southern  shore  of 
Lake  Erie,  and  along  the  Vermillion,  Sandusky  and  Portage  rivers. 
Beyond  a  few  Catholic  settlers  in  Columbiana  and  Stark  counties. 
Father  Fenwick  found  no  trace  of  Catholicity. 

When  the  diocese  of  Cleveland  was  erected  in  18iT,  Bishop 
Rappe  found  but  one  church  and  one  priest  in  Cleveland,  and 
forty-two  churches  in  the  entire  diocese,  attended  by  twenty-one 
priests. 

Were  Father  Fenwick,  the  apostle  of  Catholicity  in  Ohio. 
Bishop  Rappe.  the  riiissioiiary  bishop  of  the  diocese  of  Cleveland, 
and  Bishop  Gilmour.  the  zealous  promoter  of  Catholic  education, 
and  valiant  defender  of  Catholic  civic  rights,  to  return  to  the  scene 
of  their  apostolic  labors,  their  hearts  would  indeed  be  gladdened, 
as  they  are  no  doubt  gladdened  in  heaven  today,  to  see  the 
vigorous  growth  of  the  Tree  of  Life  they  planted  and  fostered. 
They  would  find  more  than  two  hundred  and  sixty  churches,  many 
of  them  cathedral-like  in  size  and  beauty,  studding  the  territory 


192 


A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 


formerly  under  their  pastoral  eare  and  jurisdiction.  Institutions 
of  religion,  education  and  charity  would  greet  their  eye;  parochial 
schools,  generously  and  willingly  supported,  would  give  them 
assurance  that  the  children,  the  hope  of  the  future,  have  every 
means  placed  within  their  reach  to  kee])  them  in  the  Faith  ;  they 
would  also  find  a  zealous  clergy,  devoted  religious,  and  a  generous 

laity. 

The  following  table  w\\\  show  at  a  glance  the  marvelous 
growth  of  the  Catholic  Church  in  Northern  Ohio  and  in  the 
diocese  of  Cleveland,  between  1817  and  the  end  of  the  year  1900: 


TABLE. 


Year. 

V 

.c 
u 
u 
3 
XI 

u 

Priests 
(Secular 

and 
Regular) 

Female 
Reli- 
gious 
Com. 

Chari- 
table 
Institu- 
tions. 

Educa- 
tional 
Institu- 
tions. 

Paro- 
chial 
Schools. 

(1817 

In  Northern  Ohio \  1827 

(1837 

■■""2 

14 

i 

7 

In  Diocese  of  Cleveland..  ^ 

ri847 
1857 
1867 
1877 
1887 
1900 

42 
78 
150 
190 
225 
268 

21 

64 

90 

158 

187 

275 

3 

7 

9 

17 

18 

18 

""""3 

5 

10 

16 

18 

1 

4 
5 
7 
8 
13 

70 
110 
126 
144 

Part  III 
Section  I 

PARISH   AND   MISSION  CHURCHES 


PREFATORY    REMARKS. 

UNFORTUNATELY  for  history  and  the  historian,  prior  to 
1878  there  was  no  uniform  method  or  system  in  the 
Diocese  of  Cleveland  for  the  keeping  of  historical  records 
of  parishes,  missions  and  institutions.  Only  in  a  few  parishes  were 
they  kept  at  all.  Hence,  the  early  accounts  of  most  parishes  and 
missions  depend  largely  on  tradition,  and  are,  consequently,  in 
many  instances  deficient  as  to  dates  and  facts.  In  the  above  men- 
tioned year  Bishop  Gilmour  introduced,  among  other  annual 
blanks,  to  be  filled  in  by  pastors,  and  heads  of  institutions,  one,  con- 
taining a  request  for  annual  historical  data.  In  the  Synod  of  1882 
it  was  also  made  obligatory  on  all  pastors  to  keep  a  record  of  events 
happening  in  their  respective  parishes  each  year.  In  1878  Bishop 
Gilmour  also  sent  out  a  blank  form  in  which  he  asked  for  historical 
data,  beginning  with  the  organization  of  each  parish,  mission  and 
institution.  The  result  of  the  Bishop's  efforts  in  this  respect  was, 
that  a  large  amount  of  historical  information  was  gathered,  and  is 
now  on  file  in  the  Diocesan  Archives.  This  required  a  great  deal 
of  research,  and  a  sifting  of  facts  from  fiction.  Later  on,  the 
pastors,  as  also  the  superiors  of  the  religious,  educational  and 
charitable  institutions,  were  asked  to  write,  or  cause  to  be  written, 
historical  sketches  of  their  respective  parishes,  missions  and  insti- 
tutions. This  request  received  a  prompt  and  kind  response.  Most 
of  these  sketches  appeared  in  the  Catholic  Universe  between  1880 
and  1900.  Recast,  and  brought  down  to  December  31,  1900,  by 
the  writer,  they  form  the  subject  matter  of  Sections  I,  II,  III  and 
IV  of  this  part  of  the  Diocesan  History.  The  sketches  of  the  older 
parishes  will  portray  to  the  reader  the  struggles  and  trials  endured, 
and  the  sacrifices  made  by  the  pioneer  priests  and  laity  in  behalf  of 


194  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

religion;  how,  in  poverty,  they  erected  hiiml)le  chapels  and 
churches,  of  little  or  no  architectural  pretension;  how  they  gave 
generously  of  their  limited  means  to  the  support  of  the  church  and 
to  charity;  how  they  were  not  "fair  weather  Christians,"  but  in 
spite  of  distance  and  inclement  weather,  would  go  many  miles,  in 
order  to  assist  at  divine  services  and  receive  the  sacraments. 
From  the  following  parish  sketches  the  present  generation  of 
Catholics  may  learn  salutary  lessons  in  fidelity  towards  God,  the 
Church  and  their  fellowmen,  as  it  is  exemplified  in  their  forefathers. 
There  will  also  be  found  accounts  of  trouble  and  discord  that 
marred  the  peace  of  parishes,  and  scandalized  the  faithful.  But  it 
is  the  historian's  duty  to  chronicle  the  evil  deeds,  as  well  as  the 
good — those,  as  a  warning  against  evil  doers  "whose  deeds  live 
after  them ;"  these,  for  the  edification  of  all ;  and  both,  as  necessary 
for  a  truthful  history.  The  true  historian  can  not,  will  not,  create 
facts,  but  he  must  record  them  fearlessly,  honestly  and  impartially, 
without  personal  bias.  This  has  been  the  writer's  endeavor,  in 
giving  a  running  account  of  the  diocesan  history,  as  contained  in 
Parts  I  and  II  of  this  volume;  as  also  in  the  sketches  contained  in 
Part  III. 

A  certain  sameness  in  the  description  of  churches,  develop- 
ment and  history  of  congregations,  or  institutions,  is  unavoidable, 
but  will  be  offset,  in  a  measure,  by  the  fact,  that  each  sketch  will 
be  of  special  interest  to  those  in  any  way  connected  with  it. 

A  difficulty  that  presented  itself  to  the  writer  was  the  order  in 
which  the  sketches  should  appear — whether  alphabetically,  by 
places,  or  according  to  the  date  when  parishes,  missions  or  institu- 
tions were  established;  or  whether  to  arrange  the  sketches  of 
churches,  etc.,  according  to  their  location  in  counties,  in  alpha- 
betical order,  as  has  been  done  in  some  diocesan  histories.  The 
writer  found  objections  to  all  of  these  methods,  but  the  least  to  a 
strictly  alphabetical  order,  according  to  places.  This  method  he 
finally  adopted,  but  thought  it  proper  to  give  precedence  to  Cleve- 
land, as  the  Episcopal  city,  beginning  with  St.  Mary's  Church,  on 
the  "Flats,"  which  was  Bishop  Rappe's  first  Cathedral,  serving  as 
such  until  November,  1852.  Its  sketch  is  succeeded  by  that  of 
St.  John's  Cathedral,  and  by  those  of  the  other  city  churches. 
These  in  turn  are  followed  by  the  sketches  of  churches  located 
outside  of  Cleveland,  arranged  alphabetically  according  to  places. 


MARY'S    CHURCH,    "ON    THE    FLATS,"    CLEVELAND. 
The  first  Catholic   Church  In  that  city   (1838). 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  195 

The  same  order  is  observed  in  places  having  more  than  one 
church.  This  arrangement  of  sketches  will  make  it  easy  to  find  the 
sketch  of  any  church  in  the  diocese,  without  having  to  refer  to  the 
index  of  churches. 


ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH,  ON  THE  "FLATS," 

CLEVELAND. 

When  the  Rt.  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe  arrived  in  Cleveland,  in 
October,  1847,  as  the  first  Bishop  of  the  recently  erected  diocese 
of  Cleveland,  he  found  but  one  church  in  his  episcopal  city — St. 
Mary's,  located  on  the  Flats,  at  the  corner  of  Columbus  and  Girard 
streets — of  which  the  Rev.  Maurice  Howard  was  pastor  since  1846. 
It  had  been  in  use  since  1840,  and  served  all  the  Catholics  of 
Cleveland  and  the  immediate  vicinity  during  that  time.  For  a 
more  detailed  account  of  its  history,  prior  to  1847,  the  reader  is 
referred  to  the  sketch  of  "Early  Catholicity  in  Cleveland,"  on  pages 
61  to  67,  of  this  volume. 

Soon  after  his  arrival  the  Bishop  saw  the  pressing  need  of 
better  and  more  ample  church  facilities  for  the  rapidly  increasing 
number  of  Catholics  in  Cleveland,  the  church  on  the  Flats 
having  become  much  too  small  to  accommodate  them.  Besides, 
the  Germans  were  clamoring  for  sermons  in  their  native  tongue. 
He  secured  the  aid  of  two  Sanguinist  Fathers  from  Thompson, 
Seneca  county,  the  Revs.  Matthias  Kreusch  and  Jacob  Ringele,  to 
minister  to  the  Germans,  who  now  began  to  have  separate  services 
in  old  St.  Mary's.  The  Cleveland  Herald  of  March  16,  1848,  has 
the  following  item,  bearing  on  the  above  statement : 

"The  Catholic  population  of  our  city  and  immediate  vicinity 
now  numbers  about  4,000.  and  the  wants  of  the  people  require  a 
much  larger  and  more  central  place  of  worship  than  St.  Mary's 
Church.  An  effort  will  be  made  to  build  a  cathedral  the  present 
year,  and  for  this  purpose  the  well  known  liberality  of  our  citizens 
will  be  appealed  to.  *  *  A  site  for  the  location  of  the  cathedral 
at  the  head  of  Superior,  and  the  corner  of  Erie  and  Meadow  streets, 
has  been  purchased,  and  we  have  seen  a  drawing  of  the  proposed 
edifice,  which  will  add  very  much  to  the  good  taste  and  inviting 
appearance  of  our  beautiful  young  city." 

On  October  23,  1848,  the  Bishop  purchased  from  Thomas 
May,  five  lots  adjoining  those  secured  in  1845  by  the  Rev.  Peter 


196  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

McLaughlin,  On  one  of  these  lots,  immediately  east  of  the  present 
Cathedral,  and  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the  episcopal  residence, 
he  had  a  temporary  frame  structure  erected,  known  as  the  Church 
of  the  Nativity.  Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time  on 
Christmas,  1848.  The  building  served  as  a  "chapel  of  ease"  to  St. 
Mary's  on  the  Flats,  till  the  completion  of  St.  John's  Cathedral,  in 
November,  1852. 

In  January,  1848,  the  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand  succeeded 
Father  Howard  in  the  pastorate  of  St.  Mary's,  and  was  also 
appointed  Vicar  General  to  Bishop  Rappe,  retaining  the  latter 
position  till  his  consecration  as  Bishop  of  Burlington,  in  October, 
1853.  Father  De  Goesbriand  was  assisted  during  the  time  of  his 
pastorate  of  Cleveland's  first  and  only  congregation  by  the  Rev. 
James  Conlan,  and  occasionally  by  the  above  named  Sanguinist 
Fathers. 

As  stated  in  the  above  prefatory  remarks,  St.  Mary's 
Church  on  the  Flats,  at  the  time  the  only  church  in  Cleveland, 
served  also  as  the  first  Cathedral,  from  October,  1847,  until 
November  7,  1852.  On  the  last  mentioned  date  the  present  Cathe- 
dral, at  the  northeast  corner  of  Superior  and  Erie  streets,  was 
finished  and  consecrated.  St.  Mary's  was  then  assigned  to  the 
Germans  who  were  placed  under  the  pastoral  care  of  the  above 
mentioned  Sanguinist  Fathers  and  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Roupp,  till 
the  advent  of  the  Rev.  John  H.  Luhr,  February,  1853.  He  was 
appointed  their  first  resident  pastor.  As  the  Catholic  Germans 
lived  too  widely  separated  to  make  St.  Mary's  a  convenient  place 
of  worship  for  all.  Father  Luhr's  proposition,  to  have  those  living 
east  of  the  river  organize  as  a  distinct  congregation,  was  approved 
by  Bishop  Rappe,  who  authorized  them  to  purchase  a  site  for 
church  purposes  at  the  corner  of  Superior  and  Dodge  streets.  This 
was  the  beginning  of  St.  Peter's  congregation. 

The  Germans  living  west  of  the  river  were  formed  in  Novem- 
ber, 1854,  as  a  congregation  under  the  title  of  St.  Mary's  of  the 
Assumption,  and  were  given  the  use  of  the  church  on  the  Flats,  till 
the  dedication  of  their  present  church,  on  Jersey  street,  in  1865. 
The  Revs.  J.  J.  Kramer,  F.  X.  Obermueller,  and  James  Hamene 
had  successive  charge  of  St.  Mary's  congregation,  till  the  last  men- 
tioned year.  From  1865  to  1879  old  St.  Mary's  was  the  cradle  of 
the  following  congregations:    St.  Malachy's,  1865  ;  St.  Wenceslas', 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  197 

(Bohemian).  18G7;  Annunciation,  (French),  1870.  The  Catholic 
Poles  of  Cleveland  were  the  last  to  occupy  the  venerable  proto- 
church  of  Cleveland,  viz. :  from  1872  to  1879,  v^hen  they  organized 
as  St.  Stanislas'  congregation.  In  1879  the  old  church  was  practi- 
cally abandoned,  as  the  Catholics  residing  in  its  neighborhood 
were  not  sufficient  in  number  to  warrant  the  organization  or  main- 
tenance of  a  congregation.  On  the  Feast  of  Epiphany,  January  6, 
1886,  Bishop  Gilmour  directed  his  Vicar  General,  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Mgr.  Bofif,  to  celebrate  High  Mass  in  it — the  last  divine  service 
within  its  hallowed  walls.  It  was  a  typical  winter's  day,  with  plenty 
of  snow  and  ice  covering  the  interior  of  the  building,  open  for  long 
to  wind  and  weather.  Two  years  previous  a  ruthless  storm  had 
blown  down  its  much  decayed  spire,  and  the  cold  blasts  had  full 
sway  in  the  church  through  broken  roof  and  almost  paneless 
windows.  The  forlorn  looking  edifice  was  packed  to  overflowing 
with  an  interested  audience,  composed  largely  of  the  old  Catholic 
settlers  of  Cleveland,  who  had  worshipped  within  its  sacred  walls 
in  earlier  years,  when  they  were  in  the  prime  of  life  and  the  church 
attractive  in  appearance.  The  old  mother  church  of  Cleveland's 
Catholics  then  looked  tattered  and  torn,  while  her  daughters, 
decked  in  splendor,  were  carrying  on  high  in  every  part  of  the  city, 
the  Sign  of  Redemption  on  lofty  tower  or  graceful  spire. 

After  Mass  a  general  desire  was  expressed  to  have  the  church 
repaired  and  put  in  as  good  condition  as  it  was  when  first  built — 
thus  to  be  preserved  as  a  relic  for  future  generations  of  Catholics  in 
Cleveland.  An  opportunity  was  offered  to  put  into  execution  this 
laudable  sentiment,  by  contributing  the  money  necessary  for  the 
proposed  expenditure,  estimated  at  about  $2,000;  but  the  project 
failed.  Hence,  the  tooth  of  time  was  allowed  to  still  further  gnaw 
at  the  venerable  church.  Meanwhile  the  heirs  of  the  original 
grantors  of  the  lots,  on  which  the  church  had  so  long  stood,  sued 
for  reversal  of  title  to  said  lots,  owing  to  non-fulfillment  of  condi- 
tions, mentioned  in  the  deed  of  transfer.  They  based  their  suit  on 
this  fact,  that  now  and  for  some  years  past  the  church  had  not 
been  used  and  that  there  was  no  Catholic  church  in  use  in  the  part 
of  the  city  known  formerly  as  Cleveland  centre.  The  suit  was 
heard  in  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  at  its  session  in  the  spring  of 
1888.  A  compromise  decree  was  issued  ordering  the  sale  of  the 
lots,  the  proceeds  to  be  divided  equally  between  the  diocese  of 


198  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

Cleveland  and  the  heirs  of  the  original  grantors.  To  clear  the  lots 
preparatory  to  their  sale  Bishop  Gilmour  had  the  church  torn  down 
in  September,  1888. 

Thus  passed  out  of  existence  the  first  landmark  of  Catholicity 
in  Cleveland.  Among  the  laymen,  who  by  their  zeal  and  generosity 
aided  in  organizing  the  first  Catholic  parish  and  in  building  the 
first  church  in  Cleveland,  the  following  deserve  special  mention : 
Messrs.  Detmer,  Golden,  Wegmann,  Feeley,  Lawler,  Toole,  J. 
Wamelink,  Duffy,  Allwell,  W.  J.  Runcie,  Henry  Kramer,  Schwind, 
Byrne,  Hanlon,  J.  Smith,  McCarthy,  Fitzpatrick,  H.  Wolke, 
Kelley,  Kenny,  Keenan,  McNally,  Cahill,  Gibbons,  Crosby, 
Rogers,  McCaffrey  and  Mathews.  Mr.  J.  T.  Wamelink,  for  many 
years  the  efficient  organist  of  St.  John's  Cathedral,  when  a  boy  of 
fourteen  was  the  first  organist  of  old  St.  Mary's  Church. 

And  who  will  recount  the  many  happy  recollections  centered 
around  the  church  on  the  Flats — now  no  more!  Many  a  joyful 
scene  was  witnessed  within  its  hallowed  enclosure;  many  a  tear  of 
sorrow  and  sadness  dried  by  the  consoling  words  of  confessor  or 
preacher.  In  it  marriage  vows  were  pronounced,  baptismal  waters 
poured,  and  the  last  sad  rites  of  burial  performed  for  thousands  of 
Cleveland  Catholics.  Although  old  St.  Mary's  Church  is  of  the 
past,  its  sacred  memories  will  remain  enshrined  in  the  hearts  of 
the  Catholic  pioneers  of  Cleveland  and  their  immediate  descend- 
ants, till  the  last  of  them  shall  have  passed  from  mortality  to 
immortality. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CATHEDRAL, 

CLEVELAND. 

As  stated  in  the  preceding  sketch  of  St.  Mary's  Church,  on 
the  Flats,  Bishop  Rappe,  soon  after  his  arrival  in  Cleveland,  found 
it  of  imperative  necessity  to  provide  church  facilities  for  the  rapidly 
growing  Catholic  population  of  his  episcopal  city.  He  also  felt 
it  necessary  to  take  measures  for  the  erection  of  a  Cathedral  that 
should  be  a  credit  to  the  diocese  which  he  had  been  called  to  rule  as 
bishop.  Hence  in  the  early  part  of  1848,  he  determined  that  the  lots 
bought  by  the  Rev.  Peter  McLaughlin,  in  the  face  of  severe  adverse 
criticism,  in  1845,  at  the  head  of  Superior  street,  on  Erie,  then  the 
eastern  boundary  of  the  city,  should  be  the  site  for  the  prospective 


T.    JOHN'S    CATllEDiiAL    (and   first     Bishop's    House),    CLEVELAND. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  199 

Cathedral.  On  October  23,  1848,  he  bought  five  lots  adjoining- 
to  the  east  those  already  secured.  The  purchase  price  was  $1,250. 
On  one  of  these  lots,  immediately  east  of  the  present  Cathedral, 
and  on  the  site  of  the  Bishop's  residence,  a  temporary  frame  struc- 
ture, 30  by  60  feet,  was  erected.  It  was  known  as  the  Church  of 
the  Nativity.  In  it  Mass  was  celebrated  for  the  first  time  on 
Christmas  Day,  1848.  On  week  days  the  sanctuary  of  this  chapel 
was  closed  from  view  by  folding-doors  and  the  nave  was  used  as  a 
school — the  first  parochial  school  in  the  city  of  Cleveland.  Bishop 
Rappe  knew  full  well  the  necessity  of  a  Christian  education  for  the 
young.  The  grain  of  mustard  seed  sown  in  the  old  chapel  was 
destined  to  a  marvelous  growth.  The  people  of  the  Cathedral 
parish  were  taught  from  the  beginning,  as  they  are  taught  today, 
that  a  Catholic  school  building  is  as  necessary  for  their  spiritual 
welfare  as  is  a  Catholic  place  of  worship.  The  blessings  which  have 
marked  the  history  of  the  parish,  humanly  speaking,  had  their 
origin  in  that  humble  little  school  room.  The  noble  building, 
which  of  late  years  their  generosity  erected,  is  the  last  striking 
monument  of  the  constant  fidelity  of  the  people  to  the  vital  cause 
of  Catholic  instruction  for  their  children. 

Before  the  opening  of  the  Chapel  of  the  Nativity  work  had 
been  begun  upon  the  new  Cathedral.  On  Sunday,  October  22,1848, 
the  corner-stone  was  laid.  It  was  a  day  of  great  rejoicing,  and  of 
disgraceful  scenes.  The  venerable  Bishop  Le  Fevre,  of  Detroit, 
preached  at  St.  Mary's  in  the  morning.  In  the  afternoon  a  large 
procession  started  from  St.  Mary's,  on  the  Flats,  to  the  site  of  the 
new  Cathedral.  Whilst  passing  up  Superior  street,  those  in  the 
ranks  were  insulted  and  derided  by  non-Catholics.  The  disgraceful 
scene  of  bigotry  was  repeated  after  the  impressive  ceremony  had 
begun.  Bishop  Timon,  of  BuiTalo,  preached  on  the  occasion. 
Hardly  had  he  announced  his  text  when  he  learned  that  prejudice 
and  intolerance,  which  a  few  years  before  seemed  dead,  still  lived  in 
their  savage  ferocity  in  a  city,  in  whose  prosperity  and  advance- 
ment Protestants  and  Catholics  were  equally  interested.  But,  in 
spite  of  the  rude  interruptions  on  the  part  of  the  rabble,  the  corner- 
stone was  laid  and  the  sermon  was  preached.  To  their  honor  be 
it  recorded,  that  there  were  many  Protestants  present  whose  in- 
dignation towards  the  offenders  was  as  great  as  that  of  the  insulted 
Catholics.    The  foundation  of  the  Cathedral  was  completed  in  the 


200  A   HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

fall  of  1848,  and  the  superstructure  was  commenced  in  the  spring- 
of  1849.  To  meet  the  great  outlay,  Bishop  Rappe  had  to  appeal 
to  the  charity  of  more  prosperous  congregations  elsewhere,  in  the 
United  States,  as  well  as  in  Europe,  as  his  own  faithful  people, 
though  numerous,  had  for  the  most  part  only  poverty  to  their 
credit.  For  this  purpose  he  went  to  Europe  in  1849,  and  secured 
considerable  financial  aid  in  his  native  France.  He  also  visited 
Cincinnati  and  other  cities  in  this  country  in  1851,  for  the  same 
object.  The  Very  Rev.  Vicar  General,  Louis  De  Goesbriand,  also 
assisted  the  Bishop  in  raising  funds  for  the  new  church.  Mean- 
while the  building  slowly  and  steadily  progressed.  The  brick  work 
and  the  roof  of  the  building  were  finished  before  the  winter  of  1850. 
All  the  slates  for  the  roof  were  imported  from  Wales  and  were  put 
on  with  copper  nails.  The  drawings  for  the  finishing  of  the  interior 
were  made  by  the  well-known  architect,  P.  C.  Keily,  recently 
deceased,  who  had  just  finished  St.  Patrick's  Church  in  Newark, 
N.  J.,  and  was  then  beginning  his  brilliant  career  as  a  designer  of 
church  buildings.  St.  John's  Cathedral  was  consecrated  November 
7,  1852. 

The  Cleveland  Herald,  of  November  8,  1852,  gives  the  follow- 
ing account  of  the  consecration  of  the  Cathedral : 

"*  *  The  consecration  services  were  witnessed  Sunday 
forenoon  [November  7th],  by  a  very  large  audience.  Owing  to 
the  rough  weather  on  the  lake,  the  Bishops  of  Boston,  Buffalo 
and  Detroit  were  not  present.  The  Cathedral  was  consecrated  by 
the  Most  Rev.  Archbishop  Purcell  of  Cincinnati.  *  *  The  Rt. 
Rev.  M.  J.  Spaulding,  Bishop  of  Louisville,  delivered  a  brief  and 
appropriate  discourse,  and  High  Mass  was  celebrated  by  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Bishop  Rappe,  of  Cleveland ;  in  the  afternoon  Vespers,  and  a 
sermon  in  German,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Luhr,  of  Canton. 

"In  the  evening  Archbishop  Purcell  delivered  an  able  and 
eloquent  discourse  on  the  progress  of  the  Catholic  Church,  par- 
ticularly in  the  United  States  and  in  the  west.  He  referred  to  the 
time  when  the  Babe  of  Bethlehem  had  not  even  a  stable  wherein 
to  lay  His  head  in  a  village  now  grown  to  be  the  beautiful  Forest 
City;  to  the  first  meetings  of  a  feeble  band  of  Catholics  in  Shakes- 
peare Hall.  He  made  mention  of  the  donation,  by  liberal  citizens, 
of  the  site  for  St.  Mary's  Church,  and  of  the  progress  of  that 
church  to  the  splendid  sanctuary  this  day  consecrated.  The 
eloquent  prelate  paid  a  warm  tribute  to  the  self-sacrificing  labors  of 
Bishop  Rappe;  to  his  devotion  in  leaving  his  pleasant  home  in 
sunny  France  on  a  mission  of  mercy  among  the  sons  of  toil  on  the 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  201 

then  sickly  Maiimee ;  spoke  of  his  sharing  the  humblest  cabin  with 
the  poorest  of  his  flock,  and  of  the  high  reward  which  has  attended 
his  faithful  ministration." 

The  Cathedral  is  a  plain,  substantial  brick  edifice,  facing  on 
Erie  street.  It  is  170  feet  long  by  75  feet  wide,  and  has  a  seating 
capacity  for  about  1,500  persons.  The  interior  is  of  Gothic  finish, 
and  few  churches  in  this  country  equal  it  in  its  interior  beauty. 
Its  acoustic  properties  are  excellent.  The  grand  organ,  after 
almost  a  half  century  of  service,  has  a  fullness  and  depth  of  tone 
surpassed  by  few,  if  any,  in  Cleveland. 

In  1853  the  Cathedral's  first  pastor,  the  Very  Rev.  Louis  De 
Goesbriand,  V.  G.,  was  consecrated  Bishop  of  Burlington.  After 
that  time  Bishop  Rappe  himself  assumed  the  immediate  pastorship 
of  the  Cathedral,  and  retained  it  until  his  resignation,  as  Bishop 
of  Cleveland,  in  1870.  The  Very  Rev.  Edward  Hannin  was  then 
appointed  Administrator  of  the  diocese,  and  took  charge  of  the 
pastoral  affairs  till  the  advent  of  Bishop  Gilmour.  Father  Hannin 
established  St.  Columbkille's  parish  in  1871,  by  detaching  that  part 
of  the  Cathedral  parish  east  of  Perry  street.  Bishop  Gilmour, 
however,  for  reasons  that  were  given  him,  thought  it  best  to  dis- 
continue St.  Columbkille's  as  a  parish,  and  made  the  church  a 
chapel  of  ease  to  the  Cathedral,  which  it  continued  to  be  until  1900. 

Owing  to  the  heavy  burden  of  administering  a  vast  diocese. 
Bishop  Gilmour  did  not  wish  to  assume  the  immediate  pastorship 
of  the  Cathedral,  as  Bishop  Rappe  had  done.  He  therefore  deter- 
mined to  give  it  a  pastor  whose  position  would  be  similar  to  that 
of  other  pastors  in  the  diocese.  In  October,  1872,  the  Very  Rev. 
Felix  M.  Boff  was  appointed  pastor,  and  in  May,  1873,  he  was  also 
made  the  Bishop's  Vicar  General.  Father  Boff  was  most  faithful 
in  the  discharge  of  his  pastoral  duties,  as  he  was  also  successful 
in  forwarding  the  temporal  interests  of  the  parish,  in  spite  of  the 
financial  depression  which  followed  the  panic  of  1873.  The 
principal  event  of  his  pastorate  was  the  building  of  the  Bishop's 
residence,  adjoining  the  Cathedral,  on  the  east,  facing  Superior 
street.  It  serves  the  double  purpose  of  pastoral  residence  and 
diocesan  headquarters,  and  is  a  handsome,  imposing  structure  of 
brick,  three  stories  high.  '  Father  Boff' s  pastorate  lasted  four 
years.  Owing  to  ill  health  he  resigned  in  the  summer  of  1876.  and 
later,  in  1879,  accepted  the  chaplaincy  of  Villa  Angela,  at  Notting- 


202  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

ham,  wliere  he  has  since  resided.  In  appreciation  of  his  faithful 
services  to  reHgion,  the  Holy  Father,  Pope  Leo  XIII,  raised  him, 
in  1885,  to  the  dignity  of  Domestic  Prelate,  with  the  title  of  Rt. 
Rev.  Monsignor. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  P.  Thorpe  was  appointed  Father  Boff's 
successor  in  the  pastorate  of  the  Cathedral,  in  June,  1876.  The 
improvements  and  the  great  works  completed  under  his  in- 
spiration and  direction  during  his  administration  of  seventeen 
years  are  a  lasting  monument  to  his  energy  and  success.  Shortly 
after  he  took  charge  of  the  parish  he  began  to  inaugurate 
many  improvements.  In  the  autumn  of  1876  the  renovation 
of  the  chapel  and  the  Cathedral  Hall  (for  many  years  known 
as  "Father  Mathew  Temperance  Hall"),  was  accomplished. 
Many  congregations  had  gone  out  from  the  Cathedral,  some  of 
w'hich  had  built  costly  churches  and  spacious  schools,  and  yet  the 
old  mother-church  remained  unfinished.  Dingy,  and  dimmed  by 
the  wear  and  weather  of  over  twenty-five  years,  it  was  thought 
highly  decorous  that  the  old  church  should  be  brought  at  least  on 
a  par  with  the  less  pretentious  of  her  children.  In  the  autumn  of 
1878  the  work  of  renovation  was  begun.  The  front  was  entirely 
remodeled,  and  richly  ornamented  with  heavy,  carved,  sandstone 
trimmings.  In  1879  the  spire  was  completed.  Its  graceful  out- 
lines attract  the  eye  of  the  observer.  Surmounted  by  a  burnished 
cross,  it  shoots  up  two  hundred  and  forty  feet  from  the  pavement. 
The  Cathedral  grounds  were  also  enclosed  with  a  neat  iron  fence. 

In  1884  the  interior  of  the  church  was  thoroughly  reno- 
vated and  most  artistically  frescoed  in  oil.  The  main  altar  was 
regilded  and  a  massive  episcopal  throne  erected  with  sanctuary 
seats  opposite.  Two  side  chapels  were  constructed  and  orna- 
mented with  exceedingly  good  taste.  The  side  altars,  the 
episcopal  throne,  sanctuary  seats,  altar  railing,  station  frames,  etc., 
are  all  in  black  walnut.  The  two  porphyry  vases,  nearly  ten  feet 
high,  which  grace  the  high  altar,  were  imported  from  Italy  and 
presented  to  the  Cathedral  by  Bishop  Gilmour. 

The  first  parochial  school  in  the  Cathedral  parish  was  held  in 
the  Chapel  of  the  Nativity,  as  already  mentioned.  St.  John's  school 
for  boys  was  erected  in  1857;  and  in  1867  the  old  Cathedral  Hall, 
the  chapel  and  the  school  for  girls  were  completed.  Before  the 
erection  of  these  buildings,  the  boys  of  the  parish  were  taught  by 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND. 


203 


lay  teachers,  principally  seminarists,  in  a  building  in  the  rear  of  the 
episcopal  residence  on  Bond  street ;  and  the  girls  by  the  Ursuline 
Sisters  in  a  range  of  one-story  buildings  skirting  Euclid  avenue, 
in  front  of  the  old  Ursuline  Convent. 

In  1888  the  new  school  building  was  begun.    The  old  school 
and    the   Temperance    Hall   were   torn    down.      Many    dear   and 
cherished  memories  were  connected  with  these  buildings      Our 
young  men,  now  fighting  the  battle  of  life  nol^lv  and  well    look 
back  to  the  days  of  Brother  Thomas  and  Brother  Michael    and 
speak  with  enthusiasm  of  these  able  educators  and   of  the  old 
Cathedral  school.     The  new  building  is  a  magnificent  structure. 
There  are  accommodations  for  about  a  thousand  pupils.     In  the 
middle  of  the  ground  floor  is  the  chapel  dedicated  to  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  and  beautifully  frescoed  and  furnished.     A  large  hall  for 
assembly  purposes,  concerts,  etc.,  occupies  the  most  of  the  upper 
story.    There  are  also  rooms  for  societies  and  sodalities.     The  cost 
of  the  building  was  about  $55,000.     By  the  energy  of  the  pastor 
and  his  able  assistants,  and  through  the  generosity  of  the  congre- 
gation, this  large  sum  was  paid  within  the  space  of  three  years. 

At  the  request  of  Bishop  Gilmour  a  distinguished  honor  was 
conferred  on  Father  Thorpe,  in  March,  1891.  The  Holv  Father 
granted  him  the  title  of  Monsignor,  with  the  rank  of  Cameriere,  a 
dignity  which,  on  petition  of  Bishop  Horstmann,  was  raised  'in 
1895  to  that  of  Domestic  Prelate  to  His  Holiness. 

On  November  13,  1893,  Monsignor  Thorpe  resigned  the 
pastorate  of  the  Cathedral,  and  at  his  own  request  was  transferred 
to  the  Immaculate  Conception  parish,  Cleveland,  whence  he  had 
come,  seventeen  years  before,  to  begin  a  most  successful  career  as 
pastor  of  St.  John's.  The  Rev.  George  J.  Vahey,  who  had  been  a 
curate  at  the  Cathedral  since  1888,  was  appointed  acting  pastor, 
on  Monsignor  Thorpe's  departure,  and  in  December,  1895,  was 
given  full  pastoral  charge  of  St.  John's.  This  he  held  until 
November,  1900,,  when  he  was  transferred  to  St.  Columbkille's, 
Cleveland,  now  made  a  regular  parish.  Father  Vahey's  adminis- 
tration of  the  Cathedral  parish  was  eminently  successful. 

The  Rev.  Patrick  Farrell,  D.  D.,  was  appointed  acting  pastor 
immediately  after  the  transfer  of  Father  Vahey,  and  holds  that 
position  at  present.  With  the  experience  he  gained  as  curate,  since 
December,  1891,  and  the  excellent  work  he  did  during  that' time, 


204  A   HISTORY   OF    CATHOLICITY 

Ihe  spiritual  and  temporal  interests  of  the  parish,  it  need  hardly  be 
said,  will  receive  the  same  careful,  conscientious  attention,  as  was 
given  them  by  his  predecessors. 

Financially,  the  Cathedral  parish  is  in  excellent  condition — 
without  a  dollar  of  debt,  thanks  to  the  energy  of  the  clergy  and  the 
unvarying  generosity  of  the  people.  They  can  now  truthfully  say 
that,  after  long  years  of  struggle  and  generous  giving,  no  one  but 
God  has  a  claim  on  the  magnificent  property  dedicated  to  His 
glory  and  their  use. 

The  parish  schools,  ever  first  in  the  hearts  of  the  clergy, 
and  in  the  self-sacrificing  devotion  of  the  people,  are  second  to 
none  in  Cleveland.  At  an  annual  expense  of  about  $5,000,  nearly 
seven  hundred  children  are  here  given  a  thoroughly  Christian  and 
secular  education.  Ten  efficient  teachers  are  employed — 'five 
Brothers  of  Mary  and  five  Ursuline  Sisters.  Not  only  is  the 
elementary  training  excellent,  but  a  higher  course  of  studies, 
including  typewriting  and  stenography,  has  also  been  added. 

The  spiritual  condition  of  the  parish  has  always  kept  pace 
with  its  temporal  condition.  Societies  for  both  sexes,  and  covering 
all  needs,  are  organized  and  flourishing.  The  public  services  are 
edifyingly  attended  and  the  Sacraments  frequented,  and  evidences 
of  a  living  faith  are  seen  on  all  sides.  May  the  future  history  of 
the  Cathedral  parish  be  as  bright,  as  honorable,  as  its  past. 

In  this  sketch  has  been  recorded  the  successful  administration 
of  St.  John's  Cathedral  parish,  under  the  various  pastors.  But, 
this  success  could  not  have  been  achieved  by  them,  ftnaided.  Each 
had  faithful  co-laborers,  who  shared  with  them  the  trials,  diffi- 
culties, and  strain  of  pastoral  work.  Hence,  their  names  also 
deserve  to  be  here  recorded.  However,  in  so  doing,  it  would  be 
impossible  to  give  in  each  instance,  the  exact  length  of  time  of 
service,  without  error  as  to  dates.  The  list,  beginning  with  1852, 
will  therefore  simply  give  their  names,  in  the  order  of  time  each 
of  the  priests  was  appointed  curate.  Following  is  the  list  of  their 
names,  as  far  as  they  could  be  gathered  from  the  parish  and 
diocesan  records : 

The  Reverends  James  Conlan,  Alexis  Caron,  Z.  Druon,  J.  B. 
Marechal,  B.  Carraher,  Thomas  Walsh,  Edward  Hannin,  John  B. 
O'Connor,  Eugene  M.  O'Callaghan,  Thomas  P.  Thorpe,  John  P. 
Carroll,    Timothy    M.     Mahony,    Thomas     Carroll,    Joseph     F. 


ANNUNCIATION    CHURCH,    CLEVELAND. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  205 

Gallagher,  James  O'Reilly,  Francis  Berthelet,  Edward  Mears, 
Thomas  J.  Conlan,  Michael  Ivers.  Cornelius  J.  O'Callaghan, 
William  McMahon,  Thomas  F.  Mahar,  D.  D.,  Charles  V.  Chev- 
raux,  James  Treacy,  John  O'Connor,  George  J.  Vahey,  Denis  J. 
Stafford,  James  J.  Quinn,  William  J.  Smith,  John  Walsh.  Thomas 
F.  Mahon,  James  H.  Halligan,  Patrick  Farrell,  D.  D.,  George  F. 
Murphy,  D.  D.,  James  F.  Donohue,  Patrick  C.  N.  Dwyer,  Hugh 
Rafferty,  Thomas  Keelan,  Raymond  Mylott,  Jeremiah  P.  O'Con- 
nor, John  J.  Boyle,  John  Berthelot,  John  J.  Dacy,  J.  C.  Herr, 
Charles  A.  Martin,  and  the  present  curates,  the  Reverends  Thomas 
C.  O'Reilly,  D.  D.,  and  Patrick  J.  O'Connell. 


ANNUNCIATION  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

The  Catholic  French  of  Cleveland,  unlike  the  Catholics  of 
other  nationalities  in  this  city,  were  never  of  sufficient  strength, 
nor  so  closely  grouped,  as  to  be  able  to  form  themselves  into  a 
congregation  exclusively  of  their  own  tongue,  but  living  scattered 
throughout  the  city  they  attended  the  church  nearest  to  them. 
Thus  they  were  deprived  of  the  advantages  of  sermons  and  instruc- 
tions in  their  own  language.  Bishop  Rappe,  full  of  zeal  for  the 
spiritual  welfare  of  all  his  flock,  resolved  to  organize  a  French 
congregation  and  thus  bring  the  scattered  elements  together  as 
best  he  could.  To  this  end  he  directed  the  purchase  of  a  lot  at 
the  corner  of  Flurd  and  Moore  streets,  on  August  7,  1868.  It  was 
paid  for,  about  1870,  through  the  exertions  of  the  Rev.  Augustine 
Grandmougin,  pastor  of  St.  Augustine's  church,  Cleveland.  Two 
years  after  the  purchase  of  the  lot  the  Rev.  Andrew  Sauvadet  was 
appointed  pastor  of  all  the  French  of  Cleveland,  and  under  his 
'  direction  a  plain  but  neat  and  commodious  frame  church  was  built, 
which  was  opened  for  divine  service  for  the  first  time  on  the  third 
Sunday  of  October,  1870,  and  placed  under  the  patronage  of 
St.  Mary  of  the  Annunciation.  The  upper  portion  of  the  building 
was  used  as  a  church,  and  the  lower  story  was  divided  into  two 
school  rooms. 

As  the  number  of  French  families  identifying  themselves  with 
Annunciation  Church  was  not,  as  it  never  has  been,  sufficient  to 


206  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

meet  the  expenses  connected  with  the  support  of  church  and 
school,  a  portion  of  St.  Patrick's  congregation  was  added,  thus 
making  Annunciation  Church  about  two-thirds  English  and  one- 
third  French. 

From  the  beginning — for  nearly  eighteen  years,  Annunciation 
Church  had  been  burdened  with  a  heavy  debt,  incurred  in  building 
the  church,  and  for  the  purchase  of  several  additional  lots  and 
residences  for  the  pastor,  and  for  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of 
Mary,  who  have  had  charge  of  the  parish  school  since  it  was 
opened,  in  1872. 

The  present  pastor,  Rev.  Augustine  Gerardin,  received  his 
appointment  in  April,  1878.  He  set  to  work  at  once  to  pay  ofT  the 
debt,  at  that  time  about  $10,000.  This  was  by  no  means  an  easy 
task,  as  with  the  financial  depression,  then  still  existing,  and  the 
poverty  of  many  of  his  people,  he  had  hard  work  to  meet  even  the 
current  expenses  of  the  parish.  However,  the  debt  was  gradually 
diminished,  and  fully  paid  in  1888.  By  this  time  the  need  of  a 
more  substantial  church,  to  replace  the  frame  edifice,  became 
almost  imperative.  Father  Gerardin  succeeded  in  putting  aside 
from  the  annual  parish  income  a  fair  sum  to  serve  as  the  nucleus 
for  a  building  fund.  As  the  site  for  the  proposed  new  church  had 
to  be  located  next  to  the  old  edifice,  and  on  the  lot  covered  by  the 
pastoral  residence,  Father  Gerardin  purchased,  on  March  19,  1892, 
a  lot  in  the  rear  of  the  frame  church,  fronting  on  Moore  street.  The 
brick  house  on  the  lot  he  had  fitted  up  as  a  pastoral  residence,  his 
former  residence  having  been  given  in  exchange  for  the  excavation 
made  for  the  new  church.  In  May,  189G,  with  $11,000  in  the  parish 
treasury,  work  was  begun  on  the  new  brick  church.  The  corner- 
stone was  laid  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  Sunday,  July  12,  1896. 
The  church,  which  is  of  French  Gothic  architecture,  was  brought 
under  roof  the  same  year.  In  order  not  to  overtax  his  people,  and 
to  reduce  the  debt  already  incurred,  Father  Gerardin  postponed  the 
completion  of  the  church  until  1898.  At  an  expense  of  nearly 
$11,000  he  then  had  the  entire  church  finished,  including  frescoing, 
pews,  three  beautiful  altars,  stained  glass  windows,  making  it  one 
of  the  neatest  and  most  attractive  churches  in  the  diocese.  On 
Sunday,  September  25,  1898,  this  new  temple  was  solemnly  dedi- 
cated to  Almighty  God  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann.     The 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  207 

impressive  ceremony  was  witnessed  by  many  priests  and  a  very 
larg-e  concourse  of  people.  It  was  a  day  of  great  joy  for  the  pastor, 
and  for  his  people,  whose  generosity  made  it  possible  to  build  the 
beautiful  church.  The  debt  ($8,000)  as  compared  with  the  property 
owned  by  the  congregation,  is  insignificant,  and  will  be  cancelled 
in  a  very  few  years.  In  fact,  most  of  the  debt  would  have  been  paid 
by  the  end  of  the  year  1900,  had  not  the  pastor  been  obliged  to 
relinquish  all  duty  for  nearly  one  year,  owing  to  serious  illness,  con- 
sequent on  his  arduous  labors  in  connection  with  the  new  church. 
During  Father  Gerardin's  absence  in  Europe,  for  the  benefit  of  his 
impaired  health,  the  Rev.  L.  J.  Wickart,  of  the  Detroit  diocese, 
had  charge  of  the  parish,  from  September,  1899,  till  May  1,  1900. 
An  excellent  spirit  prevails  in  the  parish,  and  the  parochial  school 
is  in  a  very  satisfactory  condition. 


HOLY  NAME  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

The  first  Catholics  to  settle  in  the  south  part  of  Cleveland, 
formerly  known  as  Newburg,  were  John  Cahill,  Michael  Keegan, 
Denis  Sexton  and  Daniel  Gorman.  They  settled  there  with  their 
families  betw^een  1850  and  1852.  This  small  number  of  pioneer 
Catholics  was  soon  increased  by  the  arrival  of  others.  For  some 
years  they  attended  Mass,  either  at  St.  Mary's  on  the  Flats,  or  in 
the  Cathedral  basement.  In  April,  1854,  Bishop  Rappe  himself 
said  the  first  Mass  in  the  village  of  Newburg,  in  Thomas  Byrne's 
house.  Later  on  the  Revs.  Michael  O'Neill,  Thomas  \\'alsh, 
Edward  Hannin,  J.  Salaun,  A.  Martin  and  E.  M.  O'Callaghan  did 
the  same  in  the  house  of  Patrick  Potts.  In  October,  1861,  Father 
O'Callaghan  (who  attended  Newburg  from  the  Cathedral  as  a 
station,  1860-61),  purchased  two  lots  at  the  corner  of  Miles  Park 
and  Woodland  Hills  avenues.  The  purchase  was  made  through 
Patrick  Potts,  in  spite  of  bigoted  opposition  on  the  part  of  land 
owners  who  refused  to  sell  lots  for  a  Catholic  church.  The  Rev. 
Francis  Sullivan  succeeded  Father  O'Callaghan  in  November, 
1861.  For  a  short  time  he  said  Mass  in  the  house  of  Patrick  Potts, 
and  later  in  the  old  town  hall  on  Miles  avenue.  The  corner-stone 
of  the  first  church  (a  stone  structure),  to  be  known  as  the  Holy 


208  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

Rosary  Church,  was  laid  in  June,  1802,  by  Vicar  General  Caron, 
who  also  attended  Newburg-  for  a  short  time  from  the  seminary. 
The  first  High  Mass  was  celebrated  in  the  new  town  hall  on  Miles 
avenue,  in  June,  1862,  by  Father  Sullivan.  The  hall  was  used  for 
divine  services  until  the  church  basement  was  finished.  In  July, 
18G3,  the  Rev.  Jacob  Kuhn  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor 
of  Newburg,  Under  his  direction,  the  church  walls  and  roof  were 
finished.  The  basement  was  fitted  up  for  church  and  school  pur- 
poses, and  was  used  for  the  first  time  in  the  spring-  of  1864.  On 
December  14,  1863,  Father  Kuhn  purchased  for  $600  the  house 
and  lot  adjoining  the  church.  The  house  was  enlarged  and  fitted 
up  for  the  pastoral  residence.  In  1867,  Father  Kuhn  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Rev.  John  Daudet,  during  whose  pastorate  the 
church  w^as  plastered  and  put  into  proper  condition  for  divine 
service.  He  also  purchased  for  $1,000  an  additional  parcel  of  land 
to  the  rear  of  the  church.  The  abandoned  factory  located  on  it 
he  had  converted  into  a  school,  which  shortly  after  was  put  in 
charge  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary.  About  this  time 
also  several  large  rolling  mills  were  established  in  Newburg 
and  soon  attracted  many  skilled  laborers,  thus  greatly  enhancing 
the  Catholic  population  of  the  town.  On  January  1,  1871,  the 
Rev.  Joseph  F.  Gallagher  began  his  pastorate  of  Holy  Rosary 
parish,  which  had  greatly  outg^rown  the  church.  This  he  had 
enlarged  at  once  by  adding  a  frame  sanctuary.  He  also  made  many 
necessary  improvements  in  and  about  the  church  property. 

As  both  Cleveland  and  Newburg  were  rapidly  growing  cities, 
it  became  a  certainty  that  the  gap  between  them  would  very  soon 
be  filled  and  both  united.  Father  Gallagher  acted  on  this  certainty, 
by  securing,  on  November  21,  1872,  another  large  and  more 
eligible  school  site  on  Broadway,  the  principal  street  in  Newburg. 
On  the  property  stood  a  frame  house,  which  he  had  fitted  up  for  a 
pastoral  residence.  It  served  as  such  until  the  completion,  in  1893, 
of  the  present  splendid  residence,  at  a  cost  of  $18,000.  Father 
Gallagher,  ever  a  staunch  supporter  of  the  parochial  school  system, 
at  once  had  plans  prepared  for  a  fine  school  building  to  excel,  in 
size  (seventy  by  eighty  feet)  and  cost,  any  thus  far  erected  in  the 
Diocese  of  Cleveland.  Bishop  Gilmour  laid  its  corner-stone  in  the 
early  spring  of  1873.     The  building  was  ready  for  occupancy  in 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  209 

the  fall  of  the  same  year.  It  cost  about  $.''>5,000,  and  even  now  it 
ranks  with  the  many  laro-e  and  fine  school  buildinofs  in  the  diocese. 
In  1872,  Father  Gallagher  engaged  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart 
of  Mary  to  take  charge  of  the  parish  schools,  and  they  have  ever 
since  conducted  it  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  pastors  and 
people.  For  about  ten  years,  from  1881,  the  Brothers  of  Mary,  of 
Dayton,  O.,  had  charge  of  the  boys'  department.  The  schools 
are  in  a  flourishing  condition.  On  September  23,  1879,  Father 
Gallagher  secured  additional  property  for  the  prospective  and 
much  needed  church,  immediately  adjoining  the  school  lot  on 
Broadway.  The  purchase  price  was  $G,800.  In  the  early  spring  of 
1881,  ground  was  broken  and  the  foundation  begun  for  the  new 
church.  Bishop  Gilmour  laid  the  corner-stone  on  Sunday,  May  8, 
1881.  The  work  of  building  was  rapidly  pushed  till  the  roof  was  in 
place  and  the  belfry  completed.  The  erection  of  the  spire  was 
indefinitely  postponed.  Provision  was  made  for  a  well-lighted 
basement,  twelve  feet  high,  and  making  an  audience  room  nearly 
the  full  length  and  width  of  the  church.  The  basement  was  blessed 
by  Vicar  General  Boff,  on  September  3,  1882,  and  was  then  regu- 
larly used  till  the  completion  of  the  church  proper,  Alass  being 
said  occasionally  in  the  old  (Holy  Rosary)  church,  until  a  mission 
given  in  January,  1883.  At  that  time  a  Holy  Name  Society  was 
organized.  Its  salutary  effect  among  the  men  in  Newburg,  many 
of  whom  were  addicted  to  the  use  of  profane  language,  induced 
Father  Gallagher  to  have  the  new  church  dedicated  to  the  Most 
Holy  Name  of  Jesus. 

The  great  strike  of  1882  injured  to  a  large  extent  the  business 
interests  of  Newburg,  and  was  especially  felt  by  the  parish- 
ioners of  Holy  Name,  as  very  many  of  them  lost  work  and  many  in 
good  positions  were  displaced.  In  spite  of  the  years  of  depression 
following.  Father  Gallagher  succeeded  in  considerably  reducing 
the  parish  debt,  besides  meeting  the  heavy  current  expenses.  The 
year  1886  promising  a  revival  to  some  extent.  Father  Gallagher 
accordingly  made  preparation,  in  the  fall  of  1885,  for  the  comple- 
tion of  the  church  in  the  following  year.  God  had,  however, 
ordained  otherwise.  He  called  Father  Gallagher,  after  a  very  short 
illness  (pneumonia),  from  his  intended  work,  on  January  30,  1886. 
His  almost  sudden  demise  was  a  great  shock  to  his  parishioners 


210  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

and  to  all  the  people  of  Newburg-,  irrespective  of  creed.  He  was  a 
mail  of  affairs,  and  as  such  had  great  inniience,  both  as  a  citizen 
and  as  a  priest.    He  left  a  memory  that  will  not  soon  be  efifaced. 

The  Rev.  John  T.  Carroll,  the  present  pastor,  succeeded  the 
lamented  Father  Gallagher  in  February,  1880.  He  had  the  un- 
finished interior  of  the  church  brought  to  completion  in  excellent 
taste.  The  dedication  of  the  church  took  place  on  Sunday,  May  22, 
1887,  Bishop  Gilmour  performing  the  ceremony.  The  church  is 
of  Gothic  architecture,  has  no  pillars,  and  is  built  of  brick.  Its 
length  is  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet,  its  width  sixty-five  feet,  and 
the  apse  of  the  ceiling  is  sixty-five  feet  from  the  floor.  The  church 
is  furnished  with  beautiful  altars  and  neat  pews  of  oakwood,  and  it 
has  also  artistic  stained-glass  windows,  a  profusion  of  statuary  and 
oil  paintings — mostly  gifts  from  parishioners  and  societies ;  also  a 
splendid  $5,000  pipe  organ.  The  Church  of  the  Holy  Name  is 
justly  ranked  among  the  largest  and,  interiorly,  finest  churches  in 
the  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 

In  1890,  the  original  lots  occupied  by  Holy  Rosary  Church, 
school  and  parochial  residence,  were  sold  for  $6,500.  Proceeds  of 
the  sale  were  applied  on  the  purchase  price  of  lots  secured  by 
Father  Carroll  the  year  previous,  and  intended  for  a  pastoral  resi- 
dence site,  built  in  1893,  as  above  stated.  This  purchase,  with  an 
additional  strip  of  land,  has  made  the  property  of  Holy  Name  one 
of  the  most  valuable  in  Cleveland. 

In  1898,  the  east  portion  of  Holy  Name  parish  was  cut  ofY  and 
organized  under  the  name  and  patronage  of  St.  Catharine.  The 
handsome  frame  church,  located  on  Woodland  Hills  avenue, 
served  as  a  "chapel  of  ease''  to  Holy  Name  Church,  until  the 
appointment  of  the  first  resident  pastor  of  St.  Catharine's — the 
Rev.  James  J.  Quinn,  in  1899. 

In  1899,  an  addition  was  made  to  the  teachers'  residence, 
which,  besides  affording  more  room  for  the  Sisters,  gave  them  a 
neat  chapel,  well  furnished,  and  large  enough  to  seat  fifty  persons. 
During  the  same  year  the  large  basement  of  the  church  was 
divided.  One  part  of  it  was  arranged  and  furnished  for  use  as  a 
hall,  seating  one  thousand  persons.  The  other  portion  serves  as  a 
chapel,  seating  three  hundred  persons.  All  the  parish  buildings 
are  heated  by  steam.     In  the  year  1900    was  begun  the  work  of 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  211 

building  a  steeple  and  of  renovating  the  interior  of  the  church  and 
furnishing  it  with  electric  lights.  The  parish  is  to  be  congratulated 
on  having  very  little  debt  to  meet. 

The  following  priests  filled  the  position  of  curate  in  Holy- 
Name  parish:  Revs.  James  Monahan,  from  1877  to  July,  1880; 
F.  J.  O'Neill,  July,  1880,  to  June,  1881 ;  J.  C.  Desmond,  July,  1881. 
to  May,  1882;  J.  B.  McGlone,  May,  1882,  to  February,  1883 ;  J.  J. 
Clarke,  November,  1883,  to  November,  1884;  James  P.  Myler, 
January,  1885,  to  the  time  of  his  death,  August,  1887;  E.  F,  Rohan, 
January  to  February,  1888;  F.  B.  Doherty,  July,  1888,  to  Decem- 
ber, 1889;  J.  J.  Powers,  January,  1890,  to  December,  1892;  F.  A. 
Malloy,  December,  1892,  to  December,  1899;  and  the  Rev.  K.  P. 
Banks,  the  present  (1900)  curate,  since  January,  1899. 


HOLY  ROSARY  (ITALIAN)  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

In  order  to  accommodate  the  increasing  number  of  Italians  in 
Cleveland  (estimated  in  1890  at  about  3,000)  a  second  congrega- 
tion* was  organized  in  January,  1892,  composed  of  those  Italian 
families  living  east  of  Willson  avenue  and  in  the  neighborhood  of 
Lake  View^  Cemetery.  They  purchased  a  lot  in  April  of  the  same 
year  at  the  corner  of  Mayfield  and  East  End  avenues,  and  erected 
thereon  the  present  neat,  frame  church  at  a  cost  of  $6,500.  This 
building  was  begun  in  April  and  dedicated  on  the  20th  of  the 
November  following,  by  the  late  Rev.  F.  Westerholt,  delegated  by 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann. 

Until  the  church  was  ready  for  use  Mass  was  celebrated  in  a 
private  house,  from  October,  1891,  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  Stromia, 
v^ho  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor  of  the  new  congrega- 
tion. He  was  succeeded  in  October,  1893,  by  the  Rev.  Peter  Riva, 
who,  however,  remained  only  until  February,  1894,  owing  to  dififi- 
culties  that  had  been  caused  by  a  few  refractory  and  un-Catholic 
members  of  the  parish.  He  was  an  excellent,  zealous  priest  and 
deserved  better  treatment  at  the  hands  of  his  people  and  country- 
men than  they  accorded  him. 

Father  Riva's  successor  is  the  present  energetic  pastor,  the 


(*)    St.   Anthony's  Ralian   congregation,   Cleveland,    was  the  first  to  be  organized. 


212  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

Rev.  Anthony  Gibelli,  who  received  his  appointment  in  Fe1)ruary, 
1894.  Under  his  prudent  and  firm  direction,  Holy  Rosary  has 
been  steadily  progressing  in  spirituals  as  well  as  temporals.  An 
excellent  spirit  pervades  the  parish.  Pastor  and  flock  are  one  in 
sentiment ;  they  work  harmoniously  for  God  and  the  best  interests 
of  the  parish. 

In  1896  a  small  but  neat  pastoral  residence  was  erected  for 
about  $900.  It  adjoins  the  church  to  the  rear.  In  December, 
1894,  the  Ursuline  Sisters  opened  a  Sunday  School  under  the  most 
trying  difficulties;  but  one  short  year  told  what  might  be  done 
with  this  highly  gifted  people,  had  they  a  parish  school  at  their 
disposal.    Over  two  hundred  children  are  in  attendance. 

In  1896,  a  Sodality  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  was  can- 
onically  established,  and  the  meetings  are  well  attended.  The 
same  year  a  sewing  school  was  opened,  and  is  conducted  by  the 
Sisters  on  Saturdays.  Between  sixty  and  seventy  children,  from 
the  little  tot  of  five  years  to  the  young  lady,  learned  to  do  not  only 
plain  sewing,  but  to  make  their  own  dresses. 

To  the  Sunday  School  department  is  attached  a  small  library, 
the  result  of  the  children's  work.  It  is  hoped  that  its  volumes  will 
steadily  increase  in  numbers. 

Thus  far  the  congregation  has  not  been  financially  able  to 
support  a  parish  school. 


HOLY  TRINITY  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

Holy  Trinity  congregation,  composed  of  Germans  formerly 
identified  with  the  Holy  Family  parish — later  and  at  present 
known  as  St.  Edward's — was  organized  by  its  present  pastor,  the 
Rev.  Peter  Becker,  in  August,  1880.  The  separation  of  the 
German  families  from  the  Holy  Family  parish,  of  which  Father 
Becker  was  then  pastor,  had  been  approved  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  in 
December,  1879.  Bishop  Gilmour  authorized  Father  Becker  to 
secure  lots  for  a  church  site,  on  Woodland  avenue,  between  Gid- 
dings  avenue  and  Brown  street.  Two  lots  were  secured  on  May 
27,  1880,  for  $3,300.    On  one  of  these  lots  a  neat  two-storied  frame 


JiiiL\      JUIXITY    CHURCH   AXD    SCHOOLS,    CLEVELAND. 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  213 

school  house  was  built  and  fitted  up  in  the  summer  of  1880,  at  a 
cost  of  about  $3,000,  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  Ladies  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  as  teachers.  On  the  second  lot  a  frame 
church  (the  present  edifice)  was  begun  in  the  spring  of  1881. 
During  the  process  of  its  erection  the  congregation  had  services  in 
the  Chapel  of  St.  Joseph's  Asylum.  On  August  28,  1881,  the  new 
church  was  solemnly  dedicated  to  the  Most  Holy  Trinity  by  Bishop 
Gilmour.  The  church  is  a  very  neat  edifice,  45  feet  wide  by  108 
feet  in  length.  It  has  an  ornate  spire,  120  feet  high,  and  three  fine 
bells.  They  were  blessed  on  October  9,  1881.  The  interior  is 
tastily  frescoed,  and  is  furnished  with  three  handsome  altars.  The 
complete  edifice  cost  $6,000. 

Two  lots  located  at  the  corner  of  Woodland  avenue  and 
Brown  street,  to  serve  as  a  site  for  the  permanent  pastoral  resi- 
dence, were  bought  in  1882  for  $6,500,  and  on  Januar}^  19,  1889, 
an  additional  lot,  situate  between  Woodland  avenue  and  Brown 
street,  was  secured  at  a  cost  of  $4,500.  A  fine  pipe  organ,  costing 
$1,400,  was  bought  in  1886.  In  September,  1890,  a  neat  frame 
building,  of  one  story,  was  erected  to  serve  as  a  parish  hall. 
Two  years  later  the  church  was  re-frescoed  and  both  church  and 
school  were  repainted,  at  an  expense  of  $1,000.  In  May,  1893, 
the  present  handsome  pastoral  residence,  built  of  stone,  was  com- 
menced, and  finished  a  year  later.  It  cost  $14,000,  and  is  con- 
sidered one  of  the  best  appointed  buildings  of  its  kind  in  the 
diocese.  In  1898  the  frame  parish  buildings  were  again  reno- 
vated, stone  flagging  sidewalks  laid,  and  a  neat  iron  fence  along 
the  Woodland  avenue  front  of  the  elegant  church  property  erected, 
at  a  cost  of  over  $2,000.  The  congregation  of  Holy  Trinity  is 
entirely  out  of  debt,  although  it  received  not  a  dollar  from  the 
mother  parish,  when  the  separation  took  place. 

In  September,  1899,  the  Ursuline  Sisters  took  charge  of  the 
schools,  and  have  since  kept  them  up  to  the  high  standard  which 
they  attained  during  the  time  they  were  in  charge  of  the  Ladies  of 
the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary. 

Spiritually  and  temporally  the  parish  is  in  a  very  flourishing 
condition.  Later  on,  when  means  will  permit,  a  permanent  church 
and  school  will  be  erected  to  replace  the  present  temporary  struc- 
tures. 


214  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

The  parish  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  in  Cleveland  was 
established  by  Bishop  Rappe  in  1SC5.  For  ten  years  before  that 
time  Mass  had  been  said  every  Sunday  for  the  few  Catholics  in  the 
neighborhood  in  a  very  modest  little  frame  building,  known  at  one 
time  as  the  Church  of  the  Nativity.  Away  back  in  the  early  fifties 
this  little  structure  had  been  moved  from  the  rear  of  the  Cathedral 
to  the  site  of  the  future  parish  church.  In  its  new  position  it  lost 
its  former  name,  and  became  known  as  the  Church  of  the  Immacu- 
late Conception.  In  this  low-roofed,  narrow,  ill-lighted  building, 
with  a  capacity  to  seat  about  two  hundred  people,  the  pioneers  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception  parish  worshipped  God  for  fifteen 
years.  They  were  few,  but  earnest.  Their  rugged  faith  did  not 
stop  to  consider  the  inconvenience  of  unpaved  streets  and  un- 
fiagged  sidewalks  in  their  thankfulness  for  having  a  roof,  though 
humble,  under  which  to  worship  God.  Their  names  should  ever 
be  held  in  benediction.  Among  them,  James  Watson,  Owen 
Doran,  Henry  McGann,  Daniel  Mulcahy,  Thomas  O'Reilly, 
Patrick  Fennell,  Thomas  Mahar,  Denis  Mulcahy,  Thomas  Maher, 
Donald  McDonald,  Andrew  McNally,  Myles  Gibbons,  Timothy 
Dineen,  Denis  Sheridan,  and  a  few  others,  nearly  all  of  whom  have 
gone  to  their  rest,  deserve  special  remembrance.  Nor  did  the 
church  stand  long  alone.  With  that  zeal  for  Christian  education 
which  marked  his  whole  career,  Bishop  Rappe  erected  under  the 
same  roof  two  school  rooms,  into  which  the  children  of  the  vicinity 
were  gathered  and  taught  by  the  Ursuline  Sisters,  as  they  are  now, 
from  the  very  inception  of  the  future  parish.  For  ten  years  the 
church  was  attended  by  the  priests  of  the  Cathedral  and  the 
Seminary. 

Under  the  watchful  care  of  the  good,  old  missionary  Bishop, 
Dr.  Rappe,  the  little  congregation  grew  steadily.  In  1865  it  was 
given  a  resident  pastor  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  Andrew 
Sauvadet,  who  had  just  arrived  in  Cleveland  from  Canada.  He 
worked  zealously  in  the  formation  of  the  parish,  built  a 
comfortable  brick  residence,  also  a  school  building,  which  still 
stands.  In  September,  1870,  Father  Sauvadet  was  transferred 
to  the  Church  of  the  Annunciation  on  Hurd  street,  and  was  sue- 


IMMACULATE   CONCEPTION  CHURCH   AND  PASTORAL  RESIDENCE,  CLEVELAND. 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  215 

ceeded  by  the  Rev.  T.  P.  Thorpe,  who  in  the  early  part  of  October, 
ISTO,  became  the  second  resident  pastor  of  the  church. 

In  the  struggle  of  its  first  five  years,  the  new  congregation 
had  accumulated  a  debt  of  $14,000.  It  had  a  schoolhouse  and  a 
pastoral  residence,  but  no  church,  and  little  wealth  to  build  one. 
The  first  work  of  the  new  pastor  was  to  pay  the  debt.  His  next 
move  was  to  build  a  temporary  frame  structure,  capable  of  seating 
nine  hundred  people.  Meanwhile  the  idea  of  erecting  a  magnifi- 
cent stone  church  was  conceived  and  matured.  Within  the  follow- 
ing three  years  the  parish  sustained  the  loss  of  about  eighty  faithful 
families  and  all  the  territory  between  Sterling  avenue  and  Lawrence 
street.  Before  leaving  for  Rome,  in  the  fall  of  1869,  Bishop  Rappe 
had  expressed  a  purpose  of  building  a  school  and  chapel  for  young 
children  and  very  old  people  in  the  neighborhood  of  Minnesota 
or  Oliver  street.  This  resolve  the  Very  Rev.  Administrator 
Hannin  pushed  further,  in  1871,  by  the  formation  of  a  new  parish 
(St.  Columbkille's),  including  all  the  territory  between  North 
Perry  and  Lawrence  streets.  The  proposed  parish  failed  for  the 
time  being,  but  the  Immaculate  Conception  continued  to  be 
the  loser.  But  there  still  remained  in  the  parish  one  hundred 
and  seventy-five  families — poor,  but  united  and  enthusiastic. 
Accordingly,  on  the  Feast  of  the  Assumption,  1873,  the  corner- 
stone of  the  grand  structure  was  solemnly  blessed  and  laid 
by  Bishop  Gilmour,  in  the  presence  of  a  vast  multitude,  composed 
of  all  races  and  denominations.  The  building — one  hundred  and 
seventy-six  by  seventy-three  feet  in  the  main  and  eighty-five  feet 
in  the  transept,  a  clere-story  with  apex  of  nave  eighty-three  feet 
from  the  floor  and  two  flanking  spires,  respectively  two  hundred 
and  fifty  feet  and  two  hundred  feet  in  height — promised  to  be 
worthy  of  the  faith  to  be  preached  within  it.  Another  duty, 
besides  that  owed  to  the  parish,  was  enjoined  on  the  pastor  by  the 
Bishop  before  leaving  for  Europe.  It  was  the  editorship  of  the 
Catholic  Universe,  the  discharge  of  whose  onerous  and  exacting 
duties  detracted  somewhat  from  the  progress  of  the  building. 
Nevertheless,  the  work  went  steadily  on  until  the  side  walls,  the 
apse  and  the  towers  arose  seventeen  feet  above  the  water  table. 

The  congregation,  now  increased  to  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  families,  had  collected  and  expended  in  payment  of  its  debts, 


2l(;  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

on  the  new  building,  in  tlie  erection  of  the  temporary  church,  in 
current  expenses  and  in  incidental  improvements,  over  $G6,000  in 
six  years.  In  June,  1876,  there  was  a  change  of  pastors.  Father 
Thorpe  was  called  to  the  pastorship  of  the  Cathedral,  much  to  his 
regret,  and  the  Rev.  A.  R.  Sidley  was  brought  from  Lima  to  con- 
tinue the  work  he  had  begun.  The  change  was  not  pleasing  to  the 
congregation,  and  it  manifested  its  displeasure  by  becoming  less 
senerous  than  it  had  been.  The  whole  debt  of  the  congregation, 
when  the  change  of  pastors  occurred,  was  only  a  few  hundred 
dollars,  and  yet,  for  various  reasons,  the  new  pastor  deemed  it 
prudent  to  partially  suspend  the  work  for  nearly  four  years,  and 
then  only  resumed  it  at  the  loss  of  the  clere-story,  the  massive 
columns,  the  heavy  cut-stone  arches  and  the  magnificent  propor- 
tions of  the  interior. 

But  time  demanded  energy.  The  temporary  building,  erected 
in  1872,  needed  repairs.  The  congregation  was  rapidly  growing 
in  numbers,  and  better  church  accommodations  was  the  cry. 
Accordingly,  in  the  autumn  of  1880,  a  public  meeting  of  the  con- 
gregation was  held,  and  both  pastor  and  people  resolved  that  a  loan 
be  made  and  work,  according  to  the  changed  plans,  be  resumed  the 
following  spring.  Two  years  later  found  the  old  structure  de- 
molished, the  new  church  enclosed  and  the  basement  used  as  a 
temporary  chapel.  Meanwhile  another  loan  was  efifected,  and  with 
it  the  church  was  plastered,  and  provided  with  temporary  altar  and 
stained  glass  windows.  The  anxiously-awaited  day  had  come,  and 
on  Sunday,  the  31st  of  May,  1885,  the  Immaculate  Conception 
Church  was  solemnly  dedicated  to  Almighty  God  by  Mgr.  F.  M. 
Bofif,  administrator  of  the  diocese  in  the  absence  of  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Bishop  Gilmour,  then  in  Europe. 

During  those  years  the  congregation  had  grown  apace.  Iron 
mills  had  been  multiplied  and  factories  of  various  kinds  spread 
themselves  along  the  lake  shore.  Good  wages  rewarded  labor  and 
money  became  plentiful.  The  debt  on  the  church  was  reduced  by 
several  thousand  dollars,  but  yet  $2-1,000  remained  as  a  lien.  The 
old  pastoral  residence  had  become  damp  and  unhealthy.  To  pro- 
vide a  new  one,  the  debt  and  the  completion  of  the  edifice  were  put 
aside.  The  house  was  built  at  a  cost  of  $16,000.  Father  Sidley 
look  possession  in  March,  1892.     He  had  just  recovered  from  a 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  217 

severe  attack  of  typhoid  fever  and  had  lost  much  of  his  energy.  He 
A\as  entirely  relieved  from  all  parochial  work  and  care  by  his  faith- 
ful assistants,  the  Revs.  George  F.  Murphy,  D.  D.,  and  Patrick 
Shea.  Medical  aid  was  always  at  hand,  but  his  hour  had  come,  and 
he  peacefully  sank  to  rest  on  Saturday,  the  14th  of  October,  1893. 
He  was  buried  with  honor,  and  blessed  by  the  tears  of  his  people, 
on  the  18th  day  of  the  same  month,  and  immediately  found  a  suc- 
cessor in  the  person  of  his  predecessor,  Mgr.  T.  P.  Thorpe,  who, 
after  serving  the  Cathedral  as  pastor  for  eighteen  years,  was,  at  his 
own  request,  kindly  sent  back  to  his  old  charge  by  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Bishop  Horstmann,  on  the  11th  of  November,  1893. 

Looking  around  the  new  pastor  found  that  the  features  of  the 
congregation  had  entirely  changed.  The  old  mills  had  disappeared 
and  given  place  to  others  far  greater  and  more  varied  in  their  pro- 
ductions. But  at  that  time  the  busy  hum  of  industry  was  silent. 
Hundreds  of  willing  workmen  walked  the  streets  in  idleness.  Hard 
times  had  set  in.  A  debt  of  $32,000  rested  on  the  congregation, 
the  church  was  unfinished  and  many  necessary  repairs  and  im- 
provements pressed  for  attention.  The  people  were  apathetic, 
heartless  and  slow  to  be  moved.  Nothing  daunted,  the  pastor 
went  earnestly  and  immediately  to  work.  The  old  school  building 
was  condemned  as  unsafe  and  unfit  for  use.  This  condemnation 
was  removed  by  rebuilding  the  sustaining  walls  and  arranging  the 
interior,  so  that  the  rooms  and  halls  could  be  emptied  in  a  few 
minutes.  New  altars  were  placed  in  the  chancel  of  the  church. 
The  interior  was  frescoed  and  entirely  renovated.  Massive  oak- 
framed  Stations  were  put  in  position  and  rich  statuary  added  to 
the  grace  of  the  sanctuary.  All  this  was  the  work  of  the 
dull  years  between  1893  and  1896.  The  intention  of  building 
two  flanking,  tapering  spires  was  changed,  and  in  1898  a  massive 
campanile  of  cut  stone  and  rock-faced  work,  149  feet  8  inches 
high  was  built.  In  1899  a  chime  of  eleven  bells  found  place  in 
that  tower.  In  1900  the  clock  tower,  of  the  same  material  and 
architecture,  was  erected.  The  whole  cost  of  the  improvements, 
including  the  interior  ornamentation  of  the  church,  was  $31,000, 
together  with  which  over  $27,000  have  been  paid  on  the  church 
debt,  within  the  past  seven  years.  Looking  back  to  1865,  we  find 
the  Immaculate  Conception  starting  on  its  road  of  progress  with 


218  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

a  hundred  families,  poor,  but  generous,  and  blessed  with  a  strong- 
faith.  In  1871  it  lost  a  large  territory,  now  an  important  part  of 
the  recently  resuscitated  parish  of  St.  Columbkille,  and  with  it 
almost  as  many  families  as  it  had  gained  in  the  first  five  years  of 
its  existence.  In  1893,  St.  Agnes'  parish  was  organized,  and  the 
Immaculate  Conception  was  again  called  on  to  relinquish  to  the 
new  congregation  a  large  strip  of  territory,  not  thickly  populated, 
it  is  true,  but  nearly  a  mile  wide  and  two  and  a  half  miles  in  length. 
In  1898,  St.  Thomas  Aquinas'  parish  came  into  existence  and  was 
entirely  composed,  both  territory  and  people,  of  what  belonged 
to  the  Immaculate  Conception  before  its  formation.  The  people 
of  Glenville,  receiving  little  benefit  from  the  new  church,  demanded 
a  pastor  of  their  own. 

The  mission  of  St.  Aloysius,  to  be  taken  off  St.  Thomas 
Aquinas'  parish,  will  be  formed  on  territory  formerly  belonging 
to  this  church.  In  the  formation  of  these  new  parishes  and  the 
recalled  activity  of  the  old  ones,  the  Immaculate  Conception  is 
now  well  circumscribed.  But  she  has  still  the  spirit  of  life  strong 
within  her. 

Among  the  priests  who  served  the  parish  as  assistants,  the 
name  of  Father  James  Quinn  deserves  special  mention.  He  was 
appointed  in  November,  1893,  and  was  a  faithful,  hard-working 
coadjutor  to  the  present  pastor  for  five  years.  Before  him  in  a  part 
of  1891  and  1892,  the  Revs.  John  Hannan  and  James  H.  Halligan 
were  the  earnest,  painstaking  assistants  of  Father  Sidley.  At  a 
later  date,  the  Rev.  G.  F.  Murphy,  D.  D.,  and  the  Rev.  Patrick 
Shea  were  the  efficient  assistants  of  Father  Sidley  at  the  time  of 
his  death.  After  Father  Quinn,  the  Rev.  R.  B.  Doyle  served  the 
parish  for  a  year.  The  Revs.  Thomas  A.  Quinn  and  John  Mclner- 
ney  are  now  the  assistants.  Nor  can  the  Fathers  of  the  Society  of 
Jesus  be  forgotten.  They,  brave  sons  of  Loyola,  always  ready  to 
lend  their  assistance,  aided  the  present  pastor  for  seven  years. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  219 

OUR  LADY  OF  LOURDES'  (T30HEMIAN)  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

The  congregation  of  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes'  was  organized 
by  dividing  St.  Wenceslas'  congregation  in  the  year  1883.  The 
Rev.  Stephen  Furdek  was  appointed  its  first  pastor,  and  had 
charge  until  July  4,  1883,  when  he  was  assigned  to  St.  Prokop's 
Church,  Cleveland.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  Thomas  Schnei- 
der, O.  F.  M.,  until  February  10,  1884,  when  Father  Furdek  again 
took  charge  of  the  parish.  The  first  church  was  built  in  the  year 
1883.  It  was  a  frame  building,  100  x  40  feet,  and  by  direction  of 
Bishop  Gilmour  was  arranged  for  church  and  school  purposes. 
The  building  cost  about  $4,000.  On  the  15th  of  April,  1883,  it  was 
completed.  On  May  27th  following  it  was  dedicated  by  Bishop 
Gilmour.  The  parochial  school  was  opened  at  the  same  time,  with 
an  attendance  of  200  pupils,  the  number  of  which  grew  within  one 
month  to  400.  Since  its  opening  the  school  has  been  conducted 
by  the  Notre  Dame  Sisters,  of  Cleveland.  Soon  it  was  apparent 
that  another  building  had  to  be  provided  for  school  purposes,  as 
the  existing  school  rooms  were  overcrowded.  In  October,  1884, 
the  new  building  was  ready  for  use,  and  at  once  200  children  took 
possession  of  it.  A  part  of  the  building  was  fitted  up  for  the 
residence  of  the  Sisters  connected  with  the  schools.  In  1886 
another  frame  school  building,  containing  four  rooms,  was  erected 
in  the  rear  of  the  pastoral  residence.  In  addition  to  these  rooms 
others  had  to  be  rented,  to  accommodate  the  increasing  number  of 
the  school  children. 

In  1890  it  was  determined  by  the  pastor  and  congregation 
to  erect  a  brick  church,  as  the  frame  structure  had  become  much 
too  small.  Three  lots,  fronting  on  Randolph  street,  were  bought 
during  that  year,  for  the  site  of  the  proposed  new  church.  It  was 
commenced  in  1891,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Bofif,  the  Administrator  of 
.  the  diocese,  laying  the  corner-stone  on  July  19,  The  church,  a 
handsome  Gothic  edifice,  84  x  178  feet,  with  two  spires,  was 
brought  under  roof,  and  used  for  the  first  time  on  Christmas,  1891. 
It  continued  to  be  used  in  its  interiorly  unfinished  condition  for 
two  years,  when  it  was  plastered,  frescoed,  adorned  with  stained 
glass  windows,  and  furnished  with  beautiful  altars,  statues,  etc.     It 


220  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

cost  v'fiSO.OUO,  and  ranks  with  the  largest  and  best  appointed 
churches  of  the  diocese. 

In  1897  the  frame  pastoral  residence  was  considerably 
enlarg-cd  and  thus  made  to  serve  its  purpose  admirably. 

Father  Furdek  finding  the  work  connected  with  his  large 
parish,  of  over  800  families,  beyond  his  strength,  asked  for  an 
assistant.  Bishop  Horstmann  granted  his  request  by  sending 
him,  in  January,  1899,  as  a  co-laborer,  the  Rev.  John  W.  Becka. 
Although  the  parish  debt  is  considerable,  there  is  a  splendid 
church  property  to  show  for  it,  and  as  it  is  within  easy  grasp,  it 
will  be  cancelled  in  a  very  few  years. 

A  sad  event  is  to  be  recorded,  which  happened  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  congregation  and  which  almost  dispersed  its  members : 

In  July,  1883,  the  pastor.  Rev.  S.  Furdek,  was  removed  to 
St.  Prokop's  Church,  Cleveland.  To  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes' 
Church  was  assigned,  as  his  successor,  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Koudelka. 
The  congregation,  excited  by  a  few  malcontents,  refused  to 
acknowledge  Father  Koudeika's  appointment,  and  prevented  him 
from  entering  the  church  and  saying  Mass.  They  insisted  on  the 
return  of  their  former  pastor,  the  Rev.  S.  Furdek.  The  congrega- 
tion continuing  its  disobedience.  Bishop  Gilmour  ordered  the 
church  closed.  Fortunately  the  people  soon  acknowledged  their 
error  and  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  sent  the  Rev.  Thomas  Schneider, 
O.  F.  M.,  to  the  penitent  congregation.  As  stated  above,  Father 
Furdek,  the  present  pastor,  was  sent  back  on  February  10,  1884. 
Since  then  peace,  harmony  and  good  will  have  continued  undis- 
turbed. 


SACRED  HEART  OF  JESUS'  (POLISH)  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

Between  1885  and  1889  a  large  number  of  Poles  settled  in 
South  Cleveland,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Brecksville  road  and 
Harvard  street.  They  lived  at  too  great  distance  from  St.  Stanislas' 
Church  to  make  it  convenient  for  them  to  attend  Mass  there,  as 
also  for  their  children  to  attend  the  parish  school.  They  therefore 
petitioned  Bishop  Gilmour  for  permission  to  form  a  new  parish  and 
build  a  church  for  their  own  use.     The  petition  was  granted,  and 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  221 

the  pastor  of  St.  Stanislas'  was  authorized  to  secure  a  church  site, 
which  he  did  in  the  summer  of  18S9,  although  the  deed  was  given 
a  few  months  later — October  15,  1889.  The  property  (315  by  259 
feet)  was  secured  at  a  cost  of  $2,500.  It  is  located  at  the  corner  of 
Krakau  street  and  Brecksville  road.  Shortly  after  the  property  was 
secured,  a  combination  frame  church  and  school  was  begun,  the 
corner-stone  for  which  was  laid  on  Sunday,  September  29,  1889, 
by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G.  In  December  of  the  same  year  the 
church  was  used  for  the  first  time.  It  was  dedicated  on  Sunday, 
June  2,  1890,  by  Mgr.  Boff,  who  also  blessed  the  church  bell  on  the 
same  day.  The  church,  with  pews,  altars,  etc.,  cost  about  $15,000. 
The  upper  story  is  used  for  divine  worship  and  the  lower  story 
serves  as  a  school,  divided  into  three  rooms.  The  school  is  attended 
by  two  hundred  pupils,  taught  by  Felician  Sisters,  of  Detroit,  who 
have  had  charge  since  its  opening,  in  the  spring  of  1890.  The 
church  was  attended  from  St.  Stanislas'  as  a  mission  until  the 
appointment  of  the  Rev.  M.  F.  Orzechowski  as  first  resident  pastor, 
August  6,  1891.  During  this  year  a  neat  pastoral  residence  was 
built  at  a  cost  of  about  $2,000,  and  in  1892  a  substantial  fence  was 
put  around  the  entire  church  property.  Father  Orzechowski  left 
in  July,  1893,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  James  Kula, 
December  22,  1893,  the  parish  having  been  attended  meanwhile 
from  St.  Stanislas'  Church.  He  became  discouraged,  owing  to  the 
parish  debt,  and  a  want  of  correspondence  with  his  well-intended 
efforts  on  the  part  of  some  of  his  parishioners.     He  left  July  10, 

1895,  and  was  immediately  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Paul  Cwiakala, 
who  in  a  very  short  time  gained  the  love  and  confidence  of  his 
people.  During  1896  a  fine  organ  and  an  elegant  baptismal  font 
were  secured — the  former  the  gift  of  a  church  society,  the 
latter  donated  by  a  parishioner.  The  pews  were  also  repainted 
and  a  good  supply  of  church  vestments,  etc.,  was  bought.  As 
Father  Cwiakala's  health  was  failing,  Bishop  Horstmann  per- 
mitted him  to  go  to  Europe  for  three  months — July  to  September, 

1896,  during  which  time  his  place  was  supplied  by  the  Rev. 
L.  Kisielewiecz,  a  professor  in  the  Polish  seminary  at  Detroit. 
On  his  return  from  Europe,  Father  Cwiakala  reassumed  pastoral 
charge  of  the  parish.  For  nearly  three  years — till  July,  1899 — he 
labored  faithfully  and  zealously  for  the  best  interests  of  the  people, 
and  in  consequence  overtaxed  his  strength.     Again  he  was  obliged 


222  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

to  ask  for  a  period  of  rest,  to  recuperate.  He  was  gTanted  a  leave 
of  absence,  and  left  for  Europe  and  Rome  in  July,  1 899,  where  he 
is  at  present  (December,  1900).  The  Rev.  Francis  Wegrsznowski 
was  given  temporary  charge  of  the  parish,  and  in  July,  1900,  was 
succeeded  by  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  Victor  Szyrocki. 
The  parish  is  in  excellent  condition.  Although  its  members  are 
entirely  of  the  laboring  class,  they  contribute  generously  of  their 
earnings  to  the  support  of  church  and  school. 


ST.  ADALBERT'S  (BOHEMIAN)  CHURCH. 

CLEVELAND. 

The  large  number  of  Catholic  Bohemians  in  the  eastern 
section  of  the  city  made  it  necessary  to  form  another  (the  fourth) 
congregation  of  that  nationality.  The  first  step  in  that  direction 
was  to  secure  a  proper  church  site.  This  was  done  June  5,  1882, 
by  the  Rev.  Anthony  Hynek,  pastor  of  St.  Wenceslas'  Church,  to 
which  these  people  belonged.  He  bought  one  lot,  50  by  185  feet, 
fronting  on  Lincoln  avenue,  the  purchase  price  being  $750.  In 
the  following  year  a  frame  combination  church  and  school,  30  by 
60  feet,  was  built  thereon,  at  a  cost  of  $1,900.  The  parish  school 
was  opened  in  February,  1884.  In  January,  1885,  another  lot 
adjoining  the  first  was  purchased  for  $800,  although  the  deed  was 
given  in  1886.  At  the  close  of  the  year  the  debt  of  the  mission 
church  was  but  $1,350.  The  steadily  increasing  attendance  at 
school  necessitated  an  enlargement  of  the  building.  This  was  done 
in  1887,  by  adding  a  tower,  and  a  gallery  for  the  choir,  thus 
affording  at  the  same  time  more  room  in  that  part  of  the  edifice, 
which  served  as  a  temporary  church,  and  making  the  dimensions 
30  by  78  feet.  A  six  hundred  pound  church  bell  was  also  bought, 
besides  a  good  supply  of  altar  and  church  furnishings  for  divine 
service,  some  of  which  were  donated  by  St.  Wenceslas'  congrega- 
tion. July  14,  1888,  a  third  lot,  with  a  frame  building  on  it,  was 
purchased  for  $1,880,  to  serve  as  the  future  pastoral  residence. 

On  September  IG,  1888,  services  were  held  for  the  first  time  in 
the  considerably  enlarged  edifice,  which  was  also  blessed  by  Bishop 
Gilmour  on  Sunday,  October  14,  of  the  same  year. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  223 

In  1889  a  very  neat  set  of  stations  was  secured,  and  the  interior 
of  the  building  and  the  surrounding-  grounds  were  much  improved. 

The  fourth  lot,  with  two  frame  buildings  on  it,  was  bought 
February  27,  1890,  for  $2,200.  One  of  the  buildings  was  fitted  up 
as  a  residence  for  the  Notre  Dame  Sisters,  who  took  charge  of  the 
parish  school. 

The  Rev.  John  W.  Malecha,  now  in  charge  of  the  parish,  was 
appointed  as  the  first  resident  pastor  June,  1891,  although,  as 
assistant  at  St.  Wenceslas'  Church,  he  had  regularly  attended  St. 
Adalbert's  since  September,  1888.  Shortly  after  taking  charge  of 
the  parish.  Father  Malecha  had  the  other  building  transformed 
into  an  additional  school,  to  accommodate  the  increasing  number 
of  pupils. 

In  October,  1891,  the  Sisters'  house  and  the  last  mentioned 
school  were  moved  to  the  rear  of  the  lot.  to  make  room  for  the 
contemplated  new  school  building.  This  was  accomplished  in 
1892,  at  a  cost  of  $6,000.  The  building  is  a  handsome  two-story 
frame  structure,  35  by  100  feet,  and  contains  six  airy,  bright  school 
rooms,  cloak  rooms  and  all  the  modern  appliances  for  ventilation, 
heating,  etc. 

The  new  and  attractive  looking  school  house  was  solemnly 
blessed  on  Sunday,  August  21,  1892,  by  Mgr.  Bof¥,  V.  G.  It  was 
a  gala  day  for  the  members  of  St.  Adalbert's  congregation,  whose 
generosity  made  it  possible  to  erect  the  handsome  building  that 
was  now  to  replace  the  temporary  structure  of  the  past  few  years. 

Owing  to  the  hard  times  and  consequent  lack  of  funds  nothing 
material  was  done  during  the  following  four  years  beyond  painting 
the  interior  of  the  church,  and  paying  ofi.  some  of  the  parish  debt. 
In  1897  the  interior  of  the  church  was  again  painted  and  bright- 
ened up,  as  it  had  become  begrimed  owing  to  the  soot-laden 
atmosphere  of  Cleveland.  During  the  same  year  also  other 
necessary  improvements  were  made,  so  that  at  present  all  the 
church  property  is  in  excellent  condition.  The  debt  is  also  con- 
siderably reduced,  and  with  improved  times  it  will  be  wiped  out  in 
a  year  or  two.  Then  steps  will  be  taken  to  replace  the  present 
frame  church  with  a  brick  structure,  that  will  be  an  ornament  to 
the  city  and  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 


224  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

ST.  AGNES'  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

Prior  to  the  year  1893,  the  scattered  Cathohcs  hving  in  the 
part  of  Cleveland  called  the  East  End,  belonged  to  the  parishes  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception  and  St.  Edward.  The  great  distance 
to  these  churches  forced  many,  who  wished  to  attend  Mass,  to  go 
to  one  of  the  "down  town"  churches,  which  they  could  more  easily 
reach  by  street  cars,  than  the  churches  to  which  they  belonged. 
This  fact  soon  taught  them  the  necessity  of  establishing  a  parish 
of  their  own. 

The  work  of  finding  out  the  number  of  Catholics  and  bringing 
the  matter  to  the  attention  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  was  inaugurated 
by  the  women  of  the  parish,  and  whatever  honor  is  due  to  the  zeal 
and  courage  necessary  to  undertake  and  prosecute  a  work  so  dear 
to  God  and  so  beneficial  to  souls,  belongs  largely  to  them.  Subse- 
quently some  of  the  men  held  meetings  at  their  homes,  to  which 
they  invited  all  who  were  interested  in  the  w^ork.  Tow-ards  the 
close  of  the  year  1888,  some  meetings  were  held,  by  the  courtesy 
of  the  Rev.  John  W.  Malecha,  in  the  school  house  of  St.  Adalbert's 
Church,  on  Lincoln  avenue.  The  meetings  resulted  in  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  delegation  to  wait  on  Bishop  Gilmour.  The  Bishop 
received  them  kindly,  but  recommended  a  thorough  canvass  of  the 
territory,  to  learn  the  number  of  Catholics  and  the  amount  of 
material  support  that  might  be  relied  upon.  Before  the  w^ork  w^as 
completed,  the  long  illness  of  the  Bishop,  that  culminated  in  his 
death,  made  it  impossible  to  submit  the  result  of  their  investigation, 
and  the  Bishop's  untimely  death  cut  ofif  all  consideration  of  it. 
Shortly  after  the  installation  of  the  present  Bishop,  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Ignatius  F.  Horstmann,  D.  D.,  he  was  asked  to  give  the  project 
favorable  consideration.  The  ladies  again  took  the  initiative  and 
three  of  their  number  indited  a  petition,  setting  forth  the  pressing 
needs  of  the  East  End,  and  praying  for  a  priest  and  parish  of  their 
own.  This  letter,  dated  May  IT,  1892,  was  answered  May  30,  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  heartily  approving  the  project,  but  insisting  on 
some  positive  data  with  regard  to  the  number  of  Catholics  living 
within  the  territory  in  question,  and  their  willingness  to  contribute 
towards  the  w^ork  in  contemplation.  Meetings  were  again 
resumed  at  St.  Adalbert's  school,  on  Lincoln  avenue,  this  time 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  225 

under  the  zealous  and  able  management  of  the  Rev.  Wm. 
McMahon,  pastor  of  St.  Bridget's  Church.  A  large  number 
attended  these  meetings.  The  East  End  was  again  canvassed  and 
subscriptions  secured.  Father  McMahon.  at  the  head  of  a  com- 
mittee of  gentlemen,  called  on  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  in  October. 

1892,  gave  him  the  required  pledges,  and  received  the  promise  of 
a  pastor.  Nothing  further  was  heard  of  the  matter  until  the  public 
press  announcement  that  a  lot  had  been  purchased  February  1, 

1893,  on  the  southwest  corner  of  Euclid  and  Hillburn  avenues,  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  spots  in  the  city.  On  the  29th  of  April,  of  the 
same  year,  the  Rev.  Gilbert  P.  Jennings,  for  nine  years  pastor  of 
Conneaut  and  Jefferson,  was  appointed  to  organize  the  new  parish. 

The  plans  of  the  temporary  church  and  school  were  submitted 
and  accepted.  On  May  17,  contracts  were  signed  and  the  work 
begun  and  vigorously  prosecuted.  The  frame  building,  consisting 
of  a  neat  church,  with  school  forming  transept  in  the  rear,  was  near 
enough  completion  to  have  Mass  in  it  on  Sunday,  September  3, 
1893.  Father  Jennings  was  celebrant  of  the  Mass.  The  church, 
completely  equipped  with  neat  altars,  pews,  carpets,  etc.,  was 
dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann,  on  Sunday,  September  24,  1893. 

The  new  parish  was  placed  under  the  patronage  of  the  glorious 
virgin  and  martyr,  Saint  Agnes.  The  question  of  parish  lines 
excited  no  little  interest ;  but  after  a  meeting  of  the  Bishop  and  his 
council,  at  which  the  parishes  interested  were  duly  represented, 
the  lines  were  officially  defined  on  July  17,  1893,  as  follows:  "Be- 
ginning at  a  point  on  the  east  line  of  the  city  limits,  which  is 
touched  by  an  air  line  extension  of  Central  avenue ;  thence  along 
said  air  line  to  Central  avenue ;  thence  along  Central  avenue  to 
Clarkwood,  north  on  an  air  line  to  Dunham  avenue ;  thence  along 
Dunham  avenue  to  Wade  Park  avenue ;  thence  along  Wade  Park 
avenue  to  the  city  limits." 

In  August,  1893,  work  was  begun  on  a  neat  and  commodious 
priest's  house,  which  was  ready  for  occupancy  November  12,  1893. 

The  lots  on  Euclid  avenue,  176  by  250  feet,  were  purchased 
for  $27,400.  The  church  and  school  and  priest's  house,  including 
furniture,  cost  $13,000.  The  parish  schools  were  opened 
September  4,  1894,  under  the  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph. 

One  year  after  the  church  was  dedicated,  it  was  found  to  be 
too  small  to  accommodate  the  growing  condition  of  the  parish. 


226  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

and  permission  was  obtained  to  enlarge  it.  Contracts  were  signed 
November  13,  1894,  and  although  the  work  was  carried  on  into 
the  winter,  the  building  was  enclosed,  plastered,  and  woodwork 
completed  for  Christmas.  The  church  was  enlarged  by  cutting  it 
in  two  and  moving  the  rear  back  forty  feet,  and  building  a  transept, 
40  by  64  feet,  thus  increasing  the  seating  capacity  from  450  to 
nearly  900. 

In  August,  1895,  the  lot.  80  by  250  feet,  adjoining  St.  Agnes' 
on  the  west,  was  purchased  for  $10,000.  If  the  future  needs  of 
the  parish  require  it,  this  is  also  to  become  part  of  the  parish 
property. 

Contracts  were  signed  May  26,  1898,  for  a  substantial  power 
house.  The  building,  with  steam  plant  for  heating  the  church, 
school  and  house,  was  completed  about  November  1,  1898.  This 
brick  structure  is  the  first  of  the  permanent  buildings  to  mark  the 
growth  and  importance  of  this  young  parish. 

Among  many  active  and  generous  supporters  of  St.  Agnes' 
since  its  organization,  the  councilmen  of  the  parish,  Messrs.  Joseph 
W.  Mason,  William  A.  Byrne,  William  A.  Banks  and  Jeremiah 
T.  Murphy,  are  worthy  of  special  mention. 

The  first  resident  assistant,  the  Rev.  Charles  H.  Gardner,  was 
appointed  February  15,  1900.  On  June  15,  of  the  same  year,  he 
was  given  pastoral  charge  of  Harrisburg  and  mission,  where  the 
appointment  of  a  pastor  who  could  speak  French  was  imperative. 
On  June  24,  1900,  the  Rev.  Patrick  J.  Quinn  succeeded  Father 
Gardner  as  assistant.  Bishop  Horstmann  purchased  a  lot,  fronting 
80  feet  on  Euchd  Avenue,  by  250  feet  on  East  Madison  avenue, 
also  a  lot  (50  feet)  on  East  Madison,  for  $18,500.  This  gives  a 
frontage  to  the  church  property  of  336  feet  on  Euclid  avenue,  with 
an  average  depth  of  nearly  300.  At  the  time  of  this  purchase, 
in  February,  1900,  the  parish  bought  a  lot  of  100  feet  on  East 
Madison,  to  be  used  for  the  school  building,  of  stone,  and  to  be 
started  about  July  1,  1901. 

From  the  beginning  the  people  of  St.  Agnes'  parish  were 
taught  to  give  their  means,  or  to  withhold  them,  as  they  thought 
God  worthy  of  them,  or  not.  As  a  consequence,  no  name  of  any 
donor,  however  generous,  has  been  taken  down  at  collections,  or 
publicly  read  out.     The  pastor  has  not  been  required  to  go  from 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  227 

house  to  house  for  subscriptions,   but  in   answer  to   an   annual 
written  appeal  his  parishioners  bring  their  offerings  to  him. 

Whenever  the  rubrics  permit  it,  the  altars  of  St.  Agnes'  are 
beautiful  and  fragrant  with  fresh  flowers,  the  offerings  of  generous 
lovers  of  the  Eucharistic  Christ.  No  artificial  flowers  have  ever 
found  place  within  its  sanctuary.  The  policy  that  has  directed  and 
fostered  this  generosity,  is  a  matter  of  pride  for  both  pastor  and 
people. 

ST.  ALOYSIUS'  MISSION  (GLENVILLE), 

CLEVELAND. 

The  population  of  Glenville,  located  in  the  immediate  suburbs 
of  Cleveland,  and  practically  a  part  of  the  city,  has  been  largely 
affected  of  late  by  the  rapid  growth  of  the  eastern  section  of  Cleve- 
land. Bordering  on  the  beautiful  Boulevard,  and  but  a  short 
distance  south  of  the  lake,  its  charming  surroundings  and  pure 
atmosphere  offer  every  inducement  to  home-seekers. 

Until  the  organization  of  St.  Thomas  Aquinas'  parish,  in 
1898,  the  English-speaking  Catholic  families  of  this  section,  few 
and  scattered,  attended  Mass  at  the  Church  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception,  about  three  miles  distant. 

The  church  site  originally  selected  for  St.  Thomas'  parish 
was  on  Ansel  avenue,  near  St.  Clair  street,  overlooking  the  large 
ravine  which  separates  the  city  from  Glenville.  It  was  intended 
that  a  church  located  there  would  answer  for  both  sections.  The 
prospective  parish,  however,  remained  without  a  pastor  for  about 
two  years.  In  the  meantime  the  trend  of  population  towards 
Superior  street,  and  the  rapid  growth  of  the  neighboring  village, 
suggested  the  advisability  of  changing  the  original  plan  with 
regard  to  the  location  of  St.  Thomas',  and  seemed  to  call  for  a 
separate  church  for  the  people  of  Glenville. 

As  soon,  therefore,  as  St.  Thomas'  was  fully  established  on 
Superior  street,  with  the  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Mahon  as  pastor,  he, 
with  the  consent  of  Bishop  Horstmann,  yielded  to  the  urgent 
request  of  the  Catholics  beyond  the  Boulevard,  and  took  the  first 
steps  towards  the  organization  of  the  mission  of  St.  Aloysius. 

An  abandoned  Methodist  meeting-house,  near  the  corner  of 
St.  Clair  and  Doan  streets,  was  rented  in  January,  1898,  and  a 


228  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Catechism  class  of  60  children  was  formed.  On  November  20, 
of  the  following-  year,  arrangements  were  made  for  the  purchase  of 
a  piece  of  ground,  110  x  2-50  feet,  at  the  intersection  of  St.  Clair 
street  and  Lake  View  avenue,  about  a  block  from  the  center  of 
Glenville,  and  midway  between  the  building  section  of  the  pro- 
spective j^arish.  I'his  property,  purchased  for  $5,500.  included  a 
two-story  brick  building-,  formerly  a  public  school.  At  once  the 
first  story  was  fitted  up  for  temporary  service;  an  altar  and  pews 
were  purchased,  and  on  the  first  Sunday  of  Advent,  1900,  Mass 
was  said  for  the  first  time  in  the  presence  of  about  two  hundred 
people.  Since  then  the  mission  has  had  regular  Sunday  and  week 
day  service,  and  the  children  have  also  been  receiving  catechetical 
instruction  on  week  days. 

The  Rev.  Albert  Zemp,  whom  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  assigned, 
in  November,  11>00,  to  aid  Father  Mahon  in  this  new  work,  until 
the  appointment,  in  the  near  future,  of  a  resident  pastor,  has  been 
doing  everything  that  earnest  labor  and  zeal  can  etTect,  to  give 
definite  shape  to  the  new  parish.  A  close  canvass  of  the  territory 
to  be  assigned  to  the  mission  shows  a  Catholic  population  of  a  little 
over  one  hundred  families.  There  is  every  indication  that  this 
number  will  be  largely  increased  in  a  short  time. 

ST.  ANTHONY'S  (ITALIAN)  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

Prior  to  1880  the  large  number  of  Italians  in  Cleveland  had 
no  separate  service,  or  sermons  and  instructions  in  their  native 
tongue,  for  the  reason  that  no  Italian  priest  was  available.  Those 
who  had  not  entirely  neglected  the  practice  of  their  religion 
attended  Mass  in  the  church  most  convenient  for  them.  Many 
whose  faith  had  become  affected  with  dry-rot  cared  not  whether 
they  attended  Mass  or  frequented  the  Sacraments  and  to  them 
Sunday  or  holyday  was  the  same  as  a  week  day. 

Even  though  Bishop  Gilmour  petitioned  several  Italian 
bishops  for  a  priest  to  look  after  the  spiritual  interests  of  their 
countrymen  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland,  he  was  as  often  disap- 
pointed. Finally,  in  July,  1886,  he  was  gratified  to  receive  into  his 
diocese  the  Rev.  Pacifico  Capitani,  who  was  very  willing  and  glad 
to  be  of  service  to  his  Italian  brethren  who  had  settled  in  Cleveland. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  229 

His  countrymen  welcomed  him,  even  those  who  through  neglect 
and  indifference  had  become  estranged  from  Church  and  Sacra- 
ments. He  gathered  them  (over  two  hundred  families)  in  the 
chapel  of  the  old  Cathedral  school  Sunday  after  Sunday,  and  on 
holydays,  preaching  to  and  catechizing  them.  Meanwhile  Bishop 
Gilmour  quietly  looked  about  for  a  suitable  church  site  for  the 
Italians.  This  he  secured  by  purchasing  the  so-called  "Turner 
Hall"  property,  on  Ohio  street,  now  Central  avenue,  between  Erie 
and  Brownell  streets.  The  purchase  price  for  the  lot  (44  x  124 
feet)  was  $3,9(50.  and  the  Turner  Hall  itself,  a  frame  building,  was 
remodeled  to  serve  as  a  church,  at  a  cost  of  nearlv  $1,000.  The 
church  was  dedicated  to  St.  Anthony  of  Padua,  by  Bishop 
Gilmour,  on  Sunday.  ]\lay  8,  1887. 

The  interior  of  the  church  was  made  quite  attractive,  and 
those  who  knew  the  Turner  Hall  building  of  old  failed  to  recognize 
it  in  any  manner, so  radically  was  it  changed  by  theskillful  architect 
and  builder.  The  auditorium  seats  about  five  hundred ;  the 
sanctuary,  with  its  three  neat  altars,  is  artistic. 

As  the  people  of  St.  Anthony's  belong  to  the  poorest  of  Cleve- 
land's population  they  were  unable  to  pay  for  their  church.  But 
the  Catholic  people  of  the  diocese  generously  came  to  their  rescue 
on  appeal  of  their  pastor,  so  that  the  debt  incurred  for  the  purchase 
and  renovation  has  been  wiped  out.  Several  improvements,  among 
them  the  re-roofing  and  painting  of  the  church,  were  made  during 
the  last  few  years,  but  were  paid  for  by  the  parish. 

St.  Anthony's  has  the  distinction  of  being  the  first  Italian 
parish  established  in  Ohio,  and  Father  Capitani  the  first  regularly 
appointed  pastor  of  an  Italian  congregation  in  the  State.  For 
nearly  ten  years  he  attended  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  Italians, 
located  at  Youngstown,  Lowellville  and  other  places  in  the  Mahon- 
ing valley,  until  relieved  by  the  Rev.  A.  Petillo.  now  stationed  at 
Youngstown.  At  frequent  intervals  he  also  did  like  missionary 
work  at  Ashtabula  Harbor  during  these  years. 

In  1896  the  Ursuline  Sisters  kindly  accepted  the  difiicult  task 
of  establishing  a  Sunday  School  in  St.  Anthony's  Church.  Their 
earnest  work  has  met  with  most  gratifying  results.  They  started 
their  work  of  charity  with  an  attendance  of  twelve  children ;  at  the 
present  time  about  two  hundred  children  regularly  attend  the 
Sunday   catechetical   instructions,    given    in    English.      The   kind 


230  A  iiisroRv  ov  ca'iiioi.ici  rv 

Sisters  have  done  incalcnhihlc  j^ood  in  St.  Anthony's  Sunday 
School.  Thus  far  the  poverty  of  the  people  of  St.  y\.nthony's  has 
not  made  it  possible  to  establish  .uid  maintain  a  parochial  school. 

The  Rev.  P.  Capitani's  health  failin<^,  he  obtained  permission 
to  return  to  his  native  Italy,  in  April,  1800.  He  was  succeeded  at 
St.  Anthony's  in  the  same  month  by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev. 
Vincent  Migliore,  who  had  the  front  i)art  of  the  building,  contain- 
ing- a  number  of  rooms,  very  neatly  remodeled,  so  as  to  serve  as  a 
cozy  pastoral  residence.  He  also  had  many  much  needed  repairs 
made  in  the  church,  so  that  it  has  now  an  attractive  appearance. 
Under  the  zealous  pastorate  of  Father  Migliore,  St.  Anthony's 
parish,  comprising  about  250  families,  has  become  much  improved 
in  the  spiritual  order. 


ST.  AUGUSTINE'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

St.  Augustine's  parish  is  in  the  southern  portion  of  Cleveland, 
and  lies  principally  between  Pearl  street  and  the  Cuyahoga  river. 
Before  1860  the  Catholics  in  that  part  of  the  city  belonged  to 
St.  Patrick's,  on  Bridge  street.  In  1860  Bishop  Rappe  purchased 
a  large  lot  at  the  corner  of  Tremont  and  Jefiferson  streets,  and 
built  a  small  frame  church  thereon.  During  the  years  following 
it  was  attended  from  the  Cathedral  as  a  mission  by  the  Revs. 
J.  P.  Carroll,  J.  F.  Gallagher  and  T.  M.  Mahony.  In  1867  the 
first  resident  pastor,  the  Rev.  A.  Grandmougin,  w^as  appointed. 
Aided  by  the  zeal  and  generosity  of  the  few  families  then  com- 
posing the  parish,  he  succeeded  in  building  a  commodious  brick 
pastoral  residence  at  a  cost  of  about  $4,000.  In  November,  1871, 
while  attending  a  case  of  smallpox,  he  contracted  the  disease  and 
died  a  few  days  afterwards.  A  neat  tablet  to  his  memory  is  pre- 
served in  the  old  church,  now  used  as  a  chapel. 

In  the  following  month  the  Rev.  T.  W.  Higgins  took  charge  of 
the  congregation;  but,  after  remaining  about  six  mon,ths.  he  was 
obliged  to  retire  on  account  of  ill  health.  In  July,  1872,  the  Rev. 
J.  P.  Carroll  was  appointed  pastor.  On  his  removal  to  Ravenna, 
in  September,  1874,  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Gibbons. 
In  July,  1875,  Father  Gibbons,  whose  health  was  failing,  retired 


ST.    AUGUSTINE'S    CHURCH,    CLEVELAND. 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  231 

for  a  short  time.  His  place  was  filled  by  the  Rev.  E.  Mears,  who 
remained  about  a  year  and  a  half,  during  which  time  a  large  and 
comfortable  frame  school  house  was  built,  which  has  since  been 
occupied  by  the  two  higher  schools. 

In  February,  1877,  Father  Gibbons  had  recovered  his  health 
sufSciently  to  resume  his  former  charge.  During  that  year  he  had 
the  church  enlarged  and  a  convenient  chapel  attached  thereto. 
Both  additions  were  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  on  Sunday, 
December  9,  1877. 

On  July  5,  1879,  the  Rev.  Michael  J.  Murphy  was  appointed 
pastor.  In  1886  the  two  lots  and  the  house  thereon,  adjacent  to 
the  church  property  on  the  east,  were  purchased  for  $3,000.  It 
was  deemed  advisable  to  acquire  this  property  to  prevent  its  pur- 
chase by  outsiders  and  to  add  materially  to  the  church  property 
for  future  use.  This  gave  a  frontage  of  two  hundred  and  sixty- 
four  feet  on  Jefferson  street  and  a  depth  of  one  hundred  and 
thirty-two  feet.  In  July,  1888,  Father  Murphy,  owing  to  ill 
health,  was  relieved  of  pastoral  duty  and  was  appointed  to  a 
professorship  in  the  Diocesan  Seminary,  a  position  which  he  still 
holds.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  John 
O'Connor,  who  took  charge  of  the  congregation  on  August  19, 
1888.  He  found  the  church  inadequate  to  the  needs  of  the  rapidly 
increasing  congregation.  During  the  years  following  much 
thought  was  given  to  the  building  of  a  new  church  and  the  selec- 
tion of  a  site.  It  was  seen  that  it  would  be  desirable  to  secure  a 
church  property  which  would  be  centrally  located.  The  parlier 
members  of  the  parish  were  settled  in  the  vicinity  of  the  church, 
but  in  later  years  a  great  residence  district  had  developed  to  the 
south  and  west,  within  the  limits  of  the  parish,  and  many  members 
of  the  congregation  lived  a  considerable  distance  away.  All  who 
were  interested  in  the  matter  desired  very  much  to  secure  a  church 
site  on  Jennings  avenue — a  most  beautiful  thoroughfare,  running 
through  a  fine  residence  district.  The  Pilgrim  Congregationalists 
had  built  a  large  new  church,  leaving  vacant  a  smaller,  but  a 
beautiful  and  substantial  brick  structure,  a  few  blocks  away.  After 
thorough  examination  it  was  found  that  this  building  would  be 
well  adapted  to  the  needs  of  St.  Augustine's  congregation,  and 
negotiations  were  opened  for  its  purchase.     Every  effort  which 


232  A    HISTORY    OF    CATIIOLICITV 

bigotry  could  dictate,  however,  was  made  to  prevent  the  acquisi- 
tion of  this  property  by  a  CathoHc  ])arish.  It  was  only  after  it 
was  clearly  seen  that  the  new  church  would  be  located  on  Jennings 
avenue,  in  any  event,  that  the  parish  was  able  to  purchase  the 
property.  The  cost  was  $20,000,  and  the  church  could  hardly 
have  been  more  suited  to  the  requirements  of  a  Catholic  congre- 
gation if  it  had  been  built  especially  for  them.  It  was  very  fortu- 
nate that  the  property  was  for  sale  at  this  time,  as  to  purchase  the 
necessarv  land  and  to  erect  a  suitable  building  would  have  cost 
almost  double  the  purchase  price.  The  church  property  has  a 
frontage  of  eighty  feet  on  Jennings  avenue  and  a  depth  of  two 
hundred  feet  on  Floward  street.  The  site  is  ideal  in  every  respect. 
On  the  opposite  side  of  Jennings  avenue,  and  extending  for  a 
block  on  either  side  of  the  church,  is  Lincoln  Park,  consisting  of 
ten  acres  of  land,  beautifully  shaded  and  well  laid  out.  The  church 
itself  is  in  the  form  of  a  cross,  is  large  and  commodious,  and  has 
spire  and  bell  complete.  The  purchase  price  included  a  good  pipe 
organ,  cushioned  pews,  furnaces  and  equipment  of  like  character 
which  was  found  to  be  particularly  useful.  A  large  basement 
extends  beneath  the  church,  in  which  meetings  and  entertainments 
for  the  benefit  of  the  church  are  held ;  and  there  is  every  con- 
venience in  the  way  of  sacristies,  society  rooms,  etc.  Very  little 
remodelling  was  necessary  to  prepare  the  church  for  the  use  of 
the  congregation.  This  work  and  the  incidental  improvements, 
however,  cost  about  $2,500.  The  altars,  the  statuary,  consisting 
of  six  jife-size  images,  and  the  furnishings  of  the  sanctuary  were 
generously  donated  by  individual  members  of  the  parish  and  the 
various  societies.  The  beautiful  stations  of  the  cross,  the  large 
holy  water  font  in  the  entrance  and  other  articles  of  like  nature 
were  also  presented  to  the  church.  The  dedication  took  place 
on  Sunday,  April  2G,  1896,  Bishop  Horstmann  officiating.  It  was 
a  day  of  great  rejoicing  for  pastor  and  people. 

The  school  was  established  in  1868,  and  for  some  time  was 
held  in  the  church.  There  are  at  present  several  rooms,  with 
about  three  hundred  pupils  in  daily  attendance,  and  all  in  charge 
of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph. 

The  old  church,  adjacent  to  the  school,  is  now  used  as  a 
chapel,  and  the  pastoral  residence  is  still  in  the  old  location.     The 


ST.    BRIDGET'S     CHURCH     (Showing  parts  of  School  and  Convent),   CLEVELAND. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  233 

new  church  is  about  four  blocks  away.   Lincohi   Park  covering 
most  of  the  distance. 

There  are  at  present  about  three  hundred  and  twenty-f^ve 
families  in  the  parish,  and  the  congregation  is  both  spiritually  and 
financially  strong.  The  new  church,  although  having  a  large  seat- 
ing capacity,  is  always  crowded  on  Sundays  and  at  the  special 
devotions  throughout  the  year.  The  pastor  and  people  work 
together  hand  in  hand,  and  it  is  a  great  satisfaction  to  them  to  be 
able  to  say  that  the  purchase  price  of  the  new  church  property  and 
all  incidental  expenses  and  improvements  have  been  paid,  leaving 
the  congregation  without  a  debt  and  with  a  substantial  balance 
in  the  treasury — the  beginning  of  a  fund  for  the  purchase  of  addi- 
tional property  in  future  years,  as  needed,  all  thus  far  having  been 
accomplished  without  financial  strain  or  inconvenience.  There  is 
every  reason,  therefore,  to  believe  that  the  future  work  and  plans 
of  the  parish  will  result  in  giving  to  it  a  church  and  school  property 
and  pastoral  residence  which  will  reflect  added  credit,  not  only  on 
St.  Augustine's  congregation,  but  on  the  entire  Catholic  com- 
munity. 


ST.  BRIDGET'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

For  some  years  prior  to  1857  the  Catholic  people  living 
in  the  vicinity  of  Perry  street  and  Woodland  avenue  found  the 
need  of  a  place  of  worship  more  conveniently  located  than  the 
Cathedral  which  they  had  been  attending.  Hence  about  twenty 
of  them  met  in  May,  1857,  at  St.  Mary's  Asylum,  on  Harmon 
street,  and  formed  an  organization  with  a  view  to  establishing  a 
parish,  for  which  they  had  Bishop  Rappe's  consent.  Shortly  after 
this  meeting  they  purchased  a  lot  having  a  frontage  of  75  feet  on 
Perry  street,  between  Woodland  and  Scovill  avenues,  and  on  it  they 
built  a  small  brick  church  at  a  cost  of  $700.  The  first  Mass  was 
celebrated  within  the  humble  structure  on  Christmas  morning, 
1857.  The  small  band  of  zealous  Catholics  had  no  resident  pastor. 
They  were  attended  from  the  Cathedral  and  St.  Mary's  Seminary 
by  the  Reverends  J.  B.  O'Connor,  A.  Martin  and  John  Quinn. 

In  September,  1864,  the  Rev.  Denis  Tighe  was  appointed  the 


234  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

first  resident  pastor.  His  residence  was  a  small  house  in  the  rear 
of  the  lot  where  Charity  Hospital  now  stands.  Shortly  after  his 
appointment  to  St.  Bridget's  he  purchased  a  frame  butcher  shop 
and  had  it  moved  from  its  location  at  the  corner  of  Perry  and 
Prospect  to  the  parish  lot,  there  to  serve  as  a  school-house.  What 
a  transformation !  Father  Tighe  soon  won  the  good  will  and 
confidence  of  his  parishioners  by  his  earnestness  of  purpose,  as 
well  as  by  his  genial  disposition.  His  pastorate  of  St.  Bridget's 
was,  however,  of  short  duration — less  than  two  years,  when  God 
called  him  to  his  reward.  He  died  on  June  19,  1866,  and  was 
buried  from  the  Cathedral.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  James 
Monahan,  who  shortly  after  his  appointment  purchased  a  house 
and  lot  adjoining  the  church  property,  for  $6,000 ;  the  house  was 
made  the  pastoral  residence.  In  the  early  spring  of  1871  Father 
Monahan  broke  ground  for  a  new  church.  Owing  to  a  difference 
of  views  between  himself  and  the  Very  Rev.  E.  Hannin,  then 
administrator  of  the  diocese,  as  to  the  cost  of  the  proposed  build- 
ing, Father  Monahan  was  transferred  to  South  Thompson  in 
June,  1871.  For  the  particulars  as  to  this  "difference  of  views/' 
which  led  to  a  suit  in  the  civil  Court  and  was  the  cause  of  grave 
scandal,  the  reader  is  referred  to  pages  95-100  in  this  volume.  The 
Rev.  Bernard  B.  Kelley  was  appointed  Father  Monahan's  succes- 
sor in  June,  1871.  He  built  a  frame  school  house  and  also  began 
the  foundation  for  the  new  church.  Bishop  Gilmour  laid  its 
corner-stone  on  December  8,  1872.  For  the  purpose  of  raising 
funds  Father  Kelley  induced  the  celebrated  Dominican,  Father 
Tom  Burke,  to  come  to  Cleveland,  and  lecture.  Tlie  eloquent 
Irish  orator  had  an  immense  audience  in  the  Cleveland  Rink,  now 
used  by  Sterling,  Welch  &  Co.  as  a  display  room  for  carpets. 
This  was  the  only  public  appearance  of  Father  Burke  in  the 
Diocese  of  Cleveland.  The  Rev.  Patrick  J.  McGuire  succeeded 
Father  Kelley  in  September,  1874.  During  his  stay  he  paid  off  a 
considerable  portion  of  the  debt. 

The  Rev.  WilHam  McMahon  was  Father  McGuire's  successor. 
He  took  pastoral  charge  of  St.  Bridget's  on  February  10,  1876. 
During  that  year  the  congregation  paid  the  balance  of  the  debt, 
amounting  to  about  $4,000.  The  people  then  went  to  work  with 
a  will  to  erect  the  new  church.    They  turned  out  at  night  and  by 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  235 

the  light  of  a  locomotive  head  light  wheeled  out  the  dirt  from  the 
basement.  Many  changes  had  to  be  made  in  the  original  plans  and 
much  of  the  work  of  the  basement  walls  had  to  be  reconstructed. 
The  first  brick  was  laid  on  May  1,  1877.  When  the  masons  began 
their  work  the  school  children  began  the  Rosary  for  the  divine 
blessing.  "Unless  the  Lord  build  the  house  they  labor  in  vain  that 
build  it." 

The  church  was  roofed  in  November  of  the  same  year,  and 
the  first  Mass  was  celebrated  on  Christmas  morning,  1877,  just 
twenty  years  to  the  day  from  the  time  that  the  first  Mass  had  been 
celebrated  in  the  old  church.  The  farewell  serAdces  in  the  old 
church,  on  the  Sunday  preceding,  were  affecting  and  pathetic. 
The  basement  of  the  church  was  finished  and  services  were  held 
there  for  nearly  two  years — until  the  completion  of  the  church.  A 
mission  by  the  Paulist  Fathers,  Elliott  and  Weyman,  was  held, 
however,  in  the  unfinished  church,  in  April,  1878.  Work  was  soon 
resumed  on  the  new  church,  which  was  completed  in  1879.  Bishop 
Gilmour  dedicated  the  structure  on  November  7  of  the  same  year. 
The  church  is  Gothic  in  style,  built  of  brick  and  richly  trimmed  with 
stone.  It  is  150  ft.  long,  50  ft.  wide,  and  48  ft.  high  to  apex  of  ceil- 
ing. The  gilded  cross  on  the  top  of  the  steeple  is  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five  feet  above  the  street.  The  interior  of  the  church  is 
finished  in  light  wood,  while  the  walls  and  ceiling  are  pure  white, 
relieved  with  light  lavender.  Two  solid  gold  bronze  candelabra 
are  suspended  from  the  ceiling  and  emit  light  from  fifty-six  jets 
each.  The  marble  altar  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleve- 
land. The  front  of  the  main  altar  is  a  solid  block  of  marble,  out  of 
which  is  carved  in  bas  relief  "The  Last  Supper,"  from  the  noted 
painting  of  Leonardo  Da  Vinci.  The  altar  was  the  gift  of  a  pious 
and  most  generous  servant,  Catharine  Loftus,  who  died  a  few 
years  ago.  It  was  consecrated  by  Mgr.  Bofif,  V.  G.,  on  January  17, 
1886.  The  church  has  very  artistic  stained  glass  windows;  also  a 
splendid  array  of  oil  paintings,  some  of  them  of  high  merit,  most 
of  which  having  been  donated  by  members  of  the  parish.  A  fine 
and  handsomely  framed  set  of  Stations,  painted  especially  for  the 
church,  was  donated  by  Mr.  C.  A.  Grasselli.  In  1892  the  church 
was  beautifully  frescoed  in  oil,  thus  making  its  interior  very 
attractive. 


236  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

St.  Bridget's  has  one  of  the  hirgest  and  lincst  pipe  organs  in 
the  city.  It  is  a  three  manual  organ  and  has  over  2.100  pipes.  The 
jKn\er  is  furnished  by  electricity.  Mr.  C.  A.  ( irasselli  paid  one- 
half  of  the  cost  of  the  fine  instrument.  It  was  inaugurated  on 
November  28,  1SS8,  by  a  grand  sacred  concert.  The  celebrated 
organist.  Mr.  Clarence  Eddy,  of  Chicago,  ])resided  and  was  assisted 
by  the  best  instrumental  and  vocal  artists  of  the  city.  Mr.  F.  X. 
Byerly.  the  veteran  organist  of  Cleveland,  arranged  the  musical 
program. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  members  of  the  congregation,  held  on 
October  i>,  ISSl.  it  was  unanimously  decided  to  purchase  more 
ground.  An  effort  was  therefore  made  to  get  possession  of  the 
adjoining  house  and  lot.  But  the  price  demanded  ($6,500)  being 
considered  too  high,  the  property  next  to  that  was  purchased.  It 
was  transferred  to  Bishop  Gilmour,  for  the  congregation,  on  April 
1,  1882,  for  the  sum  of  $5,000.  Some  time  after  this  purchase,  the 
owners  of  the  intervening  property  made  overtures  to  sell.  They 
finally  accepted  $-l-,000.  This  property  came  into  possession  of 
St.  Bridget's  parish  on  June  8.  1883.  The  land  now^  owned  by  the 
congregation  has  a  frontage  of  200  feet  on  Perry  street,  by  176 
feet  deep,  to  a  10  foot  alley. 

On  Easter  Sunday  morning,  1884,  the  congregation  was 
called  to  divine  worship  by  a  fine,  large  new  bell — the  one  now  in 
the  belfry.  On  Sunday.  June  13.  1884,  the  Rev.  William  F. 
Murphy,  who  was  born  and  reared  in  St.  Bridget's  parish,  cele- 
brated his  first  Mass.  The  present  handsome  pulpit  was  used  on 
this  occasion  for  the  first  time.  In  June.  1884.  a  member  of  the 
congregation  had  made  to  order  and  presented  to  the  church  a 
line  life-size  statue  of  the  Sacred  Heart. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  congregation,  on  June  21.  1885.  it  was 
unanimously  resolved  to  erect  a  new  school  building.  Architect 
B.  F.  Van  Develde  submitted  plans  which  were  adopted.  The 
plans  called  for  a  building  of  stone  and  brick,  80  x  55  feet,  three 
stories  and  a  basement ;  the  top  story  to  be  a  hall,  the  other  stories 
to  contain  ten  rooms,  each  30  x  25  feet,  and  13  feet  to  the  ceiling. 
In  addition  to  the  rooms  above,  there  were  to  be  three  rooms. 
12  X  12  feet,  and  two  rooms  30  x  25  feet.  Previous  to  breaking 
ground  the  old  school  house  had  to  be  torn  dowai,  and  the  pastor's 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  237 

dwelling,  as  also  that  of  the  teachers,  had  to  be  moved  back.  The 
corner-stone  of  the  new  building  was  laid  on  Sunday  afternoon, 
September  13,  1SS5,  in  the  presence  of  a  large  concourse  of  people, 
the  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck  officiating.  The  old  church  in  which 
the  people  had  worshipped  since  1857  was  torn  down  during  the 
second  week  of  October.  1885.  and  the  available  material  used  in 
the  construction  of  the  new  school.  Many  of  the  people  paid  an  . 
affectionate  visit  to  the  old  church  on  the  Sunday  previous  to  its 
destruction. 

School  was  taught  for  a  time  in  the  basement  of  the  church. 
The  w^ork  on  the  new  school  building  was  so  rapidly  pushed  that 
the  children  were  brought  out  of  the  gas  light  from  the  church 
basement  to  the  new  school  during  Easter  week.  April.  1886.  The 
first  story — four  rooms — was  finished  by  that  time.  The  school- 
rooms have  the  latest  and  best  furniture,  and  all  the  modern 
improvements  in  the  way  of  heating  and  ventilation.  Half  the 
rooms  are  furnished  with  slate  blackboards.  The  school  building 
ranks,  in  point  of  size,  convenience  and  architectural  beauty,  with 
the  best  in  Cleveland. 

On  February  2,  1858,  before  St.  Bridget's  had  a  resident 
pastor,  the  Ursuline  Sisters  organized  and  took  charge  of  the 
parish  school— at  the  request  of  Bishop  Rappe.  For  thirty-one 
years  they  faithfully  discharged  their  onerous  duties  as  teachers 
— for  twenty  years  of  the  entire  school,  and  from  September,  1878, 
of  the  giris  alone.  In  last  mentioned  month  and  year  the  Brothers 
of  Mary,  of  Dayton,  'O.,  were  given  charge  of  the  boys.  They  and 
the  Ursulines  withdrew  from  St.  Bridget's  parish  school  on  July  1, 
1889,  when  they  were  succeeded  by  the  Sisters  of  Chanty,  of 
Cincinnati.  Father  McMahon  gave  up  his  residence  to  them,  and 
made  a  part  of  the  new  school  his  temporary  abode,  until  the  com- 
pletion of  the  present  fine  pastoral  residence,  which  was  budt  m 
1893,  and  first  occupied  in  August  of  that  year.  The  school  has 
been  brought  to  a  high  degree  of  perfection,. and  is  the  just  pride 
of  the  pastor  and  congregation. 

On  July  1,  1897,  the  congregation  celebrated  the  silver 
jubilee  of  the  ordination  of  the  pastor.  Father  McMahon.  The 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann  was  present,  and  with  him  were  over 
sixty  priests  of  the  diocese.     On  the  evening  previous  there  was  a 


238  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

mass  meeting  of  the  people  of  the  parish  and  a  large  number  of 
non-Catholics.  A  generous  purse  was  presented,  and  with  it  also 
the  permission  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  to  the  jubilarian  for  a  six 
months'  leave  of  absence,  to  enable  him  to  make  a  tour  "around 
the  Globe."  The  pastor  started  on  his  long  journey  on  January 
16,  1898.  He  went  westward  and  continued  thus  until  he  arrived 
home  on  August  16,  1898.  He  wrote  an  account  of  the  journey, 
which  in  book  form  is  entitled  "A  journey  with  the  Sun  around 
the  World."  The  Rev.  D.  B.  Kirby  had  charge  of  the  parish 
during  the  pastor's  absence. 

On  All  Saints'  day,  1899,  the  Rev.  Andrew  A.  Crehan  was 
appointed  assistant,  and  still  holds  that  position.  The  parish  and 
school  are  in  a  very  flourishing  condition  and  an  excellent  spirit 
prevails. 


ST.  CASIMIR'S  (POLISH)  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

To  provide  properly  for  the  large  and  steadily  increasing 
number  of  Poles  in  the  northeastern  part  of  Cleveland  it  was  found 
necessary  to  organize  them  into  a  parish,  separate  from  St. 
Stanislas',  with  which  they  had  been  affiliated,  thus  forming  the 
third  Pohsh  congregation  within  the  limits  of  the  city.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1891,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  F.  M.  BofT,  administrator  of  the 
diocese,  granted  the  required  permission,  and  appointed  the 
Rev.  Benedict  Rosinski,  pastor  of  St.  Adalbert's,  Berea,  to  take 
charge  of  the  mission.  The  first  step  in  that  direction  was  to 
secure  a  suitable  site  for  church,  school  and  pastoral  residence. 
January  7,  1892,  Mr.  Joseph  Hofifman,  a  Catholic,  and  a  large 
property  owner  in  that  part  of  Cleveland,  donated  for  church 
purposes  a  parcel  of  land,  200  by  24:4  feet,  bounded  by  Pulaski, 
Kossuth  and  Sowinski  streets.  At  the  intersection  of  the  first 
two  named  streets  the  foundation  for  a  combination  brick  church 
and  school  was  begun  in  April,  1892,  and  on  May  15  following, 
Mgr.  Bofif,  V.  G.,  was  delegated  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horst- 
mann  to  lay  the  corner-stone.  The  ceremony  was  attended  by  a 
large  multitude,  who  braved  the  very  inclement  weather  on  that 
day.     Mgr.  BofI  preached  the  English  sermon  and  the  Rev.  B. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  239 

Rosinski  addressed  his  countrymen  in  their  native  tongue.  In  a 
few  months  the  handsome  exterior  of  the  building  was  completed. 
Its  dimensions  are:  Length,  50  feet;  width,  125  feet;  height,  41 
feet;  the  upper  story  to  serve  as  a  church,  and  the  lower  divided 
into  four  commodious  school  rooms.  The  cost  of  building, 
exclusive  of  interior  finish,  was  $16,000.  As  soon  as  the  edifice  was 
enclosed,  a  temporary  altar  was  erected  and  plain  chairs,  in  lieu 
of  pews,  were  provided  in  one  of  the  large  rooms  in  the  unplastered 
upper  story,  and  divine  service  was  held  for  the  first  time  on 
Christmas,  1892.  The  parish  school  was  opened  in  February, 
1893,  with  a  good  attendance.  Father  Rosinski  continued  to 
attend  St.  Casimir's  as  a  mission  church  until  the  appointment  of 
the  Rev.  P.  M.  Cerveny  as  first  resident  pastor,  July  17,  1893. 
Under  his  direction,  in  November,  1893,  only  the  ceilings  were 
plastered,  when  part  of  the  scafifolding  broke  down,  resulting  in 
injury  to  some  of  the  workmen;  the  work  was  then  stopped  for  a 
time. 

Father  Cerveny  labored  faithfully  whilst  in  charge,  even  in  the 
face  of  financial  difficulties  and  a  somewhat  unruly  element.  At 
his  request  he  was  transferred  to  St.  Ladislas'  Church,  Cleveland, 
and  was  succeeded  on  September  16,  1894,  by  the  Rev.  Sigmund 
Wozny,  who  had  just  then  come  to  the  diocese.  During  1895 
Father  Wozny  had  the  church  property  enclosed  by  a  substantially 
built  fence,  and  replaced  the  rude  chairs  by  neat  pews,  besides 
making  other  necessary  improvements.  Like  his  immediate  prede- 
cessor, he  found  an  unruly  element  to  deal  with,  which,  with  the 
comparatively  large  parish  debt,  about  $17,000,  discouraged  him, 
and  hence  he  asked  to  be  relieved  from  his  unpleasant  pastoral 
charge.  His  wish  was  granted,  and  he  left  the  diocese  in  February, 
1896^  and  was  at  once  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Francis  X.  Fremel, 
who  set  courageously  to  work  to  put  men  and  things  to  rights. 
He  too  met  with  opposition  at  the  start,  but  with  prudence  and 
firmness  he  soon  succeeded  in  surmounting  the  difficulties  that 
beset  him.  Under  his  direction,  seconded  by  the  generosity  of  the 
people,  the  interior  of  the  church  was  ornamented  quite  neatly, 
and  all  the  requisites  for  divine  service  procured.  At  the  same 
time  he  did  not  lose  sight  of  the  funded  debt,  but  strained  every 
nerve  to  have  it  reduced.     The  finished  church  now  awaited  its 


240  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

solemn  dedication.  This  ceremony  was  performed  by  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Bishop  Horstmann  on  May  30,  1897,  the  Rev.  B.  Rosinski.  founder 
of  the  parish,  being  the  celebrant  of  the  Solemn  High  Mass.  It 
was  indeed  a  day  of  rejoicing  for  the  people,  whose  hard  earned 
money  had  been  freely  given  towards  the  erection  of  another 
temple  to  God. 

For  some  years  the  pastor  lived  in  a  rented  house.  But  during 
the  sunnner  of  18J)8  a  frame  pastoral  residence  was  built  on  the 
church  property,  facing  Sovvinski  street.  It  cost  about  $2,200, 
and  is  a  neat  and  commodious  house. 

Because  of  ill  health  (tuberculosis  of  the  throat).  Father 
Fremel  w'as  obliged  to  resign  his  pastorate  and  seek  the  milder 
climate  of  California.  He  left  in  .\])ril,  18!)i),  after  a  faithful  service 
of  a  little  over  three  years.  On  May  10,  18<,)I),  he  was  succeeded  by 
the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Casimir  Lazinski,  who  at  once  made 
many  necessary  improvements  in  and  around  the  church  property, 
at  an  outlay  of  about  $2,000. 

Owing  to  lack  of  a  sewer  the  basement  of  St.  Casimir's 
Church  became  filled  with  surface  water,  wdiich  remained  there 
stagnant.  This  obliged  the  Board  of  Health,  in  1896,  to  order 
the  school  closed,  so  as  to  check  sickness  among  the  children. 
The  school  remained  closed  for  fully  two  years,  until  the  sewer 
was  built  by  the  city. 

The  school  is  in  charge  of  three  Felician  Sisters,  of  Detroit, 
and  has  an  attendance  of  over  200  children.  The  parish  is  in 
excellent  condition ;  peace  and  harmony  prevail.  In  a  few  years 
it  is  hoped  and  believed  that  the  present  debt  of  about  $18,000 
will  be  cancelled. 


ST.   CATHARINE'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

A  considerable  number  of  families,  identified  with  the  Holy 
Name  parish,  settled  in  and  around  that  part,  or  district,  of  Cleve- 
land, known  as  the  "crossing,"  where  the  Erie  and  Pennsylvania 
railways  intersect  as  they  enter  the  city.  These  families  petitioned 
for  church  and  school  facilities  more  convenient  to  their  respective 
homes  than  those  of  the  Holy  Name  parish.     Their  pastor,  the 


ST.  CATHARINE'S  CHURCH  (EXTERIOR  AND  INTERIOR),  CLEVELAND 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  241 

Rev.  John  T.  Carroll,  felt  the  justice  of  their  petition  and  presented 
it  to  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann,  who  at  once  granted  the 
request.  To  this  end  Father  Carroll  secured  a  tract  of  land  located 
at  the  corner  of  Woodland  Hills  and  Heath  avenues.  The  purchase 
of  the  property  was  effected  on  June  15,  1898,  A  very  neat  frame 
church,  costing  about  $6,000,  and  intended  for  the  time  as  a 
"chapel  of  ease"  to  the  Holy  Name  Church,  was  erected  on  the 
elegant  site.  On  December  18,  1899,  it  was  dedicated  to  St. 
Catharine,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Boff,  V.  G.,  as  the  Bishop's 
delegate.  Services  were  held  regularly  in  the  new  church  by 
Father  Carroll,  or  by  his  assistant,  the  Rev.  F.  A.  Malloy,  until  it 
was  almost  entirely  destroyed  by  fire  on  the  night  of  March  16, 

1899.  The  Royal  Insurance  Company  promptly  adjusted  and 
settled  the  loss,  thus  making  it  possible  to  rebuild  the  church.  This 
was  done  without  delay,  and  phoenix-like  the  new  church  arose 
from  the  ashes  of  the  former  structure,  now  even  more  attractive 
than  before  as  to  the  interior.  The  architecture  of  the  exterior, 
however,  was  duplicated  almost  exactly.  The  church,  as  rebuilt, 
has  a  seating  capacity  for  500  persons.  It  was  solemnly  dedicated 
by  Bishop  Horstmann,  in  the  presence  of  a  very  large  and  inter- 
ested concourse  of  people,  on  Sunday,  November  26,  1899.  The 
beautiful  statue  of  St.  Catharine,  which  graces  the  sanctuary,  was 
donated  by  Bishop  Horstmann,  in  memory  of  his  mother,  whose 
patron  saint  she  was.  Mr.  Thomas  Agnew  and  family  presented 
the  Holy  Rosary  altar  and  statue  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.  On 
dedication  day  the  interior  of  the  new  church  was  almost  complete 
in  furnishings  and  looked  most  attractive. 

The  time  had  now  come  to  change  St.  Catharine's  from  a 
"chapel  of  ease"  to  a  parish  church.  This  was  done  when  the 
Rev.  James  J.  Quinn  was  appointed  resident  pastor,  on  January  7, 

1900.  He  had  the  little  brick  house,  located  on  the  property  at 
the  time  of  its  purchase,  remodeled  and  neatly  fitted  up  as  a 
pastoral  residence.  He  also  purchased  a  fine  bell,  which  was 
blessed  by  Bishop  Horstmann ;  a  beautiful  set  of  Stations,  and  a 
commodious  confessional.  The  present  handsome  sanctuary  lamp 
was  donated  by  a  parishioner. 

On  May  8,  1900,  a  frontage  of  almost  100  feet  on  Haddock 
street  was  added  to  the  church  property,  which  comprises  nearly 


242  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

seven  acres,  exclusive  of  the  lots  actually  used  as  a  site  for  the 
church,  school  and  residence.  This  property  was  bought  for  the 
purpose  of  allotting  it,  and  w^ith  the  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  lots 
to  help  pay  for  the  church,  etc.  This  idea  has  been  in  part  realized, 
and  in  time,  as  that  part  of  Cleveland  becomes  settled,  it  is  hoped 
to  dispose  of  the  other  lots  for  a  like  purpose. 

Through  the  efforts  of  the  pastor  the  city  sewer  system  was 
extended  to  the  front  of  the  church  property,  so  that  the  parish 
buildings  are  now  provided  with  all  the  necessary  sanitary  equip- 
ments. A  stone  sidewalk  has  been  laid,  and  a  handsome  fence 
erected  around  the  church  lots,  which  have  been  suitably  graded. 
The  lawn  is  acknowledged  to  be  the  most  beautiful  on  Woodland 
Hills  avenue. 

For  over  thirty  years  the  Catholics  living  in  that  district  made 
many  sacrifices  for  the  cause  of  Christian  education.  They  sent 
their  children  long  distances  to  school  over  bad  roads  and  across 
many  railroads  tracks  and  switches,  to  the  serious  danger  of  their 
children's  lives  and  health.  Since  his  coming  to  the  parish,  Father 
Quinn,  realizing  those  sacrifices,  determined  that  the  little  ones  of 
his  flock  should  be  relieved.  The  approval  of  Bishop  Horstmann 
was  readily  granted,  and  St.  Catharine's  school  was  opened  on 
September  3,  1900,  with  three  Ursuline  Sisters  in  charge. 

In  May,  1899,  a  temporary  building  for  church  and  parish  hall 
purposes  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,800.  Since  the  rebuild- 
ing of  the  present  church  it  has  been  used  for  the  latter  purpose. 
In  the  rear  of  the  hall  a  frame  school  was  erected  during  the 
summer  of  1900,  at  a  cost  of  about  $6,000.  There  are  three  large 
well  lighted  rooms  in  the  building,  suitably  furnished,  and  provided 
with  the  most  recent  system  of  ventilation.  A  large  basement 
provides  a  recreation  room  during  inclement  weather,  and  a 
furnace  heats  all  the  rooms.  Nearly  200  children  now  (December, 
1900)  attend  the  school. 

A  number  of  parish  organizations,  both  of  a  devotional  and  a 
social  character,  have  been  formed,  and  are  in  a  flourishing 
condition.  The  outlook  for  St.  Catharine's  is  bright  and  promis- 
ing, and  it  may  be  safely  said  that  ere  long  the  parish  will  rank,  in 
point  of  numbers,  with  many  of  the  older  parishes  of  the  Forest 
City. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  243 

ST.  COLMAN'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

Until  the  summer  of  1880,  St.  Patrick's  parish,  Cleveland, 
extended  westward  beyond  the  city  limits.  Long  prior  even  to 
1870  English  speaking  Catholics  began  to  reside  in  the  western 
suburbs,  and  thus  situated  found  it  difficult  to  assist  at  Mass  and 
other  religious  offices  at  St.  Patrick's,  because  those  who  attended 
an  early  Mass  could  not  return  in  time  that  the  other  members  of 
the  family  might  attend  the  later  one.  In  this  way  want  of  oppor- 
tunity begot  indifference.  As  years  passed  and  Catholics  became 
more  numerous  in  this  locality,  it  became  more  necessary  to 
provide  for  their  spiritual  wants.  Hence,  even  before  1870,  a  site 
for  a  future  church  was  purchased  on  the  corner  of  Gordon  avenue 
and  Bayne  street,  but  was  sold  five  or  six  years  afterwards  for  the 
benefit  of  St.  Patrick's,  the  mother  rhurch.  This  transaction 
naturally  displeased  those  Catholics  for  whose  benefit  the  lot  was 
supposed  to  have  been  originally  procured,  and  did  not  tend  to 
increase  their  zeal  or  their  generosity. 

In  the  summer  of  1880,  however,  it  was  determined  to 
establish  a  new  parish  in  this  district,  and  the  Rev.  E.  M. 
O'Callaghan  volunteered  to  resign  St.  Patrick's  (of  which  he  was 
then  pastor)  and  begin  the  new  undertaking. 

A  small  house  of  one  room,  about  20  by  40  feet,  was  rented  on 
Pear  street,  and  there  for  the  first  time  in  the  embryo  parish  the 
Holy  Sacrifice  was  offered,  on  Sunday,  July  25,  1880.  The  people 
having  now  learned  that  the  establishment  of  a  parish  was  no 
longer  a  matter  of  discussion  but  of  action,  earnestly  co-operated 
with  their  pastor,  and  on  the  next  Sunday  the  work  of  organiza- 
tion was  commenced. 

The  house  in  which  the  altar  was  erected  could  accommodate 
only  a  few  persons,  but  a  dozen  of  apple  trees  growing  close 
together  near  by  formed  a  grateful  shade,  and  under  their  spread- 
ing branches  the  people  for  two  months  assisted  at  Mass,  and,  no 
doubt,  prayed  as  fervently  as  if  under  the  groined  roof  of  some 
majestic  cathedral. 

Whilst  thus  obliged  to  assist  at  Mass  in  the  open  air  the 
weather  was  most  propitious,  for  though  it  often  rained  on  week 


244  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

days,  the  Sundays  were  always  dry  and  balmy.  But  a  long 
continuance  of  such  weather  could  not  be  hoped  for,  and  it 
therefore  became  necessary  to  select  a  site  and  begin  the  erection 
of  a  church  without  delay.  Accordingly,  a  lot,  66  by  130  feet, 
fronting  on  the  east  side  of  Gordon  avenue,  between  W.  Madison 
avenue  and  Lawn  street,  was  purchased.  Early  in  August 
materials  were  on  the  ground  for  the  erection  thereon  of  a  frame 
building  36  by  80  feet.     Completed,  it  cost  nearly  $1,800. 

The  little  church  was  dedicated  to  the  service  of  God  under 
the  invocation  of  St.  Colman,  Bishop  and  Confessor,  and  the  first 
Mass  was  offered  therein  on  Sunday,  September  26,  1880.  The 
apathy  of  two  years  ago  had  passed  away  and  the  little  congrega- 
tion was  as  proud  of  St.  Colman's  as  if  built  of  porphyry  and 
pearl. 

September  29,  1880,  another  lot  of  66  by  130  feet,  near  but 
not  immediately  adjoining  that  on  which  the  church  stood,  was 
purchased  for  $1,700.  On  this  stood  a  small  dwelling  which,  till 
November,  1885,  served  as  a  pastor's  residence.  On  the  18th  of 
March,  1881,  another  lot,  66  by  130  feet,  adjoining  and  between  the 
two  lots,  above  mentioned,  was  purchased  for  $1,100. 

One  of  the  first  measures  on  organizing  the  congregation  was 
to  establish  a  school,  which  was  opened  September,  1880 — even 
before  there  was  a  church.  In  July,  1881,  a  school  of  two  rooms 
was  erected  in  the  rear  of,  and  attached  to  the  church.  It  cost 
about  $1,200. 

In  the  summer  of  1883  it  was  foreseen  that  the  little  church 
would  soon  become  too  small,  so  in  anticipation  of  the  contingency 
the  building  was  raised  11  feet,  the  sides  removed,  the  roof  sus- 
tained by  graceful  columns,  and  an  addition  of  12  feet  on  each  side 
was  made  to  the  width  of  the  building.  It  was  also  lengthened, 
and  three  school  rooms  attached  to  the  rear.  Under  the  church 
proper  a  cellar  was  excavated  in  which  were  placed  two  furnaces. 
This  building,  thus  increased  in  every  dimension,  made  a  most 
commodious  church,  61  by  125  feet,  25  feet  high,  curved  at  angles 
of  ceiling;  ceiling  molded  and  stuccoed,  and  all  finely  frescoed — 
with  medalHons  of  saints  in  water  colors,  and  scripture  events  in 
oil.     The  total  expense  of  this  remodeling  was  about  $5,600,  and 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  245 

has  provided  a  substantially  built  frame  church,  capable  of  seating 
nearly  900  persons. 

In  April,  1881,  a  second  school  was  opened,  and  in  September, 
1883,  a  third  school.  Until  July,  1886,  the  schools  were  in  charge 
of  secular  teachers,  since  which  time  they  have  been  taught  by  the 
Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  who  also  reside  in  the  parish.  In  September, 
1885,  a  two-story  frame  building,  30  by  80  feet,  for  school 
purposes,  was  erected.  The  lower  story  was  completed  to  accom- 
modate three  schools,  but  not  being  then  needed  for  that  purpose, 
it  was  arranged  as  a  dwelling  with  temporary  partitions,  and 
occupied  as  a  residence  by  the  pastor,  until  1889.  The  upper  story, 
completed  with  curved  ceiling,  17  feet  high  in  centre,  and  used  as 
a  hall,  having  a  stage  with  becoming  scenery,  etc.,  has  proved  to 
be  not  only  a  convenient  but  an  almost  indispensable  adjunct  to 
the  church. 

In  August,  1886,  another  lot,  33  feet  front,  was  purchased  for 
$900.  Four  more  lots,  fronting  on  Gordon  avenue,  were  pur- 
chased between  1892  and  1897,  giving  St.  Colman's  Church 
property  at  present  a  frontage  on  Gordon  avenue  of  385  feet,  and 
all  now  inclosed  by  a  wrought-iron  fence.  Additional  lots  were 
purchased  during  the  latter  period,  fronting  on  West  Madison 
avenue  and  Beverley  street. 

In  1889  a  comfortable  brick  residence  for  the  pastor  was 
■erected  at  a  cost  of  $7,000. 

The  number  of  famihes  in  1880,  when  the  parish  was  estab- 
lished, was  133.  In  January,  1900,  St.  Colman's  numbered  a 
little  over  500  families.  The  parish  is  without  debt  and  has  a 
considerable  amount  in  the  treasury,  to  serve  as  a  nucleus  for  the 
l)uilding  of  a  permanent  church  to  replace  the  present  frame 
structure.  As  a  matter  of  record  it  may  be  here  stated  that 
St.  Colman's  received  no  financial  aid  from  its  parent  church — 
St.  Patrick's. 

The  following  priests  assisted  Father  O'Callaghan  in  the 
parish  work:  The  Revs.  James  J.  Hennessy,  1887-1889;  John 
Hannan  (who  died  on  November  28,  1896),  and  the  present 
curates,  Revs.  Matthew  O'Brien,  since  December,  1896,  and  John 
J.  Banks,  since  December,  1900. 


246  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 


ST.  COLUMBKILLE'S  CHURCH, 
CLEVELAND. 

Until  January,  18Y1,  the  history  of  St.  John's  Cathedral  was 
that  of  St.  Columbkille's  parish.  It  was  then  that  the  Very  Rev. 
Edward  Hannin,  Administrator  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland, 
during  the  interim  (1870-72)  between  the  resignation  of  Bishop 
Rappe,  and  the  installation  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  appointed  the  Rev. 
James  O'Reilly  pastor  of  that  portion  of  the  Cathedral  parish, 
east  of  Perry  street.  A  frame  church  was  built  on  the  northwest 
corner  of  Superior  and  Alabama  streets,  and  in  due  time  dedicated 
to  St.  Columbkille.  The  new  church  was  conveniently  situated 
in  a  district  well  settled  with  good  Catholic  families.  Its  people 
were  noted  then,  as  they  have  been  ever  since,  for  their  strong 
Catholic  faith,  their  reverence  and  love  for  their  priests,  and  for 
their  generosity — often  with  scanty  means,  in  building  up  the 
House  of  God. 

For  reasons  given  to  Bishop  Gilmour,  shortly  after  his  arrival 
at  Cleveland  in  1872,  he  directed  that  St.  Columbkille's  be  dis- 
continued as  a  parish  and  that  the  church  be  made  a  chapel  of  ease 
to  the  Cathedral.  It  served  as  such  till  November  18,  1900,  when 
St.  Columbkille's  was  again  made  a  parish. 

During  St.  Columbkille's  existence  as  a  chapel  of  ease,  the 
Rev.  T.  P.  Thorpe,  pastor  of  the  Cathedral,  purchased,  in  1887, 
the  property  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Superior  and  Alabama 
streets.  It  consisted  of  three  lots,  on  which  were  located  a  small 
brick  church  and  a  frame  house.  He  moved  the  original 
St.  Columbkille's  Church  from  its  first  site  to  that  secured  in  1887, 
as  above  stated,  and  attached  it  to  the  brick  structure  that  had 
served  as  a  place  of  worship  for  a  small  and  struggling  Episco- 
palian congregation. 

In  1893  Monsignor  Thorpe  sold  the  church  lot  at  the  north- 
west corner  of  Superior  and  Alabama  streets,  he  having  also  sold 
in  1888  the  pastoral  residence  lot,  fronting  on  Superior  street. 

In  October,  1899,  the  Rev.  George  J.  Vahey,  successor  to 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  T.  P.  Thorpe,  as  pastor  of  the  Cathedral,  pur- 
chased three  lots,  133  by  150  feet,  on  the  southeast  comer  of 
Superior  and  Alabama  streets. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  247 

On  November  18,  1900,  after  a  lapse  of  twenty-nine  years 
from  the  time  of  its  discontinuance  as  a  parish,  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Bishop  Horstmann  appointed  the  Rev.  George  J.  Vahey  to 
take  pastoral  charge  of  St.  Columbkille's,  and  gave  him  the 
Rev.  Raymond  Mylott  as  his  assistant.  Amidst  rejoicing  and 
gratitude,  they  welcomed  those  who  were  commissioned  to  take 
up  the  duties  and  burdens  of  the  now  large  and  flourishing  parish. 
The  estimate  of  one  who  knew  these  people  in  the  past  can  be 
justly  repeated  today:  "No  priest  who  has  ever  officiated  at  their 
altar  would  ever  need  other  inspiration  in  his  preaching  than  the 
eager  faces  of  that  crowded  church.  No  priest  who  has  ever  visited 
them  in  their  homes  could  ever  fail  to  recognize  the  sincere  and 
cordial  hospitality  of  these  good,  faithful  people."  Since  Septem- 
ber, 1900,  many  improvements  have  been  made;  the  interior  of  the 
church  has  been  beautifully  frescoed,  the  pews  renovated,  the 
altars  ornamented  with  statues  and  paintings,  and  now  (December, 
1900)  St.  Columbkille's  is  in  a  flourishing  condition,  without  a 
dollar  of  debt,  and  it  bids  fair  for  a  brilliant  and  prosperous  future. 


ST.  EDWARD'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

In  July,  1863,  the  Holy  Sacrifice  was  first  offered  up  for  the 
people  living  within  the  present  limits  of  St.  Edward's  parish,  by 
the  Rev.  Anthony  J.  Abel,  in  the  chapel  of  St.  Joseph's  Orphan 
Asylum,  on  Woodland  avenue.  For  eight  years  the  Catholics 
living  east  of  Woodland  avenue  received  spiritual  attendance, 
successively,  from  the  Cathedral  and  the  Seminary,  and  finally,  in 
1869,  from  the  Franciscan  Monastery,  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  kindly  granting  them  the  use  of  their  Asylum  chapel.  In 
1870  the  Rev.  Raynerius  Dickneite,  O.F.M.,  conducted  the  first 
mission  for  the  Catholics  of  the  territory  above  described,  which 
resulted  in  a  petition  to  the  Very  Rev.  Administrator  Hannin  for 
the  establishment  of  a  regular  parish  in  that  part  of  Cleveland.  The 
petition  was  granted  in  August,  1871,  by  the  appointment  of  a 
resident  pastor  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  Jacob  Kuhn,  who  was 
commissioned  to  organize  the  long  desired  parish.  Until  proper 
church  facilities  could  be  provided  for  his  people  he  arranged  for 


248  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

the  use  of  the  Asylum  chapel,  in  which  he  gathered  his  polyglot 
congregation,  composed  of  Irish,  Germans,  Bohemians  and  a 
few  Poles.  The  Catholics  of  the  two  first-mentioned  nationalities 
had  been  identified  with  St.  Bridget's  and  St.  Joseph's  churches. 
With  Father  Kuhn's  appointment  begins  the  history  proper  of 
St.  Edward's,  which  then,  and  until  1885,  was  known  as  the  Holy 
Family  parish.  Its  boundaries  were,  on  the  west,  Kennard  street ; 
on  the  north,  Euclid  avenue;  on  the  south,  Broadway;  and  on  the 
east,  Warrensville  township. 

But  while  the  new  parish  had  ample  territory,  it  had  no 
property.  Hence  the  pastor's  first  endeavor  was  to  remedy  this 
defect,  which  he  did  on  September  6,  1871,  by  the  purchase  of  two 
lots  fronting  on  Woodland  avenue,  just  east  of  Geneva  street. 
He  also  had  plans  made  for  a  brick  building,  the  upper  story  to 
serve  as  a  church,  the  lower  as  a  school,  with  a  few  rooms  in  the 
rear  for  a  pastoral  residence.  On  October  19,  1871,  Bishop 
Toebbe,  of  Covington,  laid  the  cornerstone  of  the  building,  which 
however  was  not  completed  and  dedicated  until  August,  1873.  In 
the  following  month  the  parish  school  was  opened,  and  put  in 
charge  of  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart,  who  conducted  it  until 
June,  1891. 

Father  Kuhn  labored  with  great  energy  among  and  for  his 
congregation,  made  up  of  various  nationalities,  as  above  stated,  a 
large  majority  of  whom  had  to  contend  with  poverty.  In 
spite  however  of  these  drawbacks  to  the  growth  of  the  congrega- 
tion. Father  Kuhn  did  not  lose  courage,  but  steadily  pushed  his 
work  towards  success.  He  left  the  Holy  Family  parish  in  a 
prosperous  condition,  in  April,  1879,  w'hen  he  was  transferred  to 
Massillon,  to  take  charge  of  St.  Mary's  congregation,  which  was 
very  large,  and  at  the  same  time  deeply  in  debt. 

On  May  15,  1879,  the  Rev.  Peter  Becker  succeeded  Father 
Kuhn  as  pastor  of  the  Holy  Family  parish.  During  his  adminis- 
tration, and  even  some  time  before,  the  greater  number  of  the 
German  members  of  the  parish  desired  to  separate,  and  to  organize 
as  a  distinctly  German  congregation.  They  offered  either  to  take 
the  parish  property  and  assume  its  debt — then  about  $14,000 — 
or  to  leave  empty-handed  and  build  a  church  for  themselves.  The 
latter  proposition,  having  been  approved  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  was 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  249 

accepted  by  the  members  who  wished  to  remain  affiHated  with  the 
Holy  Family  parish,  quite  a  number  of  them  being  either  Germans 
or  of  German  descent.  The  separation  took  place  on  August  1, 
1880,  Father  Becker  having  been  appointed  to  organize  the  new 
parish,  under  the  title  of  the  Most  Holy  Trinity.  The  Rev. 
Matthew  A.  Scanlon  was  at  the  same  time  appointed  to  take 
pastoral  charge  of  the  Holy  Family  parish.  At  the  end  of  four 
years  he  paid  off  the  debt,  and  then  had  plans  drawn  for  a  stone 
church,  to  cost  about  $50,000.  The  cornerstone  was  laid  by 
Bishop  Gilmour  on  Sunday,  April  26,  1885,  in  the  presence  of  an 
immense  assembly.  On  Sunday,  January  31,  1886,  the  same 
prelate  dedicated  the  new  church,  which  was  placed  under  the 
patronage  of  St,  Edward,  by  which  name  the  parish  was  henceforth 
to  be  known.  The  architecture  of  the  edifice  is  Roman  through- 
out. Its  interior  is  finished  in  white  and  gold,  in  very  good  taste. 
The  windows  are  pronounced  by  experts  to  be  of  most  artistic 
pattern,  their  vivid  hues  being  chastened  by  the  modest  ceiling, 
thus  producing  a  singularly  beautiful  efifect. 

In  1891  plans  were  submitted  and  accepted  for  altering  the 
school  building  and  transforming  the  front  part  of  it  into  a 
pastoral  residence.  The  change,  so  planned,  was  effected  in  1892, 
at  a  cost  of  $11,500.  The  present  handsome  building,  with  a  court 
wall,  massive  iron  gate  and  imposing  facade  of  the  church,  forms  a 
continuous  and  lofty  pile  of  solid  masonry,  fronting  on  Woodland 
avenue.  The  former  temporary  church  was  also  changed  into  a 
spacious  and  well  appointed  parish  hall,  and  the  basement  was 
fitted  up  as  a  gymnasium  and  society  rooms  for  the  use  of  the 
young  people  of  the  parish. 

After  a  brief  illness  Father  Scanlon  died  on  February  22,  1899. 
He  was  succeeded  a  few  weeks  later,  in  the  pastorate  of  St. 
Edward's,  by  the  Rev.  William  S.  Kress,  Superior  of  the  Cleveland 
Apostolate.  From  April  to  June  of  the  same  year  he  had  as  his 
assistant  in  the  work  of  the  parish  the  Rev.  Patrick  J.  Hendrick. 
In  June,  1899,  the  Revs.  John  P.  Brennan  and  John  P.  Michaelis 
became  members  of  the  Apostolate,  to  which,  with  the  advent  of 
Father  Kress,  the  parish  house  of  St.  Edward's  was  assigned  as 
its  official  home  in  the  diocese. 

In  June,  1891,  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  with- 


250  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

drew  from  the  parish  school.  In  September  following  it  was 
entrusted  to  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  but  they  remained  only  one 
year,  when  they  were  succeeded  by  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of 
Mary,  who  have  had  charge  since  that  time. 

The  increasing  school  attendance  necessitated  more  room  for 
the  children.  This  was  secured  in  March,  1900,  by  the  purchase 
of  a  lot  on  Geneva  street,  with  two  houses  thereon,  for  $2,000. 
The  houses  were  remodeled  and  now  contain  four  school  rooms. 
About  400  children  attend  the  parish  school,  which  is  taught  by 
seven  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary,  and  is  of  more  than 
ordinary  merit.  In  addition  to  the  usual  branches,  special  atten- 
tion is  also  given  to  English  composition  and  literature,  besides 
typewriting  and  stenography. 

At  present  there  are  numerous  religious  and  beneficial 
societies  connected  with  the  parish,  and  they  are  all  in  a  flourishing 
condition. 


ST.  ELIZABETH'S  (MAGYAR)  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

Between  1880  and  1890  many  Catholic  Hungarians  estab- 
lished homes  in  Cleveland,  especially  east  of  Willson  avenue.  These 
people,  commonly  known  as  Magyars,  form  a  large  portion  of 
the  population  of  Hungary.  Previous  to  1892  the  Magyars  of 
Cleveland  had  no  priest  of  their  own  nationality,  and  hence  were 
obliged  to  attend  Mass  in  churches  located  near  their  homes, 
though  unable  to  understand  the  sermons  preached  therein.  At 
that  time  they  numbered  over  one  hundred  families,  residing  for 
the  most  part  east  of  Willson  avenue. 

In  1888  they  joined  the  Slovaks  in  erecting  St.  Ladislas' 
Church,  on  Corwin  avenue,  but  as  the  two  elements  failed  to 
amalgamate,  and  the  Magyars  being  in  the  minority,  the  latter 
became  dissatisfied  and  resolved  to  build  their  own  church  as 
soon  as  Bishop  Horstmann  could  provide  them  with  a  priest  that 
knew  their  language.  St.  Ladislas'  congregation  gave  $1,000  to 
their  Magyar  brethren  in  the  faith  towards  the  erection  of  the  con- 
templated church,  as  a  partial  return  for  what  they  had  contributed 
while  members  of  said  congregation. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  251 

After  much  correspondence  with  bishops  in  Hungary,  Bishop 
Horstmann  finally  succeeded  in  securing  the  priestly  services  of 
the  Rev,  Charles  Boehm,  a  Magyar  priest.  He  arrived  in  Cleve- 
land on  December  3,  1892,  and  was  at  once  appointed  to  take 
charge  of  the  spiritual  interests  of  his  countrymen.  As  no  church  of 
convenient  location  was  to  be  had  in  which  to  hold  services 
for  his  embryo  congregation  he  arranged  with  the  Sisters  of 
St.  Joseph's  Asylum,  on  Woodland  avenue,  for  the  use  of  their 
chapel.  There  he  assembled  his  people  for  Mass  for  the  first  time 
on  the  third  Sunday  of  Advent,  December  11,  1892. 

Having  secured  a  temporary  place  of  worship  for  his  people 
Father  Boehm,  under  direction  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop,  looked 
about  for  a  church  site.  This  he  secured  on  January  31,  1893,  by 
purchasing  two  lots  on  South  Woodland  avenue,  near  Bismarck 
street.  A  few  days  after,  February  2,  he  bought  a  third  lot^ 
adjoining  the  other  two,  the  purchase  price  being  $1,200,  and  on 
March  22,  of  the  same  year,  he  secured  a  fourth  lot,  fronting  on 
Bismarck  street,  for  $600. 

After  much  discussion,  the  congregation  agreed  to  the 
proposition  to  build  a  brick  church.  Plans  were  accordingly 
drawn,  and  received  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop's  approval.  He  also 
delegated  his  Vicar  General,  Mgr.  Bofif,  to  lay  the  cornerstone  on 
Sunday,  June  4,  1893.  So  rapidly  was  the  edifice  pushed  to  com- 
pletion that  it  was  ready  for  divine  sei-vice  the  following 
September. 

The  solemn  dedication  of  the  church  to  St.  Elizabeth  of 
Hungary  was  performed  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  Sunday, 
February  15,  1896.  The  church  is  a  slate  covered  structure, 
48  X  100  feet,  of  mixed  Gothic  architecture,  of  quite  attractive 
appearance,  and  cost,  exclusive  of  altars  and  pews,  about  $10,000. 
The  interior  is  very  neat  and  the  frescoing  shows  excellent  taste. 

Fully  realizing  the  importance  of  a  parish  school.  Father 
Boehm  considered  it  his  duty  to  provide  for  it  as  soon  as  possible. 
To  this  end  he  purchased,  on  March  22,  1893,  a  lot,  fronting  on 
Bismarck  street.  In  November  of  the  same  year  he  had  a  modest 
two-story  frame  building  erected  thereon,  containing  one  school 
room  for  the  accommodation  of  children  between  nine  and 
twelve  years  of  age.    The  little  school  was  then  put  in  charge  of  a 


252  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

lay  teacher.  Additional  school  facilities  were  soon  imperatively 
needed.  To  fill  this  need  and  to  provide  at  the  same  time  for  a 
temporary  residence  for  himself,  Father  Boehm  purchased,  in 
December,  1895,  a  two-story  frame  building,  which  had  been  used 
as  a  public  school.  He  had  it  moved  to  the  lot  adjoining  the 
church,  on  South  Woodland  avenue.  The  upper  story  was  divided 
into  rooms,  to  serve  as  his  residence.  The  lower  story  was  fitted 
up  as  a  second  school  room  which,  with  the  one  on  Bismarck 
street,  was  placed  in  charge  of  two  Ursuline  Sisters  as  teachers. 
This  arrangement  satisfied  but  for  a  short  time.  Very  soon  more 
school  room  was  needed,  so  rapidly  did  the  attendance  increase. 
Father  Boehm  felt  the  need  more  than  his  people.  Hence,  in  spite 
of  the  financial  strain  upon  them,  he  determined  to  erect  a 
school  building  that  would  be  a  credit  to  the  Catholic  Magyars 
of  Cleveland,  and  to  Cleveland  itself.  In  this  he  had  the  cordial 
approval  of  his  Bishop,  seconded  by  that  of  his  people,  who  were 
willing,  even  eager,  to  shoulder  this  additional  burden.  Plans  were 
therefore  submitted  and  adopted  for  a  brick  school,  to  cost,  com- 
plete in  every  detail,  about  $25,000,  Work  was  begun  in  the  early 
spring  of  1900,  and  the  cornerstone  laid  on  April  22,  of  that  year, 
by  Mgr.  Thorpe,  in  the  presence  of  a  vast  multitude.  The  hand- 
some and  imposing  building  was  dedicated  by  the  Rev.  Chancellor 
Houck,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate,  on  Sunday  afternoon,  August 
19,  1900.  It  was  a  day  of  rejoicing  for  Father  Boehm  and  his 
faithful  people,  who  now  had  a  school  edifice  as  well  appointed 
as  any  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland.  On  September  2,  of 
the  same  year,  the  school  was  opened  with  an  attendance  of  over 
300  children,  in  charge  of  five  Ursuline  Sisters  as  teachers. 

The  fine  property  now  owned  by  St.  Elizabeth's  parish  has  a 
frontage  of  175  feet  on  South  Woodland  avenue,  and  262  feet  on 
Bismarck  street,  and  is  enclosed  by  a  neat  iron  fence.  The  parish 
debt,  though  considerable,  is  within  easy  grasp  of  the  always 
generous  congregation  and  wdll  soon  be  cancelled. 

From  November,  1897,  to  September,  1898,  Father  Boehm 
had  as  an  assistant  the  Rev.  R.  Paulovits  to  enable  him  to  attend  to 
the  spiritual  interests  of  the  Maygars  in  Toledo  and  in  many  places 
outside  of  the  diocese.  This  he  had  done  himself  for  some  time, 
having  been  obliged  to  deprive  his  congregation  in  part  of  his 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  253 

priestly  services.  The  Rev.  J.  Brunkala  has  been  assistant  to 
Father  Boehm  since  July,  1899,  meanwhile  also  attending  the 
Magyars  at  Fairport  and  Lorain. 


ST.  FRANCIS'  CHURCH, 
CLEVELAND. 

The  congregation  of  St.  Francis  of  Assisi  is  an  outgrowth  of 
St.  Peter's,  and  was  organized  in  1887  by  the  Rev.  Francis  Wester- 
holt.  He  had  been  repeatedly  urged  by  those  of  his  parishioners 
living  in  the  far  east  of  Cleveland  to  obtain  from  Bishop  Gilmour 
permission  to  erect  a  church  and  school  nearer  to  their  homes 
than  St.  Peter's.  Bishop  Gilmour  readily  consented,  and  author- 
ized Father  Westerholt  to  secure  a  church  site.  This  he  did  on 
March  3,  1887,  by  purchasing  two  lots  on  Superior  street,  near 
Becker  avenue,  at  a  cost  of  $5,000.  In  a  very  short  time  a  modest 
two-story  frame  building,  30  x  80  feet,  was  erected  on  the  lots. 
The  cost  of  lots  and  building  was  soon  covered  by  the  liberal  sub- 
scriptions of  the  people  and  by  the  proceeds  of  a  fair.  The  lower 
story  was  divided  into  two  school  rooms  and  the  upper  story  was 
fitted  up  to  serve  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship.  The  generosity 
of  some  German  city  parishes,  and  of  a  few  private  individuals. 
provided  the  necessary  church  outfit.  The  neatly  decorated 
edifice  was  blessed  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  Sunday,  September  11, 
1887,  and  on  the  following  day  the  parish  school  was  opened  and 
put  in  charge  of  two  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame.  Until  the  appoint- 
ment of  a  resident  pastor  the  church  was  attended  from  St.  Peter's. 
On  Passion  Sunday,  March  15,  1888,  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Kirch 
was  given  pastoral  charge  of  the  new  congregation.  As  no 
pastoral  residence  had  been  provided  for  him  he  had  to  make  his 
abode  for  some  months  in  a  rented  house,  over  a  mile  distant  from 
the  church. 

On  February  27,  1888,  two  lots,  at  the  corner  of  Superior 
street  and  Becker  avenue  were  purchased  for  $5,300.  In  the  rear 
of  these  lots  the  pastoral  residence  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  $1,500. 
Within  the  same  year  an  assembly  hall  was  built  east  of  the  church 
at  an  expense  of  nearly  $2,000.  The  parish  had  at  this  time  a 
membership  of  about  one  hundred  families,  but  the  church  being 


254  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

the  only  one  then  in  that  section  of  the  city,  was  attended  not  only 
by  the  Germans,  but  also  by  people  of  other  nationalities  living  in 
that  neighborhood.  The  modest  structure  was  often  overcrowded 
to  the  danger  limit.  The  Germans,  knowing  that  these  members 
of  the  congregation  had  not  the  means  to  erect  a  church  of  their 
own,  kindly  provided  for  them  by  enlarging  their  building,  (36  x 
56  feet),  by  which  addition  another  school  room  was  gained  in  the 
lower  story,  as  also  a  dwelling  for  the  teaching  sisters.  Soon  after 
a  third  school  room  was  opened. 

In  1891  a  stone  sidewalk  and  an  iron  fence  along  the  front  of 
the  property  improved  the  surroundings  of  the  church.  The  school 
demanding  more  rooms,  the  assembly  hall  which  had  been  erected 
two  years  previous  was  enlarged  by  adding  a  second  story.  The 
lower  floor  was  partitioned  into  three  class  rooms,  while  the  new 
story  served  as  a  hall. 

On  January  29,  1893,  the  Rev.  N.  Kirch,  after  five  years  of 
hard  and  energetic  labor,  was  transferred  to  Navarre.  On  the 
following  Sunday  the  Rev.  Francis  Metternich  succeeded  Father 
Kirch  as  pastor  of  St.  Francis'  Church. 

February  28,  1893,  the  congregation  purchased  the  beautiful 
house  located  on  a  lot,  50  x  150  feet,  opposite  the  church  on 
Superior  street,  for  a  pastoral  residence  at  a  cost  of  $7,000.  The 
former  residence  on  Becker  avenue  has  since  then  been  occupied 
by  the  sisters  teaching  the  parish  schools. 

The  church  again  proving  too  small,  another  addition  was 
built  in  1894,  thus  bridging  over  for  a  time  the  necessity  of  build- 
ing a  larger  and  finer  church,  which  has  been  contemplated  for 
some  years.  In  fact  a  considerable  sum  is  already  on  hand  for 
that  purpose,  which  Father  Metternich  and  his  people  hope  to  see 
realized  in  the  near  future. 

The  preliminary  steps  for  building  the  new  church  were  taken 
in  1898.  The  site  selected  for  the  edifice  is  the  present  play  ground 
of  the  school  children.  On  this  account  it  became  necessary  to 
enlarge  the  church  property.  This  was  done  on  January  24,  1899, 
by  the  purchase  of  two  adjoining  lots,  100  x  80  feet,  located  east 
of  the  parish  hall  building,  at  a  cost  of  $1,320.  This  building, 
containing  four  school  rooms  in  the  lower  story,  will  soon  be 
removed  to  these  lots,  to  make  room  for  the  proposed  church. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  255 

The  financial  and  spiritual  condition  of  the  congregation  is 
excellent,  and  St.  Francis'  bids  fair  to  become  one  of  the  largest 
German-speaking  parishes  in  Cleveland. 

ST.  GEORGE'S  (LITHUANIAN)  MISSION, 
CLEVELAND. 

Among  the  polyglot  Catholic  population  of  Cleveland  are 
about  one  hundred  families  who  came  here  since  1890  from 
Lithuania,  a  Russian  province,  to  escape  the  religious  and  civil 
oppression  to  which  they  were  subjected  in  their  native  country. 
They  are  a  hardworking  and  thrifty  people,  full  of  faith  and  simple 
piety.  Not  having  a  priest  of  their  own  language  they  attended 
Mass  in  the  churches  nearest  to  their  homes.  At  irregular 
intervals  Lithuanian  priests  came  from  the  dioceses  of  Pittsburg 
and  Detroit  to  attend  to  their  spiritual  wants.  Finally,  in  August, 
1895,  they  were  organized  as  a  congregation,  under  the  direction 
of  a  priest  of  their  own  country,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Delinikaitis.  He 
assembled  his  people  for  worship  in  the  chapel  of  St.  Peter's 
Church,  the  use  of  which  was  granted  them  by  the  rector,  Father 
Westerholt.  St.  George  was  chosen  as  the  patron  of  the  congre- 
gation. In  a  short  time  they  had  all  the  requirements  for  divine 
service,  which  was  regularly  held  in  their  temporary  place  of 
worship,  until  Father  Delinikaitis  left,  in  September,  1896. 
Lithuanian  priests  being  very  few  in  number  in  this  country, 
St.  George's  congregation  was  without  a  pastor  until  the  advent 
of  the  Rev,  Joseph  Maszotas,  who  received  temporary  charge 
of  the  congregation  in  March,  1898.  This  he  retained  until  June, 
1899,  when  he  left  the  diocese.  Since  then  they  have  been 
without  a  pastor.  The  Lithuanians  purchased  three  lots  on  North 
Perry  street  on  which  to  erect  their  own  church,  school  and 
pastoral  residence.  The  purchase  price  of  the  lots  was  $4,700, 
about  half  of  which  they  have  already  paid  out  of  their  meagre 
earnings,  most  of  them  being  poor,  and  gaining  their  livelihood 
by  performing  the  most  common  labor.  In  the  near  future,  as 
soon  as  they  have  their  own  pastor,  who  is  expected  in  January, 
1901,  they  will  realize  their  fond  hope,  to  have  their  own  "roof- 
tree"  as  a  congregation,  and  thus  be  in  line  with  their  fellow 
Catholics  in  Cleveland. 


256  A   HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

ST.  JOHN  BAPTIST'S  (UNITED  GREEK)  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

The  first  United  Greek  congregation  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleve- 
land, and  in  Ohio  for  that  matter,  was  organized  at  Cleveland  in 
January,  1893,  the  Rev.  John  Csurgovich  being  the  first  pastor 
thereof.  He  came  directly  from  Hungary  to  Cleveland  at  that 
time.  For  over  a  year  its  members  worshipped  in  St.  Ladislas' 
Church,  having  separate  services  according  to  the  Greek  rite,  the 
Slovak  language  being  used  instead  of  Latin.  Father  Csurgovich 
found  located  in  Cleveland  about  one  hundred  families  of  his 
countrymen  who  belonged  to  the  United  Greek  branch  of  the 
Catholic  Church,  and  nearly  all  of  the  poorest  class,  financially. 
Under  direction  of  Bishop  Horstmann  he  purchased  on  January 
22,  1894,  a  lot,  44  x  134  feet,  on  Rawlings  avenue,  for  $600,  and 
on  it  built  a  frame  church  of  humble  design.  It  was  ready  for  use 
in  April  of  the  same  year,  and  dedicated  to  St.  John  the  Baptist. 
It  cost  about  $1,000.  Father  Csurgovich  left  the  diocese  on 
September  10,  1896,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Simon  Szabo 
a  few  days  later.  He  had  the  interior  of  the  church  remodeled 
and  a  sanctuary  added  to  the  edifice,  thus  increasing  its  seating 
capacity  somewhat.  During  his  pastorate  he  also  held  separate 
service  for  the  Slovak  Greek  Catholics  in  the  chapel  of  the  Fran- 
ciscan monastery.  He  left  in  April,  1898,  and  was  succeeded  by 
the  present  priest  in  charge,  the  Rev.  Irenaeus  Matyaczko,  who  (in 
1900)  built  a  frame  school,  with  pastoral  residence  adjoining,  at 
a  cost  of  nearly  $4,000. 

ST.  JOHN  CANTIUS'  (POLISH)  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

The  rapidly  increasing  number  of  Catholic  Poles  in  Cleve- 
land necessitated  the  formation  of  a  fourth  Polish  congregation, 
to  give  church  and  school  facilities  to  the  people  of  that  nationality 
living  in  the  "down  town"  district,  and  too  far  distant  from  the 
other  Polish  churches.  The  arrival  of  the  Rev.  Hippolit  Orlowski, 
in  April,  1898,  enabled  Bishop  Horstmann  to  effect  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  much  needed  parish.     Father  Orlowski  obtained  the 


ST.    JOSEPH'S    CHURCH,    AND    FRANCISCAN  MONASTERY,   CLEVELAND. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  257 

use  of  the  Cathedral  Chapel  for  services  on  Sundays  and  holydays, 
and  in  a  short  time  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  upwards  of  one 
hundred  families  in  regular  attendance.  Meanwhile  he  made 
search  for  a  suitable  location  on  which  to  erect  a  church,  school  and 
pastoral  residence. 

Some  friction  arose  while  selecting  a  site  pleasing  to  at  least 
a  majority  of  the  congregation.  Finally  an  ideal  place  was 
found  at  the  corner  of  Professor  and  College  streets.  The  property, 
consisting  of  two  large  lots,  132  by  132  feet,  had  on  it  a  large  frame 
building,  in  excellent  condition.  It  was  formerly  the  car  barn  of 
the  South  Side  street  railway.  The  property  was  secured  at  a  cost 
of  $4,000,  and  was  deeded  to  Bishop  Horstmann  in  February, 
1899.  Immediately  the  work  of  transformation  was  begun  and  in 
a  few  weeks  what  was  once  a  barn  had  now  the  appearance  of  a 
neat  and  cozy  church,  amply  large,  at  least  for  some  years,  to 
accommodate  the  people  identified  with  the  new  parish.  Mass  was 
celebrated  in  the  transformed  building  for  the  first  time  on  Palm 
Sunday,  March  26,  1899. 

That  part  of  the  two-story  building  along  the  rear  end  of  the 
two  lots  was  fitted  up  for  a  pastoral  residence,  school  and  sisters' 
house.  In  three  months  all  these  necessary  adjuncts  to  a  properly 
organized  parish  were  ready  for  occupancy.  The  school  was 
opened  on  September  11,  1899. 

The  attractive  church  was  dedicated  to  St.  John  Cantius,  by 
Bishop  Horstmann,  on  Sunday,  October  22,  1899,  a  vast  multitude 
assisting  at  the  ceremony.  The  congregation  was  obliged  to  go 
into  debt  for  nearly  all  the  property  and  outfit,  but  the  well-known 
generosity  of  the  Catholic  Poles  will  cancel  the  debt,  of  about 
$6,000,  in  a  very  short  time. 


ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

The  Rev.  John  H.  Luhr,  founder  of  St.  Peter's  parish,  felt  the 
necessity  of  starting  another  school,  besides  St.  Peter's,  for  the  con- 
venience of  children  living  in  the  southerly  part  of  the  city.  He 
foresaw  that  his  parishioners  there  resident  would  be  unwilling  to 
send  their  children   to  the  school  adjoining  the  parish   church. 


258  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

because  of  the  great  distance  to  be  traveled,  and  that  these  would 
find  their  way  to  the  public  school,  and  perhaps  to  apostasy.  To 
prevent  this  evil,  the  zealous  priest  opened  a  school  in  a  private 
house,  rented  for  the  purpose,  on  Irving  street,  in  September, 
1855.  Through  the  energy  and  ability  of  its  teacher,  Miss  M. 
Hengge,  the  school  prospered  to  such  a  degree  that  the  number  of 
children  at  the  close  of  the  second  year  exceeded  one  hundred. 
This  success  gave  encouragement  to  the  people,  and  in  1857  they 
erected  a  school  house  of  their  own,  at  the  corner  of  Orange  and 
Irving  streets.  But  a  church  was  also  badly  needed,  as  many  adults 
remained  away  from  their  religious  duties  altogether,  owing  partly 
to  the  long  distance  to  St.  Peter's  Church.  To  remove  all  excuse 
for  neglecting  Mass,  Father  Luhr,  with  the  consent  of  Bishop 
Rappe,  placed  an  altar  in  one  of  the  school  apartments,  where  his 
assistant,  the  Rev.  William  Bally,  celebrated  Mass  on  Sundays  and 
holydays  from  July  to  November,  1857.  The  good  results  of  this 
arrangement  soon  became  manifest.  In  spite  of  the  inconvenience 
and  poverty  of  the  place,  the  number  of  people  present  at  the  Holy 
Sacrifice  steadily  increased.  When  Father  Bally  was  transferred. 
Bishop  Rappe  was  asked  for  permission  to  form  a  new  congrega- 
tion. His  consent  was  readily  given.  Thereupon,  in  May.  1858, 
the  families  living  in  the  southern  part  of  St.  Peters  parish 
separated,  and  under  the  patronage  of  St.  Joseph,  organized  as  a 
distinct  congregation.  The  Rev.  Anthony  Krasney  attended  it 
from  St.  Peter's  as  a  mission  until  1862,  when  he  was  appointed  its 
first  pastor.  Under  his  direction  a  lot  (100  by  170  feet),  situated 
at  the  northeast  corner  of  Woodland  avenue  and  Chapel  street, 
was  bought  of  Philo  Scoville,  and  a  frame  church  built  thereon. 
Bishop  Rappe  blessed  the  foundation  on  November  2,  1862.  In 
the  following  year  a  new  school  house  of  brick  was  erected,  a  lot 
of  thirty-six  feet  having  previously  been  added  to  the  church 
property  for  that  purpose.  The  priest's  house,  also  of  brick,  was 
built  in  1864. 

About  this  time  an  important  change  took  place.  The  Rev. 
A.  Krasney  not  being  able,  under  existing  circumstances,  to  satisfy 
the  wants  of  the  congregation.  Bishop  Rappe  asked  the  Franciscan 
Fathers  of  Teutopolis,  111.,  to  take  charge  of  St.  Joseph's  Church. 
After  considerable  correspondence  and  consequent  delay  Bishop 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  259 

Rappe's  repeated  offer  was  accepted  in  1867,  when  two  Franciscan 
Fathers,  the  Revs.  Capistran  Zwinge,  O.  F.  M.,  and  Dominic 
Droessler,  O.  F.  M.,  took  charge  of  St.  Joseph's.  They  labored 
zealously  in  their  new  field,  and  though  having  to  overcome  many 
obstacles,  their  efforts  for  the  souls  entrusted  to  them  were  blessed 
abundantly. 

Soon  the  old  frame  church  and  priest's  house  became  too 
small.  A  monastery  and  chapel  were  built  in  1868,  at  the  corner 
of  Chapel  and  Hazen  streets.  On  October  12,  1869,  the  corner- 
stone of  the  chapel  was  laid  by  Bishop  Rappe,  and  in  the  following 
year,  November  13,  it  was  consecrated  by  Bishop  Toebbe,  of 
Covington,  Ky.  Plans  were  now  drawn  by  architects  Cudell  and 
Richardson  for  a  brick  church  to  replace  the  frame  structure.  But 
owing  to  his  many  and  arduous  labors  in  his  former  capacity  as 
missionary  priest,  the  health  of  the  pastor.  Rev.  P.  Capistran,  was 
unequal  to  the  task  of  building  a  church.  His  declining  health 
caused  him  to  return,  in  1871,  to  Teutopolis,  111.  He  died  at 
Chicago,  III,  on  July  24,  1874.  Father  Capistran  was  replaced  in 
the  pastorate  of  St.  Joseph's  by  the  Rev.  Kilian  Schloesser, 
O.  F.  M.,  who  soon  commenced  the  new  church  according  to  the 
above  mentioned  plans.  On  invitation  of  the  Very  Rev.  Edward 
Hannin,  the  administrator  of  the  diocese.  Bishop  Toebbe,  of 
Covington,  laid  the  cornerstone  of  the  new  edifice,  October  26, 
1871.  Two  years  later,  October  5,  1873,  the  present  grand  church 
was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour.  It  is  built  in  pure  Gothic,  with 
clere-story.  It  has  a  frontage  of  ninety  feet  on  Woodland  avenue, 
and  extends  on  Chapel  street  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet. 

Father  Kilian  Schloesser  now  made  every  effort  to  reduce  the 
large  debt,  contracted  in  the  erection  of  the  church.  He  suc- 
ceeded, by  prudent  economy  and  careful  management,  in  diminish- 
ing it  considerably  each  year.  In  this  he  was  greatly  assisted  by 
the  St.  Agatha's  Insurance  Society,  which  lent  its  earnings  to  the 
church  without  interest. 

In  July,  1885,  Father  Kilian  was  succeeded  in  the  pastorate  of 
St.  Joseph's  by  his  assistant,  the  Rev.  Alardus  Andreschek, 
O.  F.  M.  During  the  same  year  the  beautiful  high  altar,  designed 
by  Brother  Louis,  O.  F.  M.,  and  executed  under  his  direction,  was 
blessed  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G.     In  1888,  the  Rev.  Theodore 


260  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Arentz,  O.  F.  M.,  succeeded  Father  Alardus,  and  the  Rev. 
Boniface  Depmann,  O.  F.  M.,  was  appointed  his  assistant.  Two 
years  later  the  church  was  artistically  frescoed  and  furnished  with 
a  steam  heating  apparatus.  In  1892,  the  outfit  of  the  sanctuary 
was  completed  by  the  addition  of  two  fine  side  altars,  also  designed 
by  Brother  Louis,  O.  F.  M.  In  August,  1897,  the  Rev.  Benignus 
Schuetz,  O.  F,  M.,  was  given  pastoral  charge  of  St.  Joseph's, 
Father  Theodore  having  at  that  time  been  elected  Provincial  of 
the  Franciscans  belonging  to  the  Province  of  the  Sacred  Heart. 
Father  Boniface  was  relieved  by  the  Rev.  Matthew  Schmitz, 
O.  F.  M.,  in  the  duties  of  assistant,  in  January,  1899. 

As  early  as  1893  the  completion  of  the  church  spire  had  been 
discussed.  But,  owing  to  the  financial  depression  then  and  for 
some  years  following,  its  completion  had  to  be  postponed  to  a 
more  favorable  time.  This  came  at  last  in  the  spring  of  1899. 
The  same  architects  who  drew  the  plans  for  the  church  drew  them 
also  for  the  spire,  which  was  completed  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year. 
It  ranks  among  the  tallest  and  most  beautiful  spires  in  Cleveland. 
On  Sunday,  October  22,  1899,  Bishop  Horstmann  blessed  three 
fine  bells  for  this  church,  the  largest  weighing  four  thousand 
pounds.  On  the  same  day  the  splendid  organ,  which  practically 
had  been  rebuilt,  was  blessed  and  used  for  the  first  time. 

St.  Joseph's  Church  is  now  complete  in  every  respect,  and  is 
justly  classed  with  the  best  and  most  costly  churches  in  the  city  and 
Diocese  of  Cleveland.  As  stated  in  the  beginning  of  the  sketch, 
the  school  was  opened  before  the  parish  was  organized. 
At  all  times  the  best  interests  of  the  parochial  schools  were  kept  in 
view.  Until  1875  they  were  taught  by  lay  teachers.  From  1875 
until  1889  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  had  charge  of 
the  girls.  From  1875  to  1885  two  Franciscan  Brothers  taught  the 
boys.  In  the  latter  year,  the  present  teacher  and  organist,  Mr. 
Aloysius  Pfeilschifter,  was  given  charge  of  the  large  boys'  school, 
and  in  1889  the  Ursuline  Sisters  were  entrusted  with  the  girls  and 
the  smaller  boys.  At  present  (December,  1900),  the  school  is 
attended  by  three  hundred  and  forty  pupils.  For  a  number  of 
years  prior  to  1885,  the  two  school  buildings  were  found  inade- 
quate. In  fact,  the  building  used  by  the  boys  was  condemned  as 
unsafe.     It  stood  to  the  rear  of  the  church  and  lacked  modern 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  261 

equipments.  The  Franciscan  Fathers  proposed  to  Bishop  Gilmour 
to  sell  to  St.  Joseph's  parish  their  monastery  property,  located  at 
the  corner  of  Chapel  and  Hazen  streets,  and  to  take  in  exchange, 
as  part  of  the  purchase  price,  the  lots  on  which  stood  the  school 
buildings.  The  object  of  this  offer  was  to  enable  the  parish  to  fit 
up  as  a  parochial  school  the  monastery,  and  so  secure,  at  a  com- 
paratively small  cost  for  the  necessary  transformation,  an  excellent 
building,  with  ample  grounds,  comprising  half  a  block.  At  the 
same  time  also  the  Fathers  could  thus  put  into  efTect  a  long 
cherished  plan — to  have  their  monastery  immediately  adjoining 
the  parish  church.  Bishop  Gilmour  and  the  parish  councilmen 
considered  the  proposition  with  favor,  but  he  died  before  anything 
definite  was  or  could  be  done  in  the  matter.  Within  a  short  time 
after  Bishop  Horstmann  came  to  Cleveland,  the  proposition  was 
revived,  and  at  once  accepted  by  him.  The  exchange  of  the  two 
properties  in  question  was  efTected  in  June,  1892,  the  parish  agree- 
ing to  pay  $12,500  for  the  monastery  and  grounds.  The  former  was 
remodeled  into  a  very  commodious  school  during  the  early  part 
of  the  following  year,  and  in  1894  the  monastery  chapel  was 
transformed  into  a  fine  parish  hall,  all  at  a  cost  of  about  $4,000. 
At  the  same  time  the  present  monastery,  immediately  north  of  and 
adjoining  the  church,  was  built.  With  the  above  mentioned 
changes,  St.  Joseph's  came  into  possession  of  excellent  school 
facilities,  and  now  has  all  its  parish  wants  supplied,  with  but  a 
trifling  debt  remaining.  The  Rev.  Bernard  Wewer,  O.  F.  M.,  the 
present  pastor,  has  been  in  charge  since  September,  1900. 


ST.  LADISLAS'  (SLOVAK)  CHURCH, 
CLEVELAND. 

Prior  to  1885,  the  Slovak  Hungarians  in  Cleveland  had  no 
separate  church  organization,  owing  to  lack  of  numbers.  In  that 
year  it  was  found  advisable  to  organize  them  as  a  mission  congre- 
gation, as  now  they  had  increased  considerably  in  numerical 
strength.  To  the  Rev.  Stephen  Furdek  was  entrusted  the  work  of 
forming  the  new  congregation,  to  be  composed  of  two  elements — 
Slovaks  and   Magyars,  both   of  Hungarian   origin.      From  June, 


262  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

1885,  to  December,  1888,  they  had  a  regular  Sunday  service  at 
6.30  a.  m.  in  the  chapel  of  the  Franciscan  monastery,  one  of  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  saying  the  Mass,  and  Father  Furdek  preaching 
the  sermon.  In  June,  1888,  Bishop  Gilmour  authorized  Father 
Furdek  to  purchase  a  lot,  for  church  purposes,  at  the  corner  of 
Corwin  and  Holton  avenues.  An  additional  lot  was  bought  in 
November  of  the  same  year,  both  costing  nearly  $3,000.  On  the 
first  lot  a  frame  church,  40  x  70  feet,  was  erected.  It  was  dedicated 
to  St.  Ladislas  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  on  Sunday,  December  2,  1888, 
Till  the  completion  of  the  school  proper,  in  1891,  a  part  of  the 
church  was  used  for  school  purposes.  Thus,  from  the  very  begin- 
ning of  the  congregation  the  school  was  an  integral  part  of  the 
parish.  The  Rev.  John  Martvon  was  given  the  pastoral  charge  of 
St.  Ladislas'  in  July,  1890,  thus  relieving  Father  Furdek,  who 
during  all  this  time  was  also  pastor  of  the  large  Bohemian  congre- 
gation of  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes. 

Owing  to  dissensions  in  the  parish.  Father  Martvon  left  his 
charge  and  the  diocese  in  September,  1892.  The  Rev.  Wenceslas 
A.  Panuska  was  appointed  his  successor  on  September  27,  follow- 
ing. Father  Panuska  had  a  number  of  necessary  improvements 
made  in  and  outside  the  church,  shortly  after  he  took  charge  of  the 
parish.  The  Slovak-Hungarians  living  near  the  center  of  the  city 
asked  permission,  in  1893,  to  organize  as  a  separate  congregation, 
as  they  found  St.  Ladislas'  Church  too  far  distant  from  their 
homes.  The  petition  was  granted  and  the  organization  of  St. 
Martin's  Church,  on  Henry  street,  was  the  result.  This  separation 
diminished  the  numerical  strength  of  St.  Ladislas'  considerably, 
and  in  consequence  much  dissatisfaction  arose,  as  those  remaining 
felt  they  could  hardly  carry  the  church  debt  and  meet  the  running 
expenses  of  the  parish.  But  in  a  short  time  this  feeling  was 
allayed.  In  February,  1894,  Father  Panuska  was  appointed  pastor 
of  St.  Martin's  Church.  The  Rev.  Francis  Jiranek  succeeded  him 
as  pastor  of  St.  Ladislas',  but  he  remained  only  until  August  of 
the  same  year.  The  parish  was  then  attended  from  St.  Martin's  as 
a  mission,  by  Father  Panuska  about  four  weeks,  when,  on 
September  15,  the  Rev.  Peter  M.  Cerveny  was  appointed  resident 
pastor,  and  has  since  then  remained  in  charge.  He  inaugurated 
and  brought  to  completion  a  number  of  improvements  in  and 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  263 

around  the  church,  and  a  fine  pipe  organ  was  bought  shortly  after 
his  arrival.  Later  on  the  altars  were  repainted  and  ornamented  in 
good  taste. 

In  1898  the  school  house  was  removed  from  its  location, 
fronting  on  Corwin  avenue,  to  the  rear  of  the  church,  and  the  few 
rooms  in  the  same  building,  that  served  as  a  temporary  residence 
of  the  pastor,  were  remodeled  for  school  purposes  by  taking  out 
the  partitions.  Thus  two  additional  and  commodious  school 
rooms  were  gained — four  rooms  in  all  being  now  occupied.  The 
school  is  in  charge  of  three  Ursuline  Sisters. 

On  the  plat  of  ground  now  vacated  by  the  school  building  a 
much  needed  pastoral  residence  was  built  at  a  cost  of  about  $3,500. 
It  is  a  handsome  frame  structure  and  has  all  the  modern  con- 
veniences.   It  was  completed  in  December,  1898. 

The  people  of  St.  Ladislas'  parish  having  generously 
responded  to  every  call  on  their  limited  means,  now  have  the 
satisfaction  of  possessing  a  neat,  well-appointed  church,  a  well- 
equipped  school,  attended  by  one  hundred  and  fifty  children,  a 
handsome  pastoral  residence,  and  a  fine  plot  of  land,  with  a  debt 
of  only  about  $3,000. 


ST.  MALACHY'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

St.  Malachy's  congregation  was  organized  in  November, 
1865.  It  was  formed  out  of  the  eastern  section  of  St.  Patrick's 
parish.  The  present  rector  of  the  parish,  the  Rev.  James  P. 
Molony,  was  appointed  its  first  pastor.  Until  December,  1868, 
the  congregation  had  services  in  St.  Mary's  on  the  Flats. 

On  Pentecost  Sunday,  June  10,  1867,  the  cornerstone  of  the 
present  church,  located  on  the  south  side  of  Washington  street, 
was  laid  by  the  Very  Rev.  Vicar  General  Caron.  On  Sunday, 
March  5,  1871,  Archbishop  Purcell  dedicated  the  church,  although 
Mass  had  been  celebrated  in  it  since  Christmas,  1868.  The  church 
had  then  just  been  enclosed.  During  1870  the  interior  of  the 
brick  edifice  was  completed.  St.  Malachy's  Church,  when  com- 
pleted, was  surmounted  by  an  electric  cross  on  the  pinnacle  of  the 
spire.    This  cross  was  the  first  and  last  object  in  Cleveland  visible 


264  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

to  approaching  or  receding  sailors  on  Lake  Erie.  In  December, 
1876,  the  spire  was  blown  clown  and  has  never  been  rebuilt. 

Between  1896  and  1897  the  church  was  thoroughly  renovated. 
The  original  stained  glass  windows  being  very  dark  and  having 
served  their  purpose  for  over  twenty  years  were  replaced  in  1896, 
and  the  church  as  a  consequence  was  much  brightened.  The 
church  seats  about  900,  and  contains  a  number  of  beautiful  statues, 
notably  a  very  fine  Pieta. 

In  1867  St.  Malachy's  built  its  first  school,  a  rented  building 
having  served  the  purpose  prior  to  that  time.  In  1871  the  present 
boys'  school  (formerly  a  public  school)  was  purchased  at  a  cost 
of  $10,000.  The  boys  were  taught  by  lay  teachers  and  Ursuline 
Sisters  until  November,  1893,  when  the  Christian  Brothers  took 
charge  of  the  school.  They  have  conducted  it  since  then  with 
great  success. 

The  girls'  school  was  from  the  beginning  in  charge  of  the 
Ursulines,  and  has  been  remarkably  successful,  no  less  than  fifty- 
one  of  its  pupils  having  taken  public  school  teachers'  certificates. 
Many  of  them  also  passed  at  once  into  the  public  schools  of  Cleve- 
land and  proved  most  efficient  teachers.  The  present  girls'  school 
building  was  erected  in  1885  at  a  cost  of  $20,000. 

The  following  priests  have  been  curates  at  St.  Malachy's: 
The  Revs.  T.  M.  Smyth,  M.  P.  Kinkead,  W.  J.  Fitzgerald,  F.  M. 
Scullin,  J.  Hannan,  E.  M.  Ryan,  A.  R.  Waldron.  The  present 
curates  are  the  Revs.  John  MacHale  (since  October,  1889)  and 
John  Kelly. 

The  following  self-explanatory  statement,  published  recently, 
shows  the  amount  expended  by  St.  Malachy's  for  its  parish 
property  and  buildings: 

"Cost  of  St.  Malachy's  property  on  which  the  church  is  built, 

and  lots  east  and  west  adjoining $  15,000.00 

Pearl  street  boys'  school  property 10,000.00 

Rectory   17,000.00 

COST  OF  BUILDINGS. 

Church  and  requirements,  protection  wall,  steps  and   outside 

expenses    70,000.00 

Girls'  school,  with  outside  expenses 20,000.00 

House  and  lot,  with  addition  and   improvements — residence 

of  the   Brothers 5,800.00 

Total    $137,000.00" 


ST.  MARY'S    SCHOOL    CLEVELAND 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  265 

ST.  MARTIN'S  (SLOVAK)  CHURCH, 
CLEVELAND. 

In  1893  a  considerable  number  of  Slovaks  living  west  of 
Willson  avenue  and  in  the  northern  part  of  Cleveland,  asked 
Bishop  Horstmann  for  permission  to  leave  St.  Ladislas'  congre- 
gation, and  form  a  separate  congregation.  They  gave  as  a  reason, 
in  support  of  their  petition,  that  they  lived  too  far  distant  from  the 
church  with  which  they  were  then  affiliated.  Their  petition  was 
granted,  and  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  Wenceslas  A. 
Panuska  they  purchased  the  German  Evangelical  meeting  house, 
a  frame  structure,  on  Henry  street.  The  purchase  also  included 
two  lots,  with  frame  residence  thereon.  The  property  was  bought 
on  June  15,  1893,  for  $6,000.  The  meeting  house  was  soon  trans- 
formed into  a  church,  at  considerable  expense,  and  was  dedicated 
to  St.  Martin  by  Bishop  Horstmann.  In  September  of  the  same 
year  a  parish  school  was  opened  and  soon  filled  with  the  -children 
of  the  parish.  St.  Martin's  was  attended  as  a  mission,  from  St. 
Ladislas'  Church,  by  the  Rev.  Wenceslas  A.  Panuska  till  January, 
1894,  when  he  was  appointed  its  resident  pastor.  In  June,  1896, 
he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Aloysius  Kolar,  under  whose  direc- 
tion another  frame  school  was  opened  to  meet  the  demands  of  the 
increasing  attendance.  He  also  enlarged  the  church  by  adding  a 
sanctuary,  increasing  the  seating  capacity  considerably.  In  June, 
1899,  Father  Kolar  was  succeeded  by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev. 
Wenceslas  J.  Horak.  The  parish  school  is  now  in  charge  of  two 
Sisters  of  St.  Joseph.  The  congregation  numbers  about  two 
hundred  and  fifty  families. 

ST.  MARY  OF  THE  ASSUMPTION  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

For  some  years  previous  to  1853  the  Catholic  Germans  of 
Cleveland  had  separate  services  in  old  St.  Mary's  Church.  The 
Sanguinist  Fathers,  Revs.  J.  Ringele  and  M.  Kreusch,  attended 
to  their  spiritual  wants  from  1848,  till  the  advent  of  the  Rev.  John 
H.  Luhr,  who  came  to  Cleveland  in  February,  1853,  and  was 
appointed  their  first  resident  pastor.     In   November,   1854,   the 


266  A   HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Catholic  Germans,  living  on  the  West  Side  (then  known  as  Ohio 
City),  separated  from  those  on  the  East  Side  and  were  organized 
as  a  congregation  under  the  patronage  of  St.  Mary  of  the  Assump- 
tion. Bishop  Rappe  appointed  the  Rev.  John  J.  Kramer  as  their 
pastor  and  assigned  them  the  above  mentioned  Church  of  St. 
Mary's  on  the  "Flats."  The  Rev.  F.  X.  Obermueller  succeeded 
Father  Kramer,  in  September,  1857,  and  remained  in  charge  till 
August,  1861.  He  purchased  part  of  the  present  church  property. 
He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Jacob  Hamene,  who  remained  only 
until  the  following  March.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  Stephen 
Falk,  who  commenced  the  present  church,  at  the  corner  of  Jersey 
and  Carroll  streets,  in  September,  1863.  Bishop  Rappe  dedicated 
it,  on  September  13,  1865.  The  building  is  a  plain,  brick  structure, 
67  X  137  feet,  but  its  interior  is  quite  attractive,  being  beautifully 
frescoed,  and  furnished  with  three  very  fine  altars,  pulpit,  organ, 
pews,  etc. 

A  parochial  school  was  attached  to  the  church  from  the  time 
of  its  organization.  Father  Obermueller  enlarged  it  to  four 
divisions  in  1859,  and  put  it  in  charge  of  two  Brothers  of  Mary 
and  two  Ursuline  Sisters. 

In  order  that  Bishop  Gilmour  might  put  into  effect  a  long 
cherished  plan,  viz.,  to  establish  a  college  for  boys,  under  the 
direction  of  Jesuit  Fathers,  and  at  the  same  time  to  give  the  latter 
a  position  in  Cleveland  in  connection  with  parish  work,  Father 
Falk  voluntarily  and  most  generously  resigned  the  pastorate  of 
St.  Mary's,  of  which  he  had  charge  for  over  nineteen  years.  His 
resignation  took  effect  in  July,  1880.  During  all  these  years  at 
St.  Mary's  he  labored  unselfishly  and  without  ostentation  for  the 
best  interests  of  religion,  of  his  parish,  and  especially  of  its  schools. 
He  left  St.  Mary's  without  a  dollar  of  debt,  and  in  excellent  con- 
dition both  temporally  and  spiritually.  For  this  St.  Mary's  owes 
him  a  debt  of  gratitude.  After  a  short  respite  he  took  charge  of  the 
congregation  at  French  Creek,  where,  after  another  long  term  of 
hard  work  for  religion  and  his  kind,  he  died  most  edifyingly  on 
August  26,  1899. 

In  July,  1880,  St.  Mary's  parish  was  assigned  to  the  Jesuits, 
with  the  Rev.  Michael  Zoeller,  S.  J.,  as  pastor.  Under  his  direc- 
tion the  present  beautiful  spire  was  built.     In  June,  1886,  he  was 


ST.     MICHAEL'S     CHURCH,     CLEVELAND. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  267 

succeeded  by  the  Rev.  John  B.  Neustich,  S.  J.  He  had  many 
improvements  made  in  and  about  the  church,  during  the  next  four 
years,  including  also  a  fine  pipe  organ,  which  cost  nearly  $5,000. 
On  November  16,  1893,  the  church  was  greatly  damaged  by  fire. 
The  loss,  however,  estimated  by  the  adjusters  at  a  little  over 
$15,000,  was  promptly  paid  by  the  insurance  companies.  The 
damaged  church  was  at  once  repaired  and  put  into  better  condition 
than  it  was  before  the  fire. 

Father  Neustich  was  succeeded  by  the  present  pastor,  the 
Rev,  Victor  Scheppach,  S.  J.,  in  July,  1894.  In  the  following 
spring  the  brick  pastoral  residence  and  school  buildings  were  torn 
down,  to  make  room  for  a  much  needed  school  of  larger  propor- 
tion, which  cost  about  $36,000.  The  foundation  was  begun  in 
June,  1895,  and  so  rapidly  was  the  work  pushed  that  the  handsome 
edifice  was  ready  for  occupancy  in  February  of  the  following 
year.  It  is  one  of  the  finest  schools  in  the  diocese,  and  can  accom- 
modate at  least  600  children.  It  has  ten  class  rooms,  a  large 
elegant  parish  hall  in  the  top  stor}^  with  society  rooms  and  library 
in  the  basement.  It  has  all  the  modern  equipments,  and  is  equal 
to  the  best  public  school  buildings  in  its  appointments.  It  is  justly 
the  pride  of  the  pastor  and  his  generous  people.  Four  Brothers  of 
Mary  and  five  Ursuline  Sisters  successfully  conduct  the  school, 
which  is  attended  by  about  500  pupils. 

St.  Mary's  has  also  a  club  house  for  the  use  of  young  men — 
spacious,  attractive  and  well  equipped.  It  is  a  two-story  frame 
building.  Above  are  large  reading  rooms,  and  rooms  for  social 
gatherings;  below  is  a  fine  bowling  alley.  The  use  of  the  club 
house  is  restricted  to  members  of  the  Young  Men's  Sodality,  and 
each  member  must  be  a  monthly  communicant. 

ST.  MICHAEL'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

Previous  to  1881  very  few  Catholic  German  families  had 
settled  in  the  southwestern  part  of  Cleveland.  But  in  that  and 
subsequent  years  their  number  was  rapidly  increased  by  immigra- 
tion from  Germany.  They  divided  their  parish  affiliation  with  St. 
Joseph's  and  St.  Mary's,  according  to  convenience,  though  each 
of  these  churches  was  at  a  considerable  distance  from  their  homes. 


268  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Very  soon  these  people  expressed  a  desire  to  have  a  church 
and  school  of  their  own,  as  they  and  their  children  felt  the  distance 
to  the  above  named  churches  was  too  great.  The  Rev.  Michael 
Zoeller,  S.  J.,  pastor  of  St.  Mary's,  encouraged  the  people,  and  the 
result  was  that  he,  with  a  committee  of  laymen,  called  on  Bishop 
Gilmour,  who  readily  granted  their  petition,  to  establish  a  school, 
as  a  forerunner  of  the  hoped  for  parish  church.  In  July,  1881, 
a  lot  (130  X  130  feet)  located  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Scranton 
and  Clark  avenues,  was  purchased  for  $4,000.  Of  this  sum  St. 
Mary's  paid  $3,000,  as  a  gift  to  her  parochial  offspring.  In  the 
early  autumn  of  the  same  year  a  frame  school  building,  30  x  60 
feet,  containing  two  rooms,  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  $2,000.  On 
January  12,  1882,  the  school  was  opened  with  an  attendance  of 
155  children,  taught  by  two  Notre  Dame  Sisters.  A  temporary 
altar  was  erected  in  one  of  the  school  rooms,  and  Mass  was  cele- 
brated there  for  the  first  time  on  April  12,  1882.  Father  Zoeller 
was  the  celebrant.  In  this  room  Mass  was  now  celebrated  by  a 
Jesuit  Father  on  Sunday  and  Wednesday,  each  week,  for  the  con- 
venience of  the  children,  as  also  for  the  old  people.  So  rapidly  did 
the  school  attendance  increase  that  before  the  lapse  of  one  year 
additional  school  facilities  had  to  be  provided.  This  was  done  by 
erecting  a  two  story  frame  building,  the  lower  to  serve  for  school 
purposes,  and  the  upper  as  a  temporary  church.  Whilst  the 
building  was  in  progress,  under  the  supervision  of  Father  Zoeller, 
the  people  of  the  still  nameless  mission  were  most  agreeably  sur- 
prised to  learn  that  on  July  15,  1882,  Bishop  Gilmour  had 
appointed  the  Rev.  Joseph  M.  Koudelka  their  resident  pastor. 
He  took  charge  of  the  great  work  before  him.  and  although  a 
total  stranger  to  the  people  entrusted  to  his  pastoral  care  he  was 
cordially  welcomed  by  them  and  received  their  hearty  cooperation 
in  his  efiforts  toward  the  upbuilding  of  the  parish.  The  mission 
ceased  as  such  with  the  appointment  of  Father  Koudelka,  and  was 
henceforth  to  be  known  as  the  parish  of  St.  Michael  the  Archangel. 
The  new  pastor's  residence  was  a  small  frame  house,  provided  with 
only  the  scantiest  outfit.  By  degrees  both  were  improved  so  that 
the  house,  though  small,  was  made  comfortable,  and  served  its 
purpose  for  over  twelve  years. 

On  Sunday,  October  21,  1883,  Bishop  Gilmour  dedicated  the 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  269 

above  mentioned  temporary  frame  church,  which  had  been  com- 
pleted and  most  tastily  decorated  and  furnished.  Its  interior  was 
a  revelation  to  all  who  had  come  to  witness  the  dedication 
ceremony.  The  combination  church  and  school,  with  furniture, 
etc.,  cost  about  $11,000,  nearly  half  of  the  sum  being  a  debt  on  the 
parish.  Steadily  St.  Michael's  grew  in  numbers  and  importance. 
It  soon  became  evident  that  more  property  would  have  to  be 
secured  to  meet  the  parish  needs.  This  was  done  by  purchasing 
in  March,  1884,  for  $5,600,  the  lots  (144  x  174  feet)  located  at  the 
southwest  corner  of  Scranton  and  Clark  avenues,  and  immediately 
opposite  the  property  bought  in  1881. 

In  March,  1886,  Father  Koudelka  was  sent  to  Toledo,  to  take 
temporary  charge  of  St.  Hedwig's  Polish  parish,  which  had 
become  disrupted ;  also  to  rebuild  their  church,  which  had  been 
almost  destroyed  by  fire.  During  his  absence,  till  July  5,  of  the 
same  year,  the  Rev.  G.  C.  Schoenemann  was  the  acting  pastor  of 
St.  Michael's. 

By  this  time  a  larger  and  a  permanent  church  became  almost 
a  necessity.  On  invitation  of  Father  Koudelka  plans  for  an 
imposing  edifice  were  submitted  by  a  number  of  architects.  Bishop 
Gilmour  approved  those  of  Architect  Druiding,  of  Chicago,  as 
the  best.  At  a  parish  meeting  it  was  resolved  that  the  new  church 
should  be  built  of  stone.  On  June  19,  1888,  work  on  the  founda- 
tion was  commenced,  Father  Koudelka  turning  the  first  sod  for 
the  excavation.  The  foundation  walls  were  brought  up  to  the 
water  table  by  the  close  of  that  year,  and  cost  a  little  over  $7,000. 
In  the  spring  of  the  following  year  the  contracts  were  let  for  the 
superstructure,  amounting  to  $60,000,  exclusive  of  the  interior 
finishing. 

On  Sunday,  July  7,  1889,  Bishop  Gilmour  laid  the  corner- 
stone in  presence  of  a  vast  multitude.  He  also  preached  an 
eloquent  and  impressive  sermon  on  the  occasion.  Father  Wester- 
holt  having  preceded  him  in  a  German  address  of  much  force. 

In  1890  the  two  spires  were  finished  and  the  church  was  put 
under  roof,  thus  completing  the  exterior  of  the  splendid  edifice. 
It  was  the  intention  of  the  pastor  not  to  push  the  work  of  building 
any  farther  now,  but  to  rest  for  some  years,  and  meanwhile  to 
reduce  the  debt  thus  far  contracted,  and  to  replenish  the  church 


270  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

funds  before  completing  the  structure.  However,  the  old  adage: 
"Man  proposes,  but  God  disposes,"  was  to  be  again  verified.  In 
the  early  morning  of  Monday,  June  29,  1891,  fire  almost  com- 
pletely destroyed  the  temporary  frame  church  and  school,  which 
had  been  erected  eight  years  previous  and  served  their  purpose  so 
well.  The  interior,  and  all  the  vestments  and  church  ornaments, 
were  either  rendered  useless  or  completely  burned.  The  parish 
had  lost  its  church  home,  and  the  school  in  the  lower  story  was 
gutted  by  the  flames.  The  loss  was  estimated  at  $15,000,  with  only 
$10,000  insurance,  which  was  promptly  paid.  The  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame,  living  in  the  back  part  of  the  doomed  building, 
barely  escaped  with  their  lives. 

Father  Koudelka  and  his  people  had  now  to  begin  anew  the 
work  commenced  eight  years  previous.  Every  article  necessary 
for  divine  service  had  to  be  again  procured.  Happily  the  new 
church  was  under  roof,  though  without  floor  and  windows — the 
mere  shell  of  the  edifice.  At  once  a  temporary  altar  and  temporary 
pews  were  placed  in  the  church,  so  that  on  the  Sunday  after  the 
fire  the  congregation  attended  Mass  for  the  first  time  in  the  new 
church — at  least  five  years  before  the  time  set.  On  this  occasion 
the  congregation  also  voted  in  favor  of  rebuilding  the  frame 
edifice,  but  to  change  the  upper  story  into  a  parish  hall.  It  was 
also  voted  to  finish  the  interior  of  the  new  church  without  further 
delay.  The  contracts  covering  the  plastering,  frescoing,  etc., 
amounted  to  $17,000.  As  an  evidence  of  the  great  generosity  of 
St.  Michael's  congregation,  composed  mostly  of  laborers,  with 
very  few  people  of  more  than  ordinary  means,  the  writer  here 
records  the  fact  that  during  that  year  (1891)  their  contributions 
amounted  to  nearly  $23,000 !    And  that  was  but  an  average  year. 

The  new  church  was  ready  for  dedication  in  the  fall  of  1892. 
November  20  was  set  as  the  date  for  the  impressive  ceremony. 
It  was  performed  by  Bishop  Horstmann,  who  was  assisted  by 
many  priests.  It  was  a  day  of  unalloyed  joy  for  Father  Koudelka 
and  his  devoted  and  generous  people.  It  was  also  a  day  on  which 
was  dedicated  to  Almighty  God,  and  placed  under  the  protection 
of  the  Archangel  Michael,  the  most  costly  and  beautiful  church 
thus  far  erected  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland,  one  which  is  justly 
ranked  with  the  most  splendid   churches  in  the  United   States. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  271 

Want  of  space  forbids  the  writer  to  go  into  a  detailed  description, 
as  even  many  pages  would  not  suffice  to  do  it  justice.  The  mag- 
nificent church  is  a  monument  to  the  pastor's  untiring  efforts  to 
build  a  temple  worthy  of  its  sacred  use,  and  which  his  own  artistic 
taste  splendidly  adorned.  It  is  no  less  a  monument  to  his  people, 
who  of  their  slender  earnings  contributed  most  willingly  to  so 
noble  an  object.  Pastor  and  people  have  just  reason  to  be  proud 
of  this  monument.  It  is  to  their  glory,  next  to  that  of  Him,  who 
is  tabernacled  within  its  sacred  precincts.  On  special  occasions 
when  the  vast  number  of  electric  lights  shine  forth  from  altar  and 
arch  and  dome,  the  interior,  with  its  imposing  outlines,  and 
veritable  art  gallery  of  statuary  and  paintings,  overwhelms  the 
beholder  with  its  splendor  and  magnificence. 

The  dimensions  of  the  church  are:  length,  164  feet;  width  at 
transept,  100  feet ;  width,  exclusive  of  transept,  90  feet ;  height  of 
main  spire,  232  feet,  and  of  the  second  spire,  180  feet ;  height  of 
center  arch,  67  feet ;  and  of  the  two  side  arches,  45  feet ;  height  of 
the  sanctuary,  72  feet.  The  architecture  is  the  purest  Gothic. 
The  arched  ceiling  is  supported  by  12  graceful  columns,  adorned 
with  arabesques  and  statuary.  The  sanctuary  and  aisles  are 
covered  with  marble,  and  the  wainscoting  is  also  of  marble.  The 
seating  capacity  of  the  church  is  about  1500,  and  its  cost  is  esti- 
mated at  $150,000,  of  which  at  present  (1900)  only  about  $25,000 
remains  as  a  debt. 

In  1895  Father  Koudelka  was  given  a  three  months'  leave  of 
absence  to  enable  him  to  go  to  Europe  for  the  benefit  of  his  greatly 
impaired  health.  On  his  return,  in  November  of  that  year,  he 
found  that  his  parishioners  had  built  him  a  very  much  needed,  well 
appointed  and  elegantly  furnished  frame  pastoral  residence,  located 
immediately  south  of  the  church,  on  a  lot  that  had  been  purchased 
before  he  left.  It  was  a  great  and  pleasant  surprise  for  him,  as  he 
felt  the  need  of  better  home  accommodations  than  he  had  thus  far, 
but  to  secure  which  he  delayed,  as  he  felt  that  he  should  first 
provide  a  decent  place  of  worship  for  his  congregation. 

In  conclusion  the  writer  will  state  that  St.  Michael's  ranks 
with  the  best  organized  parishes  in  the  city  and  diocese  of  Cleve- 
land. Its  societies  meet  all  the  wants  of  its  varied  membership, 
its  schools  are  in  excellent  condition,  and  everything  that  can  be 
done  is  done  for  the  best  interests  of  the  parish.  A  bond  of  affec- 
tion unites  the  pastor  and  people  of  St.  Michael's. 


272  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

ST.  NICHOLAS'  (UNITED  GREEK)  MISSION, 

CLEVELAND. 

In  February,  1898,  a  number  of  Slovak  families,  of  the  United 
Greek  rite,  and  living  chiefly  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Ontario 
street  market  house,  purchased  the  brick  building  (formerly  a 
Protestant  meeting  house),  located  at  the  northeast  corner  of 
Woodland  avenue  and  Perry  street.  They  had  the  upper  story 
fitted  up  in  severely  simple  manner,  as  a  place  of  worship,  under 
the  direction  of  their  pastor,  the  Rev.  Irenaeus  Matyaczko.  The 
property  was  secured  without  the  knowledge  of  Bishop  Horst- 
mann,  and  its  title  vested,  as  it  is  now,  in  a  board  of  "trustees." 

Awaiting  developments,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  thought  it  best 
to  tolerate  for  a  time  this  abnormal  condition,  as  it  was  brought 
about  by  ignorance,  rather  than  by  malice.  At  the  present  time 
(December,  1900),  the  "trustees"  find  that  the  property  will  have 
to  be  sold,  as  the  people  for  whose  benefit  it  was  purchased  are 
unable  to  pay  for  it.  The  purchase  of  the  property  also  caused  a 
rupture  between  the  pastor  and  congregation,  the  former  seeking, 
without  avail,  however,  to  put  the  latter  in  harmony  with  the  laws 
of  the  diocese  regarding  the  manner  of  holding  church  property. 
The  Rev.  Matyaczko  finding  his  efforts  fruitless,  asked  to  be 
removed,  which  was  done  in  July,  1900.  He  was  then  appointed 
resident  pastor  of  St.  John  the  Baptist  Church,  which  he  had 
attended  from  St.  Nicholas'  as  a  mission  since  April,  1898. 

The  present  pastor  of  St.  Nicholas'  congregation,  the  Rev. 
P.  Keshelak,  has  had  charge  since  August,  1900. 

ST.  PATRICK'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

Prior  to  the  erection  of  St.  Patrick's  Church  in  1854,  St. 
Mary's  on  the  "Flats/'  and  later  St.  John's  Cathedral,  were  the 
only  churches  in  Cleveland  for  the  accommodation  of  the  English- 
speaking  Catholics  of  the  city.  When  St.  John's  Cathedral  was 
built,  those  living  west  of  the  Cuyahoga  river  found  the  distance  to 
church  too  great  and  the  school  accommodations  for  their  children 
insufficient.     Hence,  on  July  2,  1853,  with  the  consent  of  Bishop 


ST.    PATRICK'S   CHURCH,   CLEVELAND. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  273 

Rappe.  two  lots  were  bought  on  Whitman  street,  for  $650.  Under 
the  direction  of  the  Very  Rev.  James  Conlan,  V.  G.,  who  was 
appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  congregation  now  to  be  organized, 
steps  were  immediately  taken  towards  the  building  of  a  brick 
church  and  school.  The  work  was  pushed  so  rapidly  that  the  new 
church  was  opened  for  divine  service  on  the  Sunday  within  the 
Octave  of  the  Epiphany,  1354,  though  it  was  far  from  being 
finished  interiorly.  During  the  temporary  absence  of  Father 
Conlan,  the  Rev.  Michael  Kennedy  had  charge  of  the  congrega- 
tion, from  November,  1854,  to  September,  1855.  He  heightened 
and  buttressed  the  walls,  and  finished  the  church  and  school.  The 
church,  a  plain  edifice,  cost  about  $10,000.  It  was  consecrated, 
and  placed  under  the  patronage  of  St.  Patrick,  by  Bishop  Young, 
of  Erie,  on  Sunday,  November  27,  1858.  Archbishop  Purcell 
preaching  on  the  occasion.  For  more  than  ten  years  all  the 
English-speaking  Catholics  of  the  West  Side,  or  "Ohio  City,"  as 
that  part  of  the  city  was  then  called,  belonged  to  St.  Patrick's.  To 
accommodate  its  rapidly  increasing  population  with  church  and 
school  facilities,  St.  Patrick's  parish  was  divided  from  time  to  time 
and  new  congregations  organized.  St.  Malachy's,  St.  Augustine's 
and  the  Annunciation  are  offshoots  of  St.  Patrick's. 

Notwithstanding  these  separations  from  the  mother  congre- 
gation, St.  Patrick's  Church  again  became  too  small.  It  was  there- 
fore proposed  to  build  a  larger  church,  and  one  that  would  be  com- 
mensurate with  the  means  of  the  congregation.  Father  James 
Conlan,  vvho  began  the  first  church,  did  not  hesitate  to  shoulder 
the  responsibility  and  care  connected  with  the  building  of  the 
second  church  for  his  congregation.  In  July,  1870,  several  lots 
were  bought,  fronting  on  Bridge  street,  and  abutting  the  church 
property  fronting  on  Whitman  street.  Plans  were  prepared  for 
the  erection  of  a  Gothic  stone  church  of  generous  propor- 
tions. The  foundation  was  begun  in  the  early  fall  of  1870,  and  in 
August,  1871,  Archbishop  Purcell  laid  the  cornerstone,  the 
Rev.  Richard  Gilmour,  then  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's  Church, 
Dayton,  preaching  on  the  occasion.  Father  James  Conlan,  how- 
ever, had  not  the  happiness  of  seeing  the  completion  of  his  great 
task,  God  calling  him  to  his  reward  on  March  5,  1875,  after  a  long 
and  faithful  priestly  career. 


274  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

He  was  succeeded  in  the  pastorate  of  St.  Patrick's  by  the 
Rev.  J.  Vincent  Conlan,  who  continued  the  work  begun  by  his 
reverend  cousin,  whose  faithful  assistant  he  had  been  since  1855. 
Father  J.  V.  Conlan  was  succeeded,  May  1,  1877,  by  the  Rev. 
Eugene  M.  O'Callaghan.  During  his  pastorate  of  three  years  the 
heavy  debt  was  considerably  reduced,  improvements  were  made 
in  the  school  facilities,  and  a  pastoral  residence  adjoining  the  new 
church  was  purchased. 

A  division  of  the  parish  having  again  become  necessary,  the 
extreme  western  portion  was  cut  off  in  July,  1880,  and  formed  into 
a  new  congregation — to  be  known  as  St.  Colman's.  Father 
O'Callaghan,  having  voluntarily  resigned  the  pastorate  of  St. 
Patrick's,  was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  Colman's,  the  Rev.  Timothy 
M.  Mahony  succeeding  him  at  St.  Patrick's,  in  August,  1880. 
He  set  to  work  at  once  to  complete  the  interior  of  the  church, 
which  had  been  used  in  its  unfinished  condition  during  the 
summer  months,  since  May  1,  1877,  on  which  day  Mass  was 
celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time.  In  February,  1881,  the  contract 
was  let  for  plastering  the  church  and  furnishing  it  with  pews, 
etc.  The  cost  was  $10,000.  In  the  summer  of  1887  the  three 
handsome  altars,  that  grace  the  sanctuary  at  present,  were  put  in 
place.  For  the  purpose  of  securing  more  ground  for  the  pastoral 
residence,  which  was  in  need  of  enlargement.  Father  Mahony  pur- 
chased in  May,  1889,  for  $2,500,  an  additional  lot,  adjoining  the 
parish  property  on  the  west.  In  the  meantime  he  also  made  every 
effort  to  reduce  the  large  debt  contracted  for  the  erection  of  the 
church.  He  was  not  spared,  however,  to  cancel  it,  or  to  enlarge 
the  pastoral  residence,  as  he  had  hoped.  On  September  29,  1889, 
death's  summons  called  him  from  a  life  of  activity  and  incessant 
labor  to  eternal  rest.  His  almost  sudden  demise  was  a  great  shock 
to  his  people.  Until  the  appointment  of  Father  Mahony's  succes- 
sor, his  curate,  the  Rev.  John  Sheridan,  was  the  acting  pastor. 
On  December  8,  1889,  the  Rev.  Patrick  O'Brien  was  appointed  to 
fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  death  of  Father  Mahony. 

Fully  realizing  the  urgent  need  of  greatly  enlarged  and  better 
school  accommodations  than  those  existing,  Father  O'Brien  had 
plans  drawn  for  a  splendid  school  that  would  be  a  credit  to  St. 
Patrick's  and  an  ornament  to  the  city.     The  site  chosen  was  the 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  275 

one  on  which  the  old  church  and  the  school  buildings  stood — the 
old  giving  place  to  the  new.  In  April,  1890,  Bishop  Gilmour 
approved  the  plans  and  gave  permission  to  erect  the  school.  It 
was  ready  for  occupancy,  and  used  for  the  first  time,  April  8,  1891. 
It  was  dedicated  on  Sunday,  June  7,  a  vast  multitude  being  present 
at  the  ceremony.  St.  Patrick's  now  had  a  school  building  second 
to  none  in  the  diocese,  and  as  well  equipped  perhaps  as  any  public 
school  building  in  Cleveland.  Its  cost,  with  furnishings,  etc., 
amounted  to  a  little  over  $60,000.  The  parish  hall  located  on  the 
top  floor  of  the  building  is  the  largest  and  finest  of  its  kind  in  the 
diocese.  Architecturally  the  school  is  worthy  to  rank  next  to  the 
church,  and  its  well  nigh  one  thousand  pupils  need  not  be  ashamed 
of  it.  They  are  justly  proud  of  the  splendid  edifice  generously 
provided  for  them.  Brothers  of  Mary  and  Ursuline  Sisters 
conduct  the  schools  with  excellent  success.  They  have  had 
charge  of  them  almost  since  the  organization  of  the  parish,  in  the 
early  fifties,  w^hen  they  were  opened. 

Father  O'Brien's  health  having  been  seriously  affected  w^hilst 
he  was  in  Europe,  in  1893,  on  his  return  in  November  of  that  year, 
he  asked  to  be  relieved  of  the  pastorate  of  St.  Patrick's  and  to  be 
assigned  to  a  smaller  charge.  Bishop  Horstmann  granted  his 
request  and  appointed  him  pastor  of  St.  Ann's,  Fremont.  The 
Rev.  James  O'Leary  succeeded  him  at  St.  Patrick's  on  November 
19,  1893.  After  considerably  reducing  the  debt  contracted  in 
building  the  school.  Father  O'Leary  had  the  church  frescoed, 
thoroughly  renovated,  and  furnished  with  artistic  stained  glass 
windows  in  1896 — all  at  a  cost  of  $7,000.  In  the  following  year 
he  also  had  the  pastoral  residence  modernized  and  greatly  en- 
larged, and  though  a  frame  building,  it  has  in  point  of  size  and 
convenience  few  superiors  in  the  diocese.  In  1898  the  residence 
of  the  Brothers,  in  charge  of  the  boys'  school,  was  rebuilt  at  a  cost 
of  $4,000,  and  now  fully  meets  its  purpose.  In  1899  Father 
O'Leary  secured  a  fine  pipe  organ,  at  a  cost  of  $3,600,  with  w-ater 
power  connection  ;  also  a  splendid  chime  of  eleven  bells,  which  cost 
$4,900.  They  were  solemnly  blessed  on  Sunday,  June  11,  of  the 
same  year,  and  a  few  days  later  were  placed  in  position  in  the 
church  tower,  whence  their  sweet  tones  are  heard  on  festive 
occasions. 


276  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

St.  Patrick's  is  now  provided  with  a  church  artistically  finished 
and  furnished.  The  following  are  its  dimensio'ns :  Length, 
130  feet;  width,  70  feet;  from  floor  to  apex  of  nave,  63  feet;  and 
the  aisles,  35  feet.  The  plastering  is  a  marvel  of  mechanical  skill. 
The  capitals  were  specially  modeled  for  St.  Patrick's,  as  also  the 
corbels  and  other  plastic  ornaments.  The  altars,  pews  and  chancel 
railing  are  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  beautiful  church. 

Although  the  respective  pastors  of  St.  Patrick's  did  splendid 
work,  their  success  depended  in  great  measure  on  the  efficient  help 
given  them  by  their  curates.  Following  is  a  list  of  their  names, 
and  time  of  service :  The  Revs.  J.  Vincent  Conlan  (1855-75) ;  John 
Sheridan  (1873-90);  Joseph  J.  Clarke  (1889-92);  Thomas  P. 
Lamb  (1890-93);  James  P.  McCloskey  (1894-97);  F.  J.  Hopp 
(1897-98);  Martin  J.  Regan  (1898-99);  and  the  present  curates. 
Revs.  Michael  D.  Leahy,  since  January,  1898,  and  John  T.  Moran, 
since  June^  1900. 

ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

One  of  the  landmarks  of  the  city  and  Diocese  of  Cleveland  is 
St.  Peter's  Church.  In  point  of  time  it  is  the  oldest  German 
speaking  congregation  in  the  present  metropolis  of  Ohio,  and 
dates  back  to  the  days  when  the  Forest  City  was  still  in  its 
swaddling  clothes.  It  was  organized  as  early  as  February,  1853. 
The  founder  was  the  Rev.  John  H.  Luhr,  who  just  then  had 
been  transferred  from  Canton  to  Cleveland,  to  attend  in  the  latter 
city  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  Catholic  Germans,  who  at  that 
time  attended  divine  service  in  old  St.  Mary's  on  the  Flats,  after 
the  new  Cathedral  on  Erie  street  had  been  opened.  But  the 
building  and  its  location  in  the  deep  Cuyahoga  valley  were  un- 
satisfactory to  Father  Luhr's  parishioners,  who,  with  few  excep- 
tions, lived  on  the  surrounding  bluiTs  and  were  loath  to  descend 
the  steep  hills  and  cross  the  meandering  Cuyahoga  to  reach  their 
place  of  worship  in  the  Flats  below.  So  the  plan  was  conceived 
to  build  a  church  in  a  location  more  to  their  liking.  Having 
collected  some  funds.  Father  Luhr  purchased,  March  10,  1854,  on 
the  southeast   corner  of  Superior  and   Dodge  streets,  a  plat  of 


ST.     PETER'S     CHURCH     AXD      RECTORY,      CLEVELAND. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  277 

ground  132  by  132  feet,  at  a  cost  of  $8,000.  The  location  in  the 
East  End  of  the  then  straggHng  town  of  Cleveland  displeased  the 
German-speaking  Catholics  on  the  West  Side,  who,  after  St. 
Peter's  had  been  organized,  continued  to  worship  in  the  frame 
edifice  on  the  Flats  until  their  own  church,  at  the  corner  of  Jersey 
and  Carroll  streets,  was  ready  for  occupancy.  Pending  the  com- 
pletion of  their  first  Httle  church  and  school  building  the  members 
of  St.  Peter's  congregation  had  services  for  a  time  in  the  basement 
of  the  Cathedral  on  Erie  street. 

In  the  fall  of  1854  the  combination  church  and  school,  under 
the  patronage  of  St.  Peter,  was  ready  to  be  occupied.  It  was  a 
handsome  brick  structure,  about  40  x  80  feet,  and  consisted  of  two 
stories,  surmounted  by  a  belfry.  The  first  floor  was  used  for  a 
church,  the  upper  story  served  partly  as  a  parochial  school  and 
partly  as  the  priest's  residence. 

Among  the  pioneer  members  of  that  early  period  we  find  such 
familiar  names  as  Henry  Kramer,  H.  Detmer,  Henry  Beckmann, 
John  Wagner,  M.  Treiber,  J.  TePas,  A.  Alten,  Herman  Beckmann, 
Philip  Schmidt,  J.  Hackmann,  Gerard  DeWitt,  Joseph  Miller,  John 
Hebler,  Joseph  SieberHng,  Michael  Groh,  Anton  Diehl,  Benedict 
Rosenfelder,  E.  Barzen,  J.  Brickel,  F.  J.  Neracher,  A.  Mehling, 
C.  Reif,  V.  Schaab,  J.  Kaiser,  M.  Druckenbrod,  J.  Harks,  Matthew 
Wagner,  P.  Edam,  J.  Demming  and  M.  Dilhoefer. 

The  congregation  rapidly  increased  in  numbers,  so  that 
additional  room  had  to  be  provided  for  the  large  number  of 
children  desirous  of  a  parochial  school  education. 

About  the  year  1856,  a  two-story  brick  house  was  built  on 
Dodge  street  on  a  lot  bought  June  18,  1856,  of  George  C.  Dodge, 
for  $1,000,  and  adjoining  the  large  vacant  corner  reserved  by 
Father  Luhr  for  a  permanent  church  to  be  eventually  erected. 

In  the  following  year  the  present  St.  Peter's  Church  was 
built.  Ground  was  broken  in  the  summer  of  1857,  and  the  work 
pushed  by  the  energetic  pastor,  so  that  the  cornerstone  was  laid 
by  Bishop  Rappe,  amid  a  vast  outpouring  of  people,  on  August 
16,  1857.  A  little  over  two  years  later  the  church  was  dedicated 
by  Bishop  Rappe,  on  October  23,  1859.  Exclusive  of  altars,  pews, 
pulpit,  etc.,  the  edifice  cost  $36,000.  The  great  bulk  of  this  amount 
was  collected  in  small  sums  by  Father  Luhr,  who  in  those  pioneer 


278  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

days  was  wont  to  go  great  distances  on  foot,  wading  through 
soggy  fields  and  climbing  rail  fences,  in  an  effort  to  obtain  some 
distant  Catholic's  humble  contribution  toward  the  building  of  the 
church.  During  those  days  of  pecuniary  embarrassment,  he  went 
as  far  as  Delphos  and  Cincinnati  to  collect  among  friends  for  his 
congregation  in  Cleveland. 

Tn  1867,  Father  Luhr  purchased  of  the  Vanduzen  &  Tift 
Company,  in  Cincinnati,  three  large  bells.  They  were  blessed  on 
February  10,  of  the  same  year,  and  ever  since  ring  in  merrily  the 
Lord's  Day,  sending  their  melodious  voices  from  the  lofty  belfry 
of  St.  Peter's,  far  over  the  surrounding  city. 

In  the  fall  of  1863,  Father  Luhr  engaged  the  services  of  the 
Brothers  of  Mary  for  the  boys'  school.  The  girls'  department  was 
in  charge  of  lay  teachers,  until  the  advent  of  the  Ladies  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  of  Mary,  whose  services  he  engaged  in  September, 
1864. 

Although  most  zealous  in  looking  after  the  temporal  and 
spiritual  interests  of  his  congregation,  Father  Luhr,  towards  the 
end  of  his  pastorate,  was  persecuted  by  a  number  of  his  parishion- 
ers, who  less  wise  than  meddlesome,  resented  the  dismissal  of  a 
certain  lay  teacher.  Subsequent  events,  however,  showed  that 
Father  Luhr  had  good  reasons  on  moral  grounds  to  dispense  with 
the  services  of  the  pedagogue,  whose  dismissal  occasioned  a 
rupture  between  the  pastor  and  a  portion  of  his  people.  But  it  w^as 
too  late  to  undo  the  evil  wrought  by  opposition  on  the  part  of  some 
prominent  members  belonging  to  St.  Boniface's  Society.  Tn 
course  of  the  discussion  this  organization  withdrew  as  a  church 
society,  and  ever  since  its  withdrawal  in  the  latter  part  of  the 
sixties,  eked  out  a  precarious  existence.  The  ringleaders  of  the 
opposition  to  the  priest  all  died  miserably.  One  even  committed 
suicide.  But  before  these  men  were  called  to  their  account.  Father 
Luhr,  weary  of  opposition,  resigned  the  pastorate  of  St.  Peter's 
and  withdrew  to  Cincinnati,  in  January,  1868,  where  Bishop 
Purcell  placed  him  in  charge  of  a  large  parish.  There  he  died, 
August  2,  1872,  a  zealous,  hard  working,  faithful  priest  to  the  last 

After  the  departure  of  Father  Luhr  for  Cincinnati,  the  Rev. 
Francis  Westerholt  was  appointed  by  Bishop  Rappe  to  take  charge 
of  St.  Peter's  congregation.    The  new  pastor  made  his  appearance 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  279 

on  Sunday,  January  19,  1868,  and  was  publicly  introduced  by  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Ordinary  himself.  A  new  era  of  prosperity  was 
inaugurated  with  the  administration  of  this  exemplary  and  ener- 
getic priest. 

In  the  spring  of  1873,  the  contract  was  let  for  a  spacious  new 
school  building.  To  make  room  for  it,  the  first  old  two-story 
structure,  built  by  Father  Luhr  in  1854,  had  to  be  torn  down,  and 
additional  ground,  45  x  145  feet,  was  purchased  of  Henry  Kramer, 
one  of  the  pioneer  members  and  special  benefactors  of  St.  Peter's 
congregation. 

The  new  school  was  large  and  commodious,  consisting  of  a 
basement  and  superstructure  of  two  stories;  the  first  floor  con- 
taining two  class  rooms,  a  corridor,  and,  next  to  it,  a  handsome 
chapel,  provided  with  an  arched  sanctuary  and  furnished  with  an 
altar,  pipe  organ,  stations,  etc.  The  second  story  was  arranged 
for  four  school  rooms,  divided  evenly  by  a  corridor  in  the  center. 
The  extremities  of  the  building  contained  the  entrances  and  a  hall- 
way, with  staircases  leading  to  various  portions  of  the  building. 
The  aggregate  cost  of  St.  Peter's  school,  as  designed  and  built  in 
1873,  amounted  to  $26,000.  In  September,  1874,  the  new  school 
was  ready  for  occupancy.  To  render  the  course  of  instruction 
more  effectual  a  third  room  was  added  to  the  boys'  department, 
taught  by  the  Brothers  from  St.  Mary's  Institute,  Dayton. 

Up  to  this  time  the  religious  community,  known  as  the 
Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary,  on  Harmon  street,  Cleveland, 
had  charge  of  and  taught  the  girls  attending  St.  Peter's  school 
(1864-1874).  They  were  replaced  by  Notre  Dame  Sisters,  known 
as  the  Coesfeld-Cleveland  community.  This  branch  of  the  Notre 
Dames  was  founded  at  Coesfeld,  Westphalia,  in  1850.  with  the 
approbation  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Dr.  Mueller,  Bishop  of  Muenster. 
Like  so  many  other  religious  societies,  this  community  of  Sisters 
had  to  flee  from  Germany  in  consequence  of  the  iniquitous  May 
laws  of  1872.  At  the  suggestion  of  Father  Westerholt,  Bishop 
Gilmour  invited  them  to  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland,  and  approved 
the  plan  of  placing  St.  Peter's  girls'  school  under  their  direction. 
Accordingly,  three  Notre  Dame  Sisters  were  employed  for  the 
first  time  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland  at  St.  Peter's  school 
September  1,  1874.    They  have  since  continued  the  good  work  of 


280  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

the  moral  and  intellectual  training  of  the  children  of  the  ])arish 
with  signal  success.  From  their  convent  home,  in  the  shadow  of 
St.  Peter's,  these  excellent  Sisters  have  gradually  extended  their 
usefulness  to  various  other  schools,  so  that  their  arrival  on 
American  soil,  on  the  4th  day  of  July,  1874,  has  proved  a  veritable 
blessing  to  the  diocese  at  large,  and  St.  Peter's  Church  in 
particular. 

To  provide  a  new  dwelling  for  the  Brothers  of  Mary,  whose 
house  had  been  sold  to  the  Notre  Dame  Convent,  a  lot,  40  x  130 
feet  on  Huntington  street,  adjoining  the  Sisters'  property,  was 
purchased  in  the  summer  of  1878  for  $3,000.  A  frame  building, 
formerly  owmed  by  the  convent,  was  moved  thereon,  and  arranged 
to  serve  as  an  abode  for  the  Brothers. 

During  the  following  years  Father  Westerholt's  efforts  were 
directed  toward  the  improving  and  beautifying  of  the  interior  of 
St.  Peter's  Church.  The  organ  loft  was  enlarged  in  1883 ;  the 
following  year  a  number  of  beautiful  statues  were  purchased  for 
the  various  altars,  and  in  1885  the  whole  interior  of  the  church 
was  frescoed  and  decorated.  It  was  also  provided  with  new  stained 
glass  windows,  modern  gas  fixtures,  and  a  variety  of  other  church 
furniture. 

In  the  summer  of  1887  the  priest's  house,  put  up  by  Father 
Luhr,  was  torn  down  and  replaced  by  a  large  commodious 
pastoral  residence  adjoining  the  rear  of  the  church,  at  a  cost  of 
$12,000.  In  the  same  year  a  third  story  was  added  to  St.  Peter's 
school  building,  and  arranged  for  a  parish  hall,  containing  a  stage 
and  other  conveniences,  at  a  cost  of  $10,000. 

In  the  synod  of  January  3,  1889,  St.  Peter's  congregation 
was  the  first  mentioned  among  the  nine  principal  churches  of  the 
diocese  which  Bishop  Gilmour  named  as  rectorates,  with  an  irre- 
movable pastor — the  Rev.  Father  Westerholt  being  its  first  rector. 

On  November  20,  1896,  after  a  few  hours'  illness,  Father 
Westerholt  passed  to  his  reward.  Amid  a  vast  outpouring  of 
parishioners,  priests  and  friends,  his  obsequies,  under  the  direction 
of  Bishop  Horstmann,  were  held  in  the  church  that  had  witnessed 
his  priestly  zeal  for  over  a  quarter  of  a  century.  To  appoint  a 
successor  a  concursus  had  to  be  held,  in  accordance  with  the  regu- 
lations of  the  III  Plenary  Council  of  Baltimore. 


ST.    PROCOP'S   CHURCH   (19(«3),    CLEVELAND. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  281 

The  present  rector,  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Pfeil,  formerly  of  Holy 
Trinity  congregation,  Avon,  received  his  appointment  on  May 
10,  1897,  and  v^as  publicly  welcomed  by  the  congregation  in  a 
reception  given  him  at  St.  Peter's  hall,  on  June  6,  1897. 

During  his  administration  a  high  school  grade  was  added  to 
the  course  of  studies  for  the  boys'  department  in  September,  1899, 
and  placed  in  charge  of  the  Brothers  of  Mary. 

To  provide  a  suitable  site  for  additional  parochial  structures 
in  the  future,  a  plat  of  ground,  102  x  150  in  size,  at  the  corner  of 
Superior  and  Huntington  streets,  was  purchased  on  January  16, 
1900,  for  $8,670. 

In  the  following  year  the  interior  of  the  church  was  improved 
and  the  church  illuminated  with  electricity.  There  are  between 
four  and  five  hundred  lights  artistically  placed  on  columns,  altars 
and  dome,  which  when  lighted  reveal  to  good  advantage  the 
excellent  paintings  and  architectural  beauty  of  St.  Peter's  Church, 
and  easily  render  it  one  of  the  most  devotion  inspiring  sanctuaries 
in  Cleveland. 

A  history  of  St.  Peter's  congregation  would  be  incomplete 
without  mentioning  the  curates  who  in  their  day  zealously  aided 
the  pastors  and  rectors  in  the  spiritual  and  temporal  administration 
of  the  parish.  Following  is  a  list  of  their  names  and  time  of 
service:  The  Revs.  Silvan  Rebholz,  August,  1870-72;  Joseph 
Sproll,  August,  1872,  April,  1873;  Theodore  Litterst,  1873-76; 
Francis  Senner,  March,  1884,  January,  1888 ;  Jacob  Christophory, 
a  few  months  in  1888;  John  P.  Kunnert,  1888-89  ;  A.  H.  Schreiner, 
April,  1890,  January,  1893 ;  Henry  J.  Gerhardstein,  January,  1893, 
June,  1898;  Nicholas  A.  Hassel,  present  curate,  since  September, 
1898. 

ST.  PROCOP'S  (BOHEMIAN)  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

Between  1872  and  1874  the  Catholic  portion  of  the  large 
Bohemian  element  in  Cleveland  became  so  numerous  that  St. 
Wenceslas'  Church — the  first  Bohemian  house  of  worship  in  the 
city  and  located  on  Arch  street — proved  much  too  small  for  their 
accommodation.     Besides,  as  many  of  that  nationality  lived  in  the 


282  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

western  and  southern   part   of  the   city,   they   petitioned    Bishop 
Gilmour  for  permission  to  erect  a  cluirch  nearer  to  their  homes 
than  St.  Wenceslas',  with  which  they  were  af^Hated.    The  Bishop 
granted  their  request  September  17,  1872,  and  authorized  the  Rev. 
Anthony  Hynek,  who  had  just  then  come  to  the  diocese,  to  secure 
suitable  lots,  and  build  thereon  a  combination  frame  church  and 
school.    Four  lots  were  secured  on  Burton  street,  a  short  distance 
south  of  Clark  avenue,  at  an  outlay  of  $3,200.     Until  the  erection 
of  their  church,  the  congregation   had   regular  service   for   two 
years  in   St.   Mary's   Church   on   the   Flats.      The   building  was 
commenced  in  the  early  spring  of  1874.       When   completed   a 
few  months  later  it  cost   about  $8,000.       In   September  of  the 
same   year  it   was   dedicated   to   St.    Procop   by   the   Very    Rev. 
F.    M.    Boff,    V.    G.,    in   the   absence    of   Bishop    Gilmour.    then 
ill.       In    February,    1875,    the    Rev.    Joseph    M.    Koudelka,    at 
that  time  a  deacon,  was  given  charge  of  the  congregation,  the 
Rev.  Leonz  Zumbuehl,  of  the  Seminary,  or  a  Franciscan  Father, 
saying  Mass.     This  arrangement  lasted  until  the  ordination  to 
the  priesthood  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Koudelka,  in  October,  1875.     Full 
of  energy,  and  regardless  of  opposition  shown  by  the  infidel  portion 
of  the  Bohemians,  as  well  as  by  their  vile  papers,  in  which  he  was 
constantly  attacked.  Father  Koudelka  labored  unceasingly  for  the 
welfare  of  his  flock.    He  took  special  interest  in  the  school,  which 
he  justly  considered  the  hope  of  St.   Procop's  future.     He  also 
published  a  series  of  readers  in  Bohemian  for  his  school.    They  are 
now  used  in  all  the  Bohemian  parochial  schools  in  the  United 
States.     Under  his  skilful  hands  the  church,  exteriorly  very  plain, 
was  made  very  attractive  interiorly.     During  his  pastorate  he  also 
added  several  lots  to  the  church  property,  built  a  commodious 
pastoral  residence,  and  neatly  furnished  the  school,  which  was  in 
charge    of    the    Notre    Dame    Sisters.      In    June,    1882,    Father 
Koudelka    left    for    St.    Louis,     Mo.,    with    Bishop    Gilmour's 
reluctantly  given  permission,  to  take  charge  of  the  Catholic  Bohe- 
mian paper,  The  Hlas,  by  request  of  all  the  Bohemian  priests  of 
the  country.     When  he  severed  his  connection  with  St.  Procop's 
the  parish  was  clear  of  debt,  with  its  property  in  excellent  condi- 
tion.    The  Rev.   Francis  J.   Antl  had   temporary  charge  of  the 
parish  for  one  year — till  June,  1883,  when,  owing  to  his  misman- 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  288 

agement  of  its  affairs,  Bishop  Gilmour  found  it  necessary  to 
remove  him  and  at  once  to  appoint  the  Rev.  Stephen  Furdek  as 
pastor  of  the  now  disrupted  parish.  Father  Furdek  remained  till 
the  following  January.  In  February,  1884,  the  people  of  St. 
Procop's  were  in  open  revolt  against  the  Bishop  because  he 
removed  the  Rev.  Antl,  as  also  because  the  parish  councilmen,  who 
had  become  partisans  of  the  Rev.  Antl,  and  had  stirred  up  the 
parish  against  the  Bishop,  refused  to  vacate  in  favor  of  another 
and  duly  elected  board  of  councilmen.  The  result  of  this  insub- 
ordination was  that  Bishop  Gilmour  closed  their  church  and 
placed  it  under  interdict.  It  so  remained  until  Sunday,  August  9, 
1885,  when  the  Rev.  Anthony  Vlcek  was  appointed  pastor  of  St. 
Procop's,  the  rebellious  parishioners  having  first  made  their  sub- 
mission to  their  Bishop  and  apologized  for  the  grave  scandal  they 
had  given.  During  the  Rev.  Vlcek's  pastorate  five  lots  were 
purchased,  and  the  frame  building  on  one  of  them  was  changed 
into  a  residence  for  the  Sisters.  In  September,  1892,  five  Sisters 
of  St.  Joseph  replaced  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  in  the  parish 
school.  In  July,  1893,  the  Rev.  Vlcek  left  St.  Procop's,  which  was 
then  attended  by  the  Jesuit  Fathers  until  the  advent  of  the  Rev. 
Wenceslas  Koerner,  in  the  month  of  August  following.  His 
pastorate  was  of  short  duration — only  till  June,  1896,  but  it  was 
full  of  activity.  He  had  the  school  put  in  good  repair  and  secured 
two  additional  lots  for  a  much  needed  church  of  larger  dimensions 
which  it  was  proposed  to  erect.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  Wen- 
ceslas A.  Panuska,  under  whose  direction  the  present  elegant  stone 
church  was  commenced ;  its  interior  is  yet  unfinished.  The 
cornerstone  was  laid  on  Sunday,  September  3,  1899.  It  is  hoped 
to  complete  the  church  within  the  next  two  years. 


ST.  ROSE  OF  LIMA  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

The  founding  of  a  parish  for  the  Catholics  in  West  Cleveland 
and  the  adjoining  hamlet  of  Lakewood  had  been  discussed  for 
some  years  before  Bishop  Horstmann  was  able  to  take  steps 
towards  the  realization  of  their  hopes.  The  territory  was  large 
and  the  Catholics  there  resident  formed  a  small  proportion  of  its 


284  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

population.  The  extension  of  the  street  railway,  with  frequent 
service  from  the  city  to  Rocky  River,  as  also  the  opening  of  new 
allotments,  offered  inducements  to  quite  a  number  of  Catholic 
families  to  settle  there  during  the  last  five  years — since  1895.  They 
and  the  earlier  settlers  felt  that  now  the  time  had  come  to  have  a 
church  and  school  of  their  own.  The  subject  was  again  brought  to 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop's  attention,  who  not  only  considered  it 
favorably  but  offered  the  committee  which  called  on  him,  in 
October,  1899,  every  possible  encouragement. 

On  October  29,  1899,  the  first  meeting  of  the  Catholics  inter- 
ested in  the  proposed  new  parish  was  held  at  St.  John's  Hospital. 
The  representatives  of  nine  families  were  present  and  effected  a 
temporary  organization.  The  membership  increased  later  until 
forty  families  were  represented  by  the  organization,  which  assumed 
the  name  of  "The  Brownson  Association."  In  order  to  forestall 
any  difficulty  that  might  arise  in  securing  a  site  for  church  and 
school  purposes,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  suggested  that  the  Associa- 
tion arrange  for  the  purchase  of  suitable  property,  with  his 
approval,  and  to  hold  the  title  until  such  time  as  he  would  be  in 
position  to  assume  it  himself  and  appoint  a  resident  pastor.  On 
November  27,  1899,  the  property  known  as  the  Marshall  home- 
stead, located  at  the  southeast  corner  of  Detroit  street  and  Fruit- 
land  avenue  was  purchased  on  mortgage  security.  The  title  was 
vested  in  William  A.  Manning,  William  Hendricks  and  Louise 
Obermiller  as  trustees  of  the  Brownson  Association,  the  trustees 
making  a  written  declaration  of  their  trusteeship,  which  ended  as 
soon  as  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  of  Cleveland  assumed  the  obligation 
entailed  on  them  by  said  purchase — which  was  done  a  few  weeks 
later.  A  part  of  the  lower  story  of  the  fine  brick  mansion  on  the 
property  was  at  once  remodeled,  so  as  to  serve  as  a  temporary 
church.  On  Christmas  day,  1899,  the  Rev.  Godfrey  Schulte,  S.  J., 
celebrated  Mass  for  the  first  time  in  the  parlor  of  the  above  men- 
tioned residence.     It  was  a  joyful  day  for  the  Catholics  present. 

The  Rev.  Ignatius  J.  Wonderly  was  appointed  the  first 
resident  pastor.  On  January  14,  1900,  he  took  charge  of  the  new 
parish,  which  was  placed  under  the  patronage  of  St.  Rose  of  Lima. 
Mass  was  now  regularly  said  in  the  temporary  chapel,  which  soon 
proved  too  small  for  the  rapidly  growing  congregation. 


ST.    STANISLAS'     CHURCH     AND     PASTORAL   RESIDENCE,    CLEVELAND. 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  285 

Pending  the  remodeling  of  rooms  in  the  rear  part  of  the  large 
building,  to  serve  as  a  residence,  Father  Wonderly  resided  with 
the  Manning  family,  on  Grace  avenue.  In  the  spring  of  1900  he 
took  possession  of  his  comfortably  furnished  home. 

After  mature  deliberation  it  was  decided  by  the  parish  to  build 
a  temporary  frame  church,  and  to  use  the  old  building  for  a  school 
and  the  pastoral  residence,  thus  providing  the  necessary  buildings 
without  overburdening  the  parish  with  debt.  Work  was  at  once 
begun  on  the  new  church,  and  on  July  29,  1900,  the  people  of 
St.  Rose's  parish  had  the  happiness  of  assisting  at  Mass  for  the 
first  time  in  the  new  and  very  attractive  edifice.  It  was  dedicated 
on  December  2,  following,  by  Bishop  Horstmann. 

Considering  the  valuable  church  property  (estimated  at  over 
$11,000,  exclusive  of  the  church)  and  the  comparatively  small 
number  of  Catholics  within  the  limits  of  the  parish — all  the 
territory  west  of  Boulevard  and  Wellington  avenues  and  north  of 
Lorain  street — great  credit  is  due  the  promoters  of  the  enterprise. 
Among  the  prime  movers  of  the  great  undertaking,  who  gave  it 
not  only  their  moral  but  their  financial  support,  as  well,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  William  Greif  and  the  Misses  Obermiller  deserve  special 
mention.  The  former  paid  one-fourth  of  the  actual  cost  of  the 
church,  and  the  latter  contributed  most  generously  towards  the 
purchase  of  the  property  and  the  erection  of  the  church. 

In  September,  1900,  a  parish  school  was  opened  and  placed 
in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph.  Thus  within  one  year  St. 
Rose's  parish  has  taken  its  place  among  the  many  flourishing 
parishes  of  Cleveland,  with  brightest  prospects  for  its  future. 


ST.  STANISLAS'  (POLISH)  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

The  year  1868  marks  the  beginning  of  the  Catholic  Polish 
immigration  to  Cleveland.  It  was  then  that  a  few  families  of 
that  nationality  settled  in  the  "Forest  City."  By  the  end  of  1873 
their  number  so  increased  that  Bishop  Gilmour  found  it  necessary 
to  organize  them  into  a  separate  congregation.  As  they  were  too 
poor,  and  too  few  in  number,  to  build  their  own  church,  the  Bishop 
gave  them  the  use  of  St.  Mary's  Church,  on  the  Flats.     He  also 


286  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

commissioned  the  Rev.  Victor  Zareczny.  pastor  of  St.  Adalbert's 
Folish  Church,  at  Berea,  to  look  after  their  spiritual  interests, 
which  he  did  from  December,  1873,  until  October,  1877,  when  the 
Rev.  John  A.  Marschal  was  appointed  their  first  resident  pastor. 
This  position  he  held  until  January,  1879,  when  he  left  the  diocese. 
The  Rev.  Wolfgang  Janietz,  O.  F.  M.,  succeeded  Father  Marschal. 
By  this  time  St.  Mary's  Church  on  the  Flats  had  become  unfit  for 
use,  and  as  the  Poles  were  still  unable  to  build  their  own  church, 
Father  Janietz  obtained  for  them  the  use  of  the  Franciscan 
Monastery  Chapel,  on  Hazen  street.  In  August,  1881,  he  also 
secured  a  church  and  school  site,  at  the  corner  of  Forman  and 
Tod  streets,  in  South  Cleveland,  where  most  of  the  Poles  had 
settled,  to  be  in  close  proximity  to  the  rolling  mills,  where  many 
of  them  had  found  employment.  The  property  cost  $3,000,  and 
comprised  thirteen  lots,  forming  a  square  plat  of  land,  with  ample 
room  for  all  the  parish  buildings.  On  the  east  side  of  these  lots 
Father  Janietz  had  a  plain  frame  building  erected,  in  size  35  x  86 
feet.  The  upper  story  served  as  a  temporary  church,  and  the 
lower  story  as  a  school.  The  building  cost  $4,600.  It  was  dedi- 
cated to  St.  Stanislas  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  on  Sunday,  November 
13,  1881.  From  the  Franciscan  Monastery  Father  Janietz 
attended  most  faithfully  to  his  pastoral  charge — then  numbering 
about  200  families — until  August,  1883,  when  he  was  relieved  of  it 
by  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Anthony  F.  Kolaszewski,  who  had 
been  ordained  a  few  weeks  previous. 

Under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  Kolaszewski  the  present 
pastoral  residence  was  built  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  at  a  cost 
of  $2,000.  He  also  had  the  frame  church  enlarged  in  the  following 
year,  at  an  outlay  of  $1,500,  to  accommodate  his  rapidly  increasing 
parish. 

In  August,  1886,  the  foundation  for  the  present  magnificent 
church  (85  x  200  feet)  was  begun,  and  the  church  enclosed  during 
the  following  year.  Steadily  it  neared  completion,  until  it  was 
ready  for  dedication  on  Sunday,  November  15,  1891.  The  Rt. 
Rev.  F.  M.  Bolt,  administrator  of  the  diocese,  dedicated  this 
splendid  temple  to  St.  Stanislas.  It  is  the  largest  and  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  churches  in  the  diocese.  It  has  two  spires,  each  232 
feet  in  height,  and  its  architecture  is  pure  Gothic.     It  cost  nearly 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  287 

$150,000,  inclusive  of  altars,  pews  and  statuary.  In  June,  1892, 
Bishop  Horstmann  was  obliged  to  remove  the  Rev.  Kolaszewski 
from  the  pastorate  of  St.  Stanislas'.  The  reader  is  referred  to 
pages  172-176,  in  this  volume,  for  the  cause  that  led  up  to  the 
Rev.  Kolaszewski's  removal,  and  its  sad  and  scandalous  conse- 
quences. The  Rev.  Benedict  Rosinski,  present  pastor  of  St. 
Stanislas'  Church,  succeeded  the  Rev.  Kolaszewski  in  June,  1892, 
and  soon  found  that  he  had  to  face  a  debt  of  a  little  over  $100,000 
— far  beyond  what  he  and  his  congregation  supposed  it  to  be.  The 
actual  debt  had  also  been  kept  from  the  knowledge  of  the  Bishop. 
Father  Rosinski  felt  the  great  weight  of  his  burden,  but  trusting  to 
the  well  known  and  much  tried  generosity  of  his  people  he  set 
manfully  to  work  to  gradually  reduce  the  great  debt.  In  this  he 
has  succeeded  admirably,  so  that  at  the  present  writing  it  is  within 
easy  reach  and  will  soon  be  cancelled.  The  parish  is  now  in  excel- 
lent condition;  peace  and  harmony  prevail. 

The  parish  school  was  opened  simultaneously  with  the  first 
church,  and  has  ever  since  been  under  the  watchful  care  of  pains- 
taking Sisters  of  St.  Francis,  of  whom  nine  are  now  in  charge. 
A  male  teacher  has  charge  of  the  larger  boys.  The  attendance  is 
about  1,000  pupils. 

The  following  priests  have  filled  the  position  of  curate  at 
St.  Stanislas'  Church :  The  Revs.  J.  Maszotas,  W.  J.  Horak,  P.  M. 
Cerveny,  J.  Kulla,  G.  Kraus,  C.  Ruszkowski,  J.  Machnikowski. 
The  present  curate  is  the  Rev.  L.  Kuzius. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

St.  Stephen's  Church  is  located  on  Courtland  street,  between 
Lorain  and  Bridge  streets.  The  church  property  consists  of  a 
strip  of  land  270  feet  north  and  south  on  Courtland  street,  200 
feet  on  Scott  street,  and  covers  the  intervening  lots,  east  and  west, 
from  Courtland  to  Scott  street. 

The  formation  of  St.  Stephen's  parish  dates  back  to  1869, 
when  that  of  St.  Mary's  of  the  Assumption  was  divided  by  appor- 
tioning to  the  new  parish  all  the  Catholic  Germans  living  between 
Harbor  street  and  the  city  limits  to  the  west.     In  the  above  men- 


288  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

tioned  year  the  Rev.  Stephen  Falk,  pastor  of  St.  Mary's,  had  a 
two  story  brick  building  erected  on  a  site  about  the  centre  of  the 
present  church  property.  The  upper  story  served  from  1870  to 
1876  as  a  chapel,  or  temporary  church.  The  lower  story  was 
divided  into  school  rooms.  In  April,  1870,  the  Rev.  Casimir 
Reichlin,  present  rector  of  St.  Stephen's,  was  ordained  to  the 
priesthood,  and  a  few  weeks  later  the  Very  Rev.  Administrator 
Caron  directed  him  to  take  charge  of  the  new  parish.  It  grew 
rapidly,  thus  making  better  church  and  school  accommodations  a 
necessity.  Father  Reichlin,  shortly  after  his  installation  as  pastor, 
began  to  collect  funds  for  the  needed  church.  Its  cornerstone  was 
laid  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  Sunday,  September  7,  1873.  Shortly 
after  this  came  the  great  financial  panic,  which  blighted  the  entire 
country  and  paralyzed  every  enterprise  that  needed  money  for 
its  success.  In  consequence  of  this  fact,  work  on  the  new  church 
was  greatly  retarded.  A  little  was  done  each  year,  however, 
between  1874  and  1881,  partly  by  means  of  money  actually  con- 
tributed and  partly — in  fact  chiefly — by  borrowed  money.  Al- 
though the  interior  was  unfinished,  services  were  held  in  the  new 
church  for  the  first  time  on  July  2,  1876.  Five  years  later  the 
church  was  plastered  and  frescoed.  It  is  of  Gothic  architecture, 
cruciform,  and  is  built  of  cut  stone.  It  has  also  a  beautiful  array 
of  stained  glass  windows.  The  following  are  the  dimensions  of 
the  imposing  edifice :  Length,  165  feet ;  width  of  the  nave,  75 
feet;  width  of  the  transept,  91  feet;  height  from  floor  to  apex  of 
ceiling,  50  feet.  On  Sunday,  November  20,  1881,  Bishop 
Gilmour  dedicated  the  church.  In  the  afternoon  the  Bishop  also 
blessed  the  large  bell  which  has  since  been  in  use.  It  was  donated 
by  the  family  of  John  Schmiedbauer.  It  was  a  day  of  just  rejoicing 
for  the  pastor  who,  in  the  face  of  grave  financial  difficulties  that 
cost  him  much  worry,  had  now  the  satisfaction  of  adding  another 
beautiful  temple  to  the  many  that  grace  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 
It  was  no  less  a  day  of  joy  for  his  people,  whose  generosity  made 
it  possible  to  put  into  effect  the  plans  for  their  church,  as  conceived 
by  their  pastor. 

After  an  intermission  of  a  few  years  Father  Reichlin  had  other 
important  improvements  added  to  the  church.  Among  these  was 
the  present  splendid  organ,  which  was  secured  in  1886,  at  a  cost 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  289 

of  $4j200.  Two  years  later  the  present  system  of  steam  heating 
and  ventilation  was  introduced,  at  an  outlay  of  nearly  $8,000. 

In  the  spring  of  1893  the  interior  of  the  church  was  thor- 
oughly renovated  by  artistic  frescoing.  A  new  high  altar,  two 
side  altars,  pulpit,  also  niches  and  canopies  for  sanctuary — all  of 
white  oak — were  placed  in  position.  A  splendid  array  of  twenty- 
six  statues,  and  Stations  of  the  Cross,  were  imported  from  Europe, 
adding  much  to  the  beauty  of  the  attractive  interior.  The  carving 
on  the  altars,  pulpit,  etc.,  is  of  unsurpassed  workmanship.  The 
stained  glass  windows  that  now  add  lustre  to  the  church  were  also 
placed  in  position  during  the  same  year,  as  was  also  the  com- 
munion railing  of  burnished  brass  with  Mexican  onyx  top.  The 
aisles  and  sanctuary  are  laid  with  marble  tiling. 

All  these  improvements,  with  an  additional  sacristy,  cost 
about  $35,000.  The  interior,  and  especially  the  sanctuary,  are 
most  attractive,  and  yet  not  overloaded  with  ornamentation.  With 
the  exception  of  the  tower,  as  yet  unfinished,  St.  Stephen's  Church 
is  complete  in  evtry  detail,  and  it  has  a  supply  of  splendid  vest- 
ments and  costly  church  vessels,  including  a  magnificent  mon- 
strance, not  surpassed  and  hardly  equalled  by  any  other  church 
in  the  city  or  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 

As  stated  in  the  beginning  of  this  sketch,  the  parish  school 
dates  from  the  foundation  of  the  parish,  when  it  occupied  three 
rooms  on  the  first  floor  of  the  combination  church  and  school 
building.  Additional  school  rooms  were  built  of  brick  in  1885 
and  1890.  In  1889  a  fine  brick  residence,  fronting  on  Scott  street, 
was  built  for  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame — who  have  had  charge  of 
the  schools  since  1874. 

During  the  summer  and  early  autumn  of  1897,  a  beautiful  and 
spacious  brick  school  was  built,  at  a  cost  of  $12,000,  on  Scott 
street.  It  contains  eight  large  class  rooms,  well  lighted  and 
ventilated,  and  a  fine  basement.  The  latter  is  used  as  a  club  room 
by  the  Young  Men's  Sodality.  There  are  in  all  thirteen  class 
rooms  now  in  use,  accommodating  nearly  900  children.  The 
pastoral  residence  was  built  in  1872;  it  was  enlarged  and  renovated 
in  1896.  As  it  now  stands  it  is  one  of  the  largest  and  best  arranged 
parish  residences  in  the  diocese. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  priests  who  filled  the  position  of 


290  A   HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

curate  at  St.  Stephen's:  The  Revs.  F.  J.  Ludwig,  from  January 
to  July,  1883;  Jacob  Christophory,  August  to  December,  1892; 
John  R.  Forrer,  January,  1894,  to  June,  1898;  Albert  J.  Aust, 
November,  1899.  to  September,  1900.  The  Rev.  A.  M.  Seeholzer 
and  John  Harks  are  the  present  curates,  the  former  having  served 
as  such  since  June,  1898,  and  the  latter,  since  September,  1900. 

In  January,  1889,  Bishop  Gilmour  made  St.  Stephen's  parish 
a  rectorate,  and  appointed  the  Rev.  Casimir  Reichlin  its  first  irre- 
movable rector,  an  honor  well  deserved  by  both.  St.  Stephen's 
is  the  largest  German  speaking  parish  in  Cleveland.  It  is  well 
provided  with  societies  and  confraternities,  each  having  a  large 
membership,  and  all  in  a  flourishing  condition. 

During  the  existence  of  St.  Stephen's  as  a  parish  there  was 
never  a  discordant  note  or  lack  of  harmony.  Peace  and 
union  at  all  times  reigned  therein.  The  people  always  responded 
generously  to  every  call,  and  the  result  is  that  St.  Stephen's  parish, 
in  spirituals  and  temporals,  ranks  with  the  most  prosperous  and 
best  regulated  parishes  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland. 


ST.  THOMAS  AQUINAS'  CHURCH, 

CLEVELAND. 

The  facilities  for  rapid  transit,  afforded  by  electric  street  cars, 
induced  many  families  to  leave  the  densely  crowded  and  smoky 
down-town  district  for  the  pure  atmosphere  of  the  East  End. 
Amongst  this  large  number  of  home-seekers  in  the  farm  lands  of 
a  few  years  ago,  east  of  Madison  avenue,  was  a  fair  proportion  of 
Catholics.  The  founding  of  St.  Agnes'  Church,  on  Euclid  avenue, 
near  East  Madison,  provided  for  the  parochial  wants  of  the 
Catholics  in  that  section  of  the  city,  whilst  those  living  in  the 
northeastern  portion  continued  to  attend  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion Church,  even  though  in  many  instances  at  great  incon- 
venience, especially  to  the  children,  owing  to  distance.  To  meet 
this  difficulty,  and  to  provide  more  convenient  church  and  school 
facilities.  Bishop  Horstmann  authorized  Mgr.  Thorpe,  pastor  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception  Church,  to  select  what  he  considered 
a  suitable  site  for  a  proposed  new  church.  In  August,  1895,  he 
accordingly    purchased    eight    lots,    four    of    which    fronted    on 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  291 

Wheelock  street,  near  the  Boulevard.  The  purchase  price  was 
$6,400.  The  two  years  of  financial  depression  which  followed 
rendered  it  unadvisable,  however,  to  take  any  further  steps 
towards  organizing  the  intended  parish.  Bishop  Horstmann 
realized  the  growing  necessity  of  properly  providing  for  the 
spiritual  wants  of  the  people  in  this  section  of  the  city.  Hence  he 
felt  it  his  duty,  in  spite  of  the  continued  hard  times,  to  appoint  a 
pastor  to  this  new  field  of  labor.  He  selected  Rev.  Thomas  F. 
Mahon,  who  received  his  appointment  on  June  26,  1898. 

Father  Mahon  soon  found  that  conditions  had  considerably 
changed  on  and  near  Wheelock  street.  The  section  of  his  parish 
towards  Superior  street,  on  both  sides  of  the  Boulevard,  had 
grown  largely  in  population ;  and  the  people  of  Glenville  insisted 
that  their  village,  growing  still  further  eastward,  would  eventually 
need  a  church  further  east  than  Wheelock  street.  This  and  other 
more  weighty  reasons  induced  Father  Mahon  to  ask  permission 
to  locate  the  church  site  on  or  near  Superior  street,  thus  allowing 
ample  territory  for  a  future  parish  in  Glenville,  whenever  condi- 
tions there  might  warrant  it.  This  plan  was  suggested  to  the 
Catholics  of  both  sections  and  met  with  their  unanimous  approval. 
Meanwhile,  for  about  three  months,  services  were  held  in  the 
lower  story  of  St.  Casimir's  Church,  until  the  proposed  temporary 
church  was  ready  for  use. 

September  2,  1898,  eight  lots  were  bought  for  $9,000,  at  the 
corner  of  Superior  and  Nanson  streets,  overlooking  the  Boulevard, 
and  on  Sunday,  October  24,  of  the  same  year,  the  cornerstone  of 
the  present  handsome  combination  church  and  school  w-as  blessed 
by  Bishop  Horstmann.  The  building  cost  nearly  $20,000,  and  is 
one  of  the  most  compact  and  substantial  structures  in  the  city.  It 
is  built  of  impervious  cream-colored  pressed  brick.  The  floors  of 
each  story  are  supported  by  massive  steel  girders.  The  basement 
is  thirteen  feet  high,  and  will  in  a  short  time  be  divided  into  society 
rooms.  The  first  floor,  which  will  eventually  be  converted  into 
class  rooms,  is  sixty  feet  by  ninety  feet,  with  an  extension  for  the 
altar,  making  a  splendid  auditorium,  capable  of  seating  about  800 
people.  The  second  floor  is  of  the  same  dimensions,  divided  into 
four  school  rooms,  each  with  spacious  cloak  rooms.  The  third 
floor  is  also  60  x  90  feet  and  IS  feet  high,  with  a  large  and  well 


292  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

equipped  stas^'e.  The  entire  buildin!^-  is  |)lastere(l  with  ridamantine 
plaster.  It  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is  furnisheil  willi  a  perfect 
plumbing  system.  Mass  was  said  for  the  first  time  in  the  new- 
building  on  Sunday,  October  19,  ISDS,  and  services  have  since 
been  held  therein  regularly.  The  building  was  dedicated  to  St. 
Thomas  Aquinas,  by  Bishop  Horstmann,  on  Sunday,  November 
15,  1808. 

This  is  a  new  departure  in  the  organization  of  city  parishes, 
and  from  present  indications  will  prove  a  thorough  success.  The 
suggestion  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  and  the  ambition  of  the  pastor, 
in  following  this  new  method,  seem  to  have  appealed  to  the  better 
judgment  of  all  classes.  The  additional  interest  on  this  larger 
investment  is  well  repaid  by  the  advantages  of  this  handsome 
structure  for  the  congregation  as  a  place  of  temporary  worship 
and  as  a  permanent  school  building  for  the  children  of  the  parish 
for  all  time. 

The  congregation  of  less  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  families 
began  to  meet  the  large  responsibility  of  this  undertaking  without 
a  dollar  of  outside  assistance,  and  every  individual  within  the 
confines  of  the  new  parish  feels  that,  with  God's  help,  this  experi- 
ment in  the  line  of  parish  work  will  meet  the  highest  expectations 
of  all. 

In  August,  1900,  at  a  cost  of  $11,600,  six  additional  lots  were 
bought,  thus  extending  the  church  property  to  the  corner  of  Ansel 
avenue,  and  giving  a  frontage  of  more  than  500  feet  on  Superior 
street. 

In  the  fall  of  1900  a  temporary  pastoral  residence  was  erected 
at  a  cost  of  about  $3,000.  Later  this  will  be  converted  into  a 
home  for  the  Sisters  in  charge  of  the  parish  school,  and  a  per- 
manent pastoral  residence  facing  the  Boulevard  will  be  erected. 

In  September,  1809.  the  parochial  school  was  opened  and 
placed  in  charge  of  five  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph.  About  250  pupils 
now  attend.  In  the  same  month  and  year  a  house  was  bought  on 
Nanson  street,  as  a  temporary  residence  for  the  Sisters. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  293 

ST.  VITUS'  (KRATNER)  CHURCH, 
CLEVELAND. 

The  first  Krainer  congregation  in  Ohio  was  organized  at 
Cleveland  in  August,  1893,  with  the  Rev.  Vitus  Hribar  as  its  first 
and  present  pastor.  Services  were  held  in  the  chapel  of  St.  Peter's 
Church  until  November,  1S94.  Previous  to  this  time  the  Catholic 
Krainers  residing  in  Cleveland  had  occasional  services  from  the 
Rev.  F.  X.  Bajec,  who  came  all  the  way  from  Minnesota  to  give 
spiritual  comfort  to  his  countrymen.  He  held  a  week's  mission 
for  their  benefit,  for  the  first  time  in  July,  1891,  in  St.  Columbkille's 
Church,  kindly  opened  to  them  by  Mgr.  Thorpe,  then  pastor  of 
the  Cathedral.  Whilst  Father  Hribar  was  still  a  student  at  the 
seminary  he  looked  after  the  temporal  interests  of  the  Krainers, 
and  collected  funds  for  the  parish  he  was  to  organize  after  his 
ordination,  which  took  place  July  27,  1893.  Four  lots  were  pur- 
chased with  a  frontage  on  Glass  avenue  of  230  feet  and  165  feet 
deep  along  Norwood  avenue.  This  excellent  site  was  to  serve  for 
church,  school  and  pastoral  residence.  The  lots  cost  $6,000,  and 
were  purchased  June  29,  1894.  The  foundation  of  the  new  church, 
a  frame  structure,  was  begun  almost  immediately  after  the  pur- 
chase of  said  lots.  Bishop  Horstmann  blessed  the  cornerstone  on 
October  19,  1894,  and  the  church  was  dedicated  on  Sunday, 
November  4,  of  same  year  to  St.  Vitus  by  Mgr.  Boff,  V.  G.,  whom 
the  Bishop  delegated  for  that  purpose.  The  church  is  a  neat 
edifice.  36  x  60  feet.  Shortly  after  this  Father  Hribar  built  also  a 
commodious  pastoral  residence  near  the  church. 

Thus  far,  owing  to  lack  of  means,  the  parish  has  been  without 
a  school,  but  it  is  hoped  to  realize  in  the  near  future  the  ardent  wish 
of  pastor  and  people  in  this  regard.  The  parish  numbers  at  present 
about  two  hundred  families.  The  church  property,  as  it  now 
stands,  cost  about  $12,000,  with  a  debt  of  only  $2,200.  This  speaks 
well  for  the  generosity  of  the  people  of  the  parish,  who  belong 
exclusively  to  the  laboring  class. 

The  native  home  of  the  Krainers  is  in  the  province  of  Krain 
(or  Carniola).  in  the  southern  part  of  the  Empire  of  Austria.  They 
are  a  sturdy  people,  full  of  faith  and  very  generous  towards  the 
Church.     The}^  are  a  very  desirable  foreign   element,  and  have 


294  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

settled  in  great  numbers  in  the  northwest,  especially  in  Minnesota. 
The  largest  number  of  the  Krainers  in  Ohio  is  to  be  found  in 
Cleveland. 


ST.  WENCESLAS'  (BOHEMIAN)  CHURCH, 
CLEVELAND. 

St.  Wenceslas  is  the  oldest  of  the  Bohemian  parishes  in  Cleve- 
land. It  was  organized  in  1867.  Prior  to  that  time  the  Catholic 
Bohemians  had  separate  services  in  St.  Peter's,  St.  Joseph's,  and 
lastly  in  St.  Mary's  on  the  Flats.  The  Rev.  Anthony  T.  Martin, 
who  was  fairly  conversant  with  their  language,  attended  to  their 
spiritual  wants  till  the  appointment,  in  October,  1867,  of  the  Rev. 
Anthony  Krasney,  a  Bohemian,  as  their  pastor.  In  February  of 
the  same  year  several  lots  were  purchased  on  Arch  street,  near 
Woodland  avenue,  for  a  church  site.  On  Sunday,  October  20, 
1867,  Bishop  Rappe  laid  the  cornerstone  for  a  brick  church 
(50  X  90  feet),  which  was  ready  for  use  a  few  months  later.  Father 
Krasney's  health  failing,  and  w^eary  of  opposition  from  some  of  his 
people,  he  resigned  his  pastorate  in  October,  1869.  The  Rev. 
George  A.  Beranek  w^as  then  appointed  temporary  pastor.  His 
successor  was  the  Rev.  Wenceslas  Revis,  who  was  given  charge  of 
the  parish  in  January,  1870.  He  met  the  same  opposition  as  did 
Father  Krasney  during  his  pastorate,  but  until  1873  he  held  out 
against  his  opponents,  many  of  whom  were  of  the  Bohemian 
infidels,  most  bitter  enemies  of  the  Church,  supported  by  vile 
Bohemian  papers  published  in  Cleveland,  as  also  by  Bohemian 
secret  societies.  In  April,  1873,  the  Rev.  Anthony  Hynek,  at  the 
time,  and  until  February,  1875,  pastor  of  St.  Procop's  Church,  the 
second  Bohemian  parish  in  Cleveland,  was  also  given  pastoral 
charge  of  St.  Wenceslas'  congregation,  and  has  held  it  ever  since. 
During  his  long  incumbancy  the  parish  was  twice  dismembered, 
viz.,  in  1881,  by  the  formation  of  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes'  congrega- 
tion, and  in  1886,  by  the  formation  of  St.  Adalbert's.  Yet,  notwith- 
standing this  dismemberment,  St.  Wenceslas'  is  still  a  large  parish. 
Under  Father  Hynek's  direction  many  substantial  improvements 
were  made,  property  purchased  and  buildings  erected.  The  first 
in  order  of  time  w^as  the  erection  of  the  parish  school  building  on 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  295 

Burwell  street.  Its  cost  was  about  $4,000.  In  1883  the  old  and 
small  pastoral  residence,  erected  during  the  pastorate  of  Father 
Revis,  gave  way  to  a  comfortable  and  roomy  house,  with  the  old 
as  an  annex.  At  an  expense  of  over  $3,000  the  church,  as  also  the 
property  surrounding  it,  received  a  needed  tidying  up.  The  former 
was  frescoed.  Stained  glass  windows  replaced  the  plain  windows, 
and  the  exterior  of  the  building  was  painted.  In  1886  lots  were 
purchased  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  Forest  streets,  and 
shortly  after  two  lots  and  a  house,  on  Forest  and  Svoboda  streets, 
all  to  be  used  eventually  as  a  church  and  school  site,  the  present 
location  being  found  too  far  away  from  the  centre  of  the  parish. 
The  lots  cost  $15,700. 

In  August,  1891,  the  foundation  for  the  new  church,  a  stone 
edifice  of  Gothic  architecture,  was  begun  and  the  cornerstone  laid 
by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  Pentecost  Sunday,  June  5,  1892.  Fol- 
lowing are  the  dimensions  of  the  church :  Length,  175  feet ;  width 
of  transept,  91  feet ;  width  of  nave,  71  feet ;  height  of  nave,  50  feet; 
height  of  the  two  spires,  227  feet  and  180  feet,  respectively.  The 
estimated  cost  of  the  church,  exclusive  of  furnishings,  and  a 
chime  of  six  bells,  is  $40,000.  The  splendid  building  was  enclosed 
in  the  following  year,  and  in  its  unfinished  condition  as  to  its 
interior  it  was  used  for  over  six  years,  because  the  old  church  was 
much  too  small  to  accommodate  all  the  members  of  the  parish. 

The  church  is  now  finished,  frescoed,  and  furnished  with  fine 
windows,  at  an  additional  cost  of  $20,000.  The  imposing  edifice, 
as  yet  not  dedicated,  is  a  credit  both  to  pastor  and  people. 
Although  the  debt  is  considerable,  it  will  be  liquidated  in  a  few 
years,  if  the  past  record  of  the  parish  as  to  generosity  is  a  criterion 
for  the  future. 

The  school  is  an  integral  part  of  the  parish.  It  is  in  charge  of 
four  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  and  a  lay  teacher.  One  section  of  the 
school  is  taught  in  the  building  mentioned  in  another  part  of  this 
sketch,  and  the  other  in  a  frame  building  located  next  to  the  new 
church.    About  300  pupils  are  enrolled. 


296  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

ABP.KVVTTJ.K.  ^FKDTNA  COl'NTY, 

ST.   MARY'S   MISSION  CHURCH. 

One  of  the  very  few  missions  thai  liave  passed  out  of  existence 
in  the  diocese  is  that  of  Abbeyville,  a  village  in  Medina  county. 
Near  this  place  a  few  Catholic  Germans  had  settled  on  farms  as 
early  as  1840.  For  several  years  they  received  occasional  visits 
from  the  Revs.  Peter  McLaughlin  and  Maurice  Howard,  who  said 
Mass  and  administered  the  sacraments  to  them  in  private  houses. 
Bishop  Purcell  also  visited  them  for  the  first  time  in  June,  1840, 
on  his  tour  through  Northern  Ohio.  In  1842  there  were  about 
twenty  Catholic  families  in  that  section.  They  built  a  small  brick 
church,  24  x  40  feet,  on  a  plat  of  land  donated  by  Louis  Rolling. 
Shortly  after,  most  of  the  families  became  af^liated  with  another 
mission  church,  located  near  Liverpool  Centre,  two  miles  distant, 
because  services  were  held  there  more  frequently,  owing  to  the 
larger  number  of  attendants.  The  church  at  this  mission  was 
a  log  building  and.  like  that  at  Abbeyville,  was  dedicated  to 
St.  Mary.  In  the  meantime  however  the  use  of  the  church  at 
Abbeyville,  and  of  the  cemetery  attached,  was  retained  by  the 
original  settlers,  who  had  divine  service  at  irregular  intervals.  The 
log  church  at  Liverpool,  having  become  too  small,  it  was  resolved 
in  1849  to  build  a  larger  church.  The  members  of  the  mission 
failed  however  to  agree  as  to  its  site  and  hence  the  Abbeyville 
members  returned  to  their  own  church,  while  the  remainder  built 
the  desired  church — again  under  the  title  of  St.  Mary's — on  the 
present  site  of  St.  Martin's  Church,  Liverpool.  In  1859  the  t\vo 
missions  were  united  into  one  congregation,  and  two  years  later 
built  the  present  St.  Martin's  Church.  Although  the  mission  of 
Abbeyville  ceased  to  exist  as  such  in  1859,  services  were  held  there 
semi-monthly  by  the  various  pastors  in  charge  of  St.  Martin's  until 
1874.  In  that  year  the  church  was  razed  and  the  property  sold. 
Only  the  small  cemetery  was  retained,  the  use  of  which  was  granted 
by  Bishop  Gilmour  to  the  mission  of  Medina  until  1898,  when  it 
became  the  exclusive  property  of  St.  Martin's  parish,  Liverpool. 


ST.  itiOKXAiiD's  ciirifrii    (iiio:;).  akkon. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  297 

AKRON,  SUMMIT  COUNTY. 

ST.    BERNARD'S    CHURCH. 

Until  1861  the  English  and  German  speaking  Catholics 
formed  one  parish  in  Akron — St.  Vincent  de  Paul's.  In  that  year 
Bishop  Rappe  allowed  the  Germans  to  form  into  a  separate  con- 
gregation, in  compliance  with  their  own  wishes.  He  appointed  as 
their  pastor  the  Rev.  Henry  L.  Thiele,  who  held  services  for  his 
people  in  a  public  hall  for  over  a  year.  Meanwhile  he  took  effective 
measures  for  building  a  brick  church,  which  cost  about  $5,000.  It 
forms  the  west  end  of  the  present  edifice.  Its  corner-stone  was  laid 
by  Vicar  General  Luhr,  in  July,  1862.  The  new  and  unpretentious 
church  was  ready  for  use  in  January,  1863.  Father  Thiele 
remained  in  charge  until  May,  1863.  Two  months  later  his  suc- 
cessor was  appointed — the  Rev.  Peter  Danenhoffer,  who  opened  a 
parochial  school  in  September  of  the  same  year.  He  in  turn  was 
succeeded,  in  July,  1866,  by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  John  B. 
Broun.  At  that  time  St.  Bernard's  numbered  about  120  families. 
In  a  short  time  Father  Broun  paid  off  the  parish  debt,  of  $2,200, 
and  in  the  autumn  of  the  same  year  he  also  bought  the  present 
cemetery  at  a  cost  of  $2,500.  The  rapid  growth  of  the  congrega- 
tion forced  the  enlargement  of  the  church  in  1880.  The  addition, 
now  the  main  part  of  the  edifice,  cost  $11,500.  In  the  meantime 
many  improvements  had  been  made  in  and  about  the  church 
property.  These  included  a  school  house,  spire,  three  bells,  pipe 
organ,  etc.,  all  at  an  outlay  of  nearly  $7,000.  The  church  is  140 
feet  long,  40  feet  wide,  and  60  feet  at  the  transept.  It  is  tastily 
frescoed  and  adorned  with  mural  paintings.  It  has  also  fine  stained 
glass  windows,  and  many  beautiful  pieces  of  statuary.  The  church 
is  now  much  too  small,  but  Father  Broun  has  been  making 
preparations  for  some  years  past  for  the  erection  of  a  large  and 
beautiful  church.  For  this  purpose  he  secured  an  elegant  site,  with 
a  frontage  of  193  feet  on  State  street,  in  December,  1895,  at  a  cost 
of  $3,000,  and  each  year  he  has  put  aside  from  the  parish  income  a 
generous  sum  for  the  building  fund.  The  new  stone  church  will  be 
commenced  in  1901,  and  is  to  cost  at  least  $100,000. 

In  1887  two  large  lots  located  on  Broadway,  one  of  the  prin- 
cipal streets  of  the  city,  were  bought  for  $9,000,  to  serve  as  the  site 


298  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

for  a  much  needed  school.  Bishop  Gihiiour  laid  the  corner-stone 
on  August  7,  1887.  The  splendid  building,  an  ornament  to  Akron, 
was  ready  for  occupancy  in  the  spring  of  1889,  thus  gladdening  the 
hearts  of  400  children  and  their  teachers.  At  present  seven 
Dominican  Sisters,  of  Jersey  City,  N.  J.,  have  charge  of  the  school. 
The  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  had  been  in  charge  from  1886  to  1893. 
St.  Bernard's  is  one  of  the  prominent  German  parishes  of  the 
diocese,  has  excellent  property,  and  for  years  past  has  been  with- 
out debt — due  to  the  energy  of  its  pastor  and  the  unvarying 
generosity  of  its  people. 


AKRON,  SUMMIT  COUNTY. 

ST.   MARY'S   CHURCH. 

St.  Mary's  Church  was  established  as  a  mission  in  November, 
1887,  and  as  such  was  attended  from  St.  Vincent's — its  parent 
church,  until  1896.  The  combination  church  and  school,  a  brick 
structure,  40  x  62  feet,  was  built  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Mahar,  in  1887.  The  upper  story  served  as  a  temporary 
church,  and  the  lower  story  was  divided  into  three  school  rooms. 
Mass  was  said  in  it  for  the  first  time  on  November  27,  1887,  but 
the  building  was  not  dedicated  until  October  28,  1888,  when  Mgr. 
Boff,  V.  G.,  performed  the  ceremony.  The  building  cost  $5,000, 
and  the  lots  (168  x  182  feet)  cost  $5,100.  They  were  bought  in 
April,  1887. 

The  congregation  rapidly  increased  in  numbers  and  soon  the 
temporary  church  accommodations  provided  in  the  above  men- 
tioned building  proved  inadequate.  Additional  room  was  also 
needed  for  the  school.  To  supply  these  wants  the  present  frame 
church  was  erected  during  the  summer  of  1895.  It  will  serve  its 
purpose  admirably  until  the  people's  means  will  allow  them  to  erect 
an  edifice  in  keeping  with  its  sacred  purposes,  and  in  accord  with 
their  own  desires.    The  edifice  was  dedicated  on  October  13,  1895. 

During  the  interval  between  November,  1887,  and  December, 
1896,  Franciscan  and  Jesuit  Fathers  from  Cleveland,  and  for  a  few 
months  also  the  Rev.  J.  E.  Mahar,  from  the  diocese  of  Grand 
Rapids,  Mich.,  assisted  the  pastor  of  St.  Vincent's  on  Sundays,  to 
enable  him  to  attend  St.  Mary's. 


ST.    VINCKNT'S   CHURCH,   AKRON. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  299 

On  December  12,  1896,  the  Rev.  Francis  T.  Moran  took 
charge  of  St.  Mary's  as  its  first  resident  pastor.  At  that  time  the 
parish  numbered  about  200  families.  In  the  following  spring  he 
had  a  hall  built  for  the  use  of  the  Young  Men's  Union  of  the  parish. 

When  Father  Moran  took  charge  of  the  parish  he  was  obliged 
to  rent  a  house.  During  1898  a  very  neat  and  commodious 
pastoral  residence  was  built  of  brick,  at  a  cost  of  $5,000. 

The  parish  school  dates  from  the  organization  of  St.  Mary's, 
and  has  at  all  times  received  the  earnest  care  of  devoted  teachers, 
under  the  direction  of  the  respective  pastors.  It  was  opened  in 
October,  1887,  with  an  attendance  of  seventy-five  pupils.  The 
Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  from  Cleveland,  had  charge  of  the  school 
until  June,  1895.  They  were  succeeded  the  following  September 
by  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  from  Ebensburg,  Pa.,  who  have  since 
then  conducted  the  school  with  most  gratifying  success.  During 
the  year  1900  a  sixth  room  was  opened  to  provide  for  the  steadily 
increasing  attendance,  of  now  over  three  hundred  pupils. 


AKRON,  SUMMIT  COUNTY. 

ST.  VINCENT'S  CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  John  Martin  Henni  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  the 
Catholics  of  Akron  (about  1833),  then  very  few  in  number.  He 
said  Mass  in  the  log  cabin  of  James  McAllister.  Private  houses  or 
rented  halls  had  to  serve  as  temporary  places  of  worship  until  1845. 
There  is  no  record  of  any  priest  again  visiting  Akron  until  1837, 
when  the  Rev.  Basil  Schorb  attended  it  as  a  station  from  Doyles- 
town,  where  he  was  resident  pastor  from  1837  till  the  summer  of 
1842.  During  the  latter  part  of  the  same  year  the  Rev.  Peter 
McLaughlin,  pastor  of  St.  Mary's  Church  on  the  Flats,  Cleveland, 
visited  Akron  a  few  times  to  administer  the  sacraments.  The  Rev. 
Maurice  Howard  succeeded  Father  Schorb  at  Doylestown  and 
Akron  in  December,  1842.  Under  his  direction  the  first  church  of 
St.  Vincent's  parish  was  commenced  in  1844.  It  was  a  small  frame 
structure,  located  on  Green  street.  In  February,  1845,  the  Rev. 
Cornelius  Daly  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor  of  Akron. 
He  finished  the  church  commenced  by  Father  Howard,  and 
remained  in  charge  of  St.   Vincent's  until  October,   1847.      On 


;J00  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

September  5  of  that  year  Bishop  Piircell  ordained  to  the  priest- 
liood  the  Rev.  James  Vincent  Conhm.  in  the  above  mentioned 
chnrch.  Akron  was  again  attended  from  Doylestown,  from  the 
time  of  Father  Daly's  departure  until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev. 
Casimir  Mouret,  who  remained  until  June,  1850.  Following  is  a 
list  of  the  priests  w^ho  had  pastoral  charge  of  St.  Vincent's  until 
the  appointment  of  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Thomas  F. 
Mahar,  D.  D. :  The  Revs.  Jacob  Goodwin,  a  few  months  in  1850; 
Francis  McGann,  September,  1850,  to  August,  1855 ;  Louis 
Molon,  January-October,  1856 ;  Thomas  J.  Walsh,  October, 
185G.  until  1858;  William  O'Connor,  a  few  months  in  1858; 
Matthew  A.  Scanlon,  July,  1859,  to  November,  1873;  Timothy  M. 
Mahony,  November,  1873,  to  August,  1880.  During  the  period 
when  St.  Vincent's  had  no  resident  pastor,  as  above  seen,  the 
parish  was  attended  as  a  mission,  either  from  Doylestown  or 
Canton.  During  the  pastorate  of  Father  McGann  the  present 
church  site  and  the  old  part  of  the  cemetery  were  secured. 

The  present  church  was  built  during-  the  pastorate  of  Father 
Scanlon ;  it  was  commenced  in  the  early  spring  of  1864 — a 
massive  stone  structure,  50  x  100  feet,  and  of  Roman  style  of 
architecture.  The  interior  was  quite  attractive,  especially  the 
ceiling,  which  was  very  beautifully  stuccoed.  There  are  no  pillars, 
and  hence  an  unobstructed  view  is  had  of  the  whole  interior.  The 
cost  of  the  church,  exclusive  of  furnishing,  is  estimated  at  $50,000, 
of  which  sum  a  large  part  was  due  at  the  time  of  Father  Scanlon's 
removal  from  Akron.  His  successor.  Father  Mahony,  made  every 
effort  to  reduce  the  debt  and  succeeded  in  so  doing.  In  the 
summer  of  1879  he  purchased  a  six  acre  tract  of  land  as  an  addition 
to  the  cemetery,  and  in  the  early  part  of  the  following  year  had  a 
new  floor  and  new  pews  put  in  the  church.  These  were  the  only 
improvements  of  note  made  during  his  pastorate,  the  burden  of  the 
debt  necessitating  a  rigid  economy  and  the  postponement  of  every 
additional  burden. 

Father  Mahony  was  succeeded,  August  1,  1880,  by  the  present 
incumbent,  the  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Mahar,  D.  D.  The  school  build- 
ing was  in  urgent  need  of  improvement.  Hence  in  1881  the  old 
church  on  Green  street,  which,  with  little  change,  had  served  as  a 
school  for  many  years,  was  remodeled  and  an  addition,  56  x  32 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  301 

feet,  made  to  it,  so  as  to  provide  in  all  four  large  and  convenient 
rooms.  This  was  done  at  an  expense  of  about  $2,000.  The  Sisters 
of  the  Holy  Cross,  from  Notre  Dame,  Indiana,  were  engaged  at 
the  same  time  to  teach,  and  continued  in  charge  for  about  four 
years,  when  they  were  withdrawn  by  their  superior,  who  did  not 
think  it  advisable  to  continue  so  small  a  mission  at  so  great  a 
distance  from  the  Motherhouse.  They  were  replaced  by  the  Sisters 
of  Notre  Dame,  from  Cleveland,  who  taught  the  schools  for  nine 
years.  In  1894  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  from  Ebensburg,  Pa., 
were  engaged  and  are  teaching  at  the  present  time. 

In  1SS4  a  new  and  much  needed  pastoral  residence  was  built, 
to  replace  the  old  and  dilapidated  house  of  fifty  years  ago.  With 
heating,  etc.,  it  cost  about  $5,000.  It  is  a  well  arranged  brick 
structure,  of  neat  design. 

A  lot  adjoining  St.  Vincent's  Church  to  the  west  was  pur- 
chased in  1888  at  a  cost  of  $3,300.  The  house  located  on  the  lot, 
with  some  additions,  has  since  then  served  as  a  residence  for  the 
Sisters. 

In  1892  a  fine  brick  school  of  generous  dimensions  was  built 
at  a  cost,  including  heating  and  furniture,  of  nearly  $18,000. 

At  an  outlay  of  about  $7,000,  in  1893,  an  addition  was  built 
to  the  rear  of  the  church.  This  sum  includes  the  replacing  of  the 
entire  ceiling  of  the  old  part  and  a  new  roof  on  the  whole  edifice. 
The  entire  church  property  is  now  in  excellent  condition  and 
although  the  debt  that  had  to  be  incurred  in  making  the  above 
mentioned  improvements  is  considerable,  it  is  within  easy  grasp  of 
the  generous  and  well  disposed  people  of  St.  Vincent's.  The 
flourishing  school  is  attended  by  about  three  hundred  pupils,  who 
receive  a  thorough  religious  and  secular  education. 

The  following  priests  filled  the  position  of  curate  at  St.  Vin- 
cent's: The  Revs.  Michael  J.  Brennan,  July.  1888,  to  July,  1890; 
William  G.  Mahar,  July,  1890,  to  October,  1893 ;  John  A.  Sidley, 
November,  1894,  to  October,  1895 ;  and  from  January,  1895,  to 
February,  1S96.  the  Rev.  Jer.  P.  O'Connor  was  stationed  at  St. 
Vincent's  during  the  illness  of  the  pastor. 


302  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

ALLIANCE,  STARK  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S   CHURCH. 

The  construction  of  the  Cleveland  and  Pittsburg,  and  of  the 
Pittsburg,  Ft.  Wayne  and  Chicago  railroads  brought  to  Alliance  a 
number  of  Catholic  Irish,  German  and  French  laborers,  who  settled 
there  between  1850  and  1854.  In  the  latter  year  they  were  visited 
for  the  first  time  by  a  priest,  the  Rev.  Bernard  Carragher,  who  was 
then  stationed  at  St.  John's,  Canton.  The  Rev.  Michael  Prender- 
gast,  pastor  of  Summitville,  visited  them  occasionally,  between 
1856  and  1857.  They  were  next  attended  by  the  Rev.  Florence 
D'Arcy,  of  Louisville,  until  1858.  At  that  time  the  whole  number 
of  Catholic  families  at  Alliance  amounted  to  thirty.  Between  1858 
and  1859  the  Rev.  E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith  attended  Alliance  as  a 
station  once  a  month  on  a  week  day  from  St.  John's,  Canton.  On 
May  9,  1859,  he  rented  a  hall,  named  it  ''Catholic  Hall,"  and  fitted 
it  up  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship.  On  the  first  Sunday  in 
June,  1859,  Bishop  Rappe  himself  said  the  first  Mass  that  was  ever 
celebrated  at  x\lliance  on  a  Sunday.  Between  1859  and  1865  the 
following  priests  attended  Alliance  as  a  mission:  The  Revs. 
Edward  Hannin,  1859-1862;  Patrick  H.  Brown,  1862-1864;  Louis 
Hoffer,  a  few  months  in  1864;  Frederick  J.  Ludwig,  1864-1865. 
During  the  time  Father  Hannin  had  charge  of  Alliance  he  pur- 
chased two  lots  and  had  a  small  frame  church  built  on  one  of  them. 
It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Joseph  in  May,  1862.  From  August,  1865, 
to  May,  1866,  the  Rev.  Francis  Moitrier  attended  AlHance  from 
Harrisburg.  He  was  then  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor  of 
Alliance,  and  remained  nearly  two  years.  The  Rev.  Francis  Walsh, 
a  Basilian  Father,  succeeded  the  Rev.  F.  Moitrier,  attending 
Alliance  from  Louisville  for  a  few  months,  in  1868,  when  the  Rev. 
E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith  was  appointed  resident  pastor,  in  October  of 
the  same  year.  He  had  the  church  renovated,  and  bought  a  lot 
with  a  brick  house  on  it,  which  he  made  his  residence.  He  also 
secured  five  acres  of  land,  south  of  Alliance,  for  cemetery  purposes. 
During  his  pastorate  he  expended  about  $8,000  for  the  benefit  of 
the  parish  and  left  it  without  debt  at  his  transfer  to  Leetonia,  in 
May,  1872.  The  following  priests  were  next  in  charge  of  St. 
Joseph's,  Alliance:    The  Revs.  Eugene  M.  O'Callaghan,  May  to 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  303 

July,  1872 ;  James  Monahan,  July,  1872,  to  August,  1875 ;  Joseph 
L.  Ahern,  August,  1875,  to  July,  1877;  James  O'Leary,  August, 
1877,  to  March,  1886 ;  John  McMahon,  March,  1886,  to  February, 
1900;  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  James  J.  Farrell,  since 
February,  1900. 

Father  Monahan  bought  the  three  lots  on  which  the  present 
church  stands,  and  commenced  the  foundation  of  a  much  larger 
edifice  than  the  present  one.  The  foundation  had  to  be  removed, 
however,  as  the  plans  selected  by  him  could  not  be  executed  for 
lack  of  means.  This  was  caused  by  the  panic  of  1873,  which  most 
seriously  affected  the  financial  condition  of  Alliance,  and  almost 
depopulated  it,  because  of  the  removal  of  the  car-shops,  upon 
which  the  town  depended  for  support. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  O'Leary  the  present  neat  and 
attractive  church  was  built,  on  lots  bought  by  Father  Monahan. 
It  is  a  brick  edifice,  40  x  100  feet,  of  Gothic  architecture,  and  cost 
about  $10,000.  Bishop  Gilmour  dedicated  it  on  Sunday,  October 
30,  1881.  In  July,  1880,  the  lots  bought  by  Father  Hannin  were 
sold  by  Father  O'Leary  for  $1,225,  and  the  old  church  moved  to 
three  new  lots  bought  by  him — next  to  those  secured  by  Father 
Monahan-'—and  changed  into  a  temporary  school.  This  purchase 
of  lots  by  Father  O'Leary  made  the  entire  church  property  a  plat 
of  land  150  x  280  feet,  located  in  the  most  desirable  part  of 
Alliance.  Since  Father  Farrell  has  had  charge  many  necessary 
repairs  have  been  made  in  and  about  the  church.  These  included 
frescoing,  repainting  and  a  general  tidying  up  of  the  property, 
which  now  presents  an  attractive  appearance.  During  the  summer 
of  1900  an  abandoned  academy,  located  on  a  fine  site,  was  pur- 
chased at  a  very  reasonable  price.  Father  Farrell  had  the  large 
brick  building  fitted  up  partly  as  a  parish  school  and  partly  as  a 
pastoral  residence.    It  answers  admirably  for  both  purposes. 

The  school  is  now,  as  it  has  been  for  many  years,  in  charge  of 
the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary. 


304  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

ANTWERP,  PAULDING  COUNTY, 

ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

The  Catholic  faniiHes  located  in  and  near  Antwerp  were 
visited  for  the  first  time  in  1864,  the  Rev.  Aloysius  I.  Hoeflfel, 
pastor  of  St.  John's,  Defiance,  attending;  to  their  spiritual  wants 
two  or  three  times  a  A^ear  until  1807.  At  first  a  public  hall 
(Dag'get's  Hall)  was  rented  and  fitted  up  as  a  temporary  place  of 
worship.  In  18G7  the  Rev.  J.  P  Carroll,  assistant  to  Father 
HoefTel,  visited  Antwerp  occasionally,  and  said  Mass  in  the  above 
mentioned  hall.  In  the  following  year  the  Rev.  Denis  O'Keefe, 
then  residing  at  Defiance,  was  given  pastoral  charge  of  Antwerp 
and  neighboring  missions.  Under  his  direction  the  present  frame 
church  was  built  in  1869,  although  not  completed  until  the  follow- 
ing year.  In  October  of  the  same  year  Father  O'Keefe  was  trans- 
ferred to  Providence  as  resident  pastor.  The  Revs.  John  Hannan, 
Edward  J.  Conway,  Gustave  Drolshagen,  Dominic  Zinsmayer,  and 
Anthony  Eilert  successively  attended  Antwerp  between  October, 
1869,  and  October,  1873,  when  the  Rev.  John  A.  Michenfelder  was 
appointed  the  first  resident  pastor.  He  remained  however  only 
until  the  following  December.  The  mission  had  no  attendance 
then  until  August,  1874:,  when  the  Rev.  John  Klute  was  appointed 
resident  pastor  of  Antwerp,  with  charge  of  a  number  of  missions. 
He  immediately  collected  money  for  the  erection  of  the  present 
pastoral  residence,  but  before  the  house  was  finished  he  was  trans- 
ferred, in  January,  1876,  to  Elmore.  Since  that  time  the  following 
priests  have  been  resident  pastors  at  Antwerp,  with  charge  of 
adjoining  missions  in  Paulding  county:  The  Revs.  Hyacinth 
Kolopp,  January,  1876,  to  April,  1877;  Polydore  H.  Delbaere, 
April,  1877,  to  May,  1879 ;  Frederick  Rupert,  July,  1879,  to  April, 
1881;  Alfred  E.  Manning,  July,  1881,  to  April,  1883;  Armand 
Hamelin,  April,  1883,  to  August,  1886:  Ferdinand  A.  Schreiber, 
August,  1886,  to  August,  1890 ;  Edward  P.  Graham,  August,  1890, 
to  October,  1895 ;  John  A.  Sidley,  October,  1895,  to  August,  1899. 
The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  George  A.  Forst,  received  his 
appointment  in  August,  1899. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Graham  a  building  fund  for 
the  erection  of  a  brick  church  was  commenced.     The  foundation 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  305 

for  the  new  church  was  laid  during  the  fall  of  1900,  and  the  edifice 
will  be  finished  in  the  year  1901.  It  will  cost  about  $8,000.  The 
congregation  of  Antwerp,  numbering  at  present  only  about  thirty- 
five  families,  find  the  burden  of  a  parish  school  beyond  their 
means. 


ARCHBOLD,  FULTON  COUNTY. 
ST.    PETER'S    CHURCH. 

Mass  was  celebrated  for  the  first  time  at  Archbold  in  1846,  in 
the  house  of  Francis  Fleury,  by  the  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand, 
then  stationed  at  Toledo.  In  1850  the  Rev.  Louis  J.  Filiere,  at  the 
time  pastor  of  St.  John's,  Defiance,  organized  the  Catholic  families 
in  and  near  Archbold  as  a  mission,  and  had  a  small  log  chapel 
erected  about  two  miles  from  Archbold  as  their  place  of  worship. 

It  is  related  that  Bishop  Rappe,  upon  the  occasion  of  his 
episcopal  visitation  in  1868,  slept  in  this  chapel  over  night.  The 
pastor.  Father  Becker,  had  been  expecting  him,  but  did  not  know 
exactly  how  or  when  he  would  arrive,  as  it  was  well  known  that  he 
traveled  often  in  a  very  Apostolic  manner.  The  Bishop  arrived  at 
Archbold  station  about  midnight  and  of  course  found  nobody  to 
welcome  him.  Seizing  his  heavy  valise  he  started  towards  the 
chapel,  two  miles  distant.  When  he  arrived  there  he  found  no 
priest's  house  near  at  hand.  Thinking,  perhaps,  that  even  if  he 
should  find  it  it  would  not  be  as  comfortable  as  the  chapel,  he  con- 
cluded to  pass  the  night  in  the  latter.  Therefore,  quietly  raising 
one  of  the  windows,  he  entered,  and  made  himself  as  comfortable 
as  he  could  under  the  circumstances.  Next  morning  when  Father 
Becker  entered  the  chapel  he  was  much  surprised  to  find  the  good 
Bishop  ensconced  in  the  confessional,  waiting  for  penitents. 

The  present  frame  church  (36  x  75  feet)  was  commenced  by 
P'ather  Becker  in  1868,  and  completed  in  the  following  year  by 
Father  Eyler,  at  a  cost  of  about  $2,700.  The  ground  donated  by 
Francis  Fleury,  and  upon  which  the  old  chapel  was  situated,  is 
now  used  as  a  cemetery.  In  1875  Father  Delbaere  built  the  present 
frame  pastoral  residence.  He  also  endeavored  to  establish  a  parish 
school.  Owing  however  to  the  small  number  of  families  and  these 
so  scattered  about,  he  had  to  abandon  the  idea.     For  the  same 


306  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

reason  no  attempt  has  since  been  made  in  that  (hrection.  Dnring 
Father  Muehlenbeck's  pastorate  many  improvements  were  made 
in  connection  with  the  church  and  residence,  the  latter  having  been 
considerably  enlarged.  He  also  added  to  the  parish  property  by  the 
purchase  of  additional  land  adjoining  it,  and  did  much  successful 
work  in  behalf  of  the  spiritual  and  temporal  interests  of  his  charge. 

Since  1875,  when  Father  Delbaere  was  appointed  the  first 
resident  pastor  of  Archbold,  the  missions  of  Bryan,  Stryker  and 
Wauseon  have  been  attended  from  Archbold. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  priests  who  attended  Archbold, 
either  as  a  mission  or  who  were  located  there  as  resident  pastors : 
The  Revs.  L.  J.  FiHere,  1850-1856;  F.  Westerholt,  1856-1858; 
A.  I.  Hoef^el,  1858-1862 ;  J.  P.  Carroll,  1862-1865 ;  N.  Kirch,  1865- 
1867;  P.  Becker,  1867-1868;  J.  Eyler,  1869-1870;  C.  Braschler, 
1870-1873;  J.  G.  Vogt,  1873-1875;  P.  H.  Delbaere  (first  resident 
pastor),  1875-1877;  N.  J.  Franche,  1877-1881;  F.  X.  Nunan,  1881- 
1882 ;  J.  B.  Primeau,  1882,  to  November,  1883.  Between  Novem- 
ber, 1883,  and  July,  1884,  Archbold  was  attended  from  St.  Mary's 
Corners  by  the  Rev.  T.  F.  McGuire.  Resident  pastors  were  again 
appointed  to  Archbold  as  follows :  The  Revs.  G.  C.  Schoenemann, 
July,  1884-1886;  J.  H.  Muehlenbeck,  1886-1898;  and  the  present 
pastor,  the  Rev.  P.  H.  Janssen,  who  has  had  charge  since  June, 
1898. 

ASHLAND,  ASHLAND  COUNTY. 

ST.   EDWARD'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Ashland  was  organized  as  a  mission  in  1863.  Mass  had  been 
said  there  however  in  private  houses  as  early  as  1853  by  the  Rev. 
George  H.  Brennan,  then  pastor  of  Wooster,  from  which  place 
his  successors  attended  Ashland  as  a  mission  until  1865.  In  1863 
the  Rev.  J.  F.  Gallagher,  of  Wooster,  bought  for  the  sum  of  $600 
a  building  which  had  been  used  up  to  that  time  as  a  Presbyterian 
meeting  house.  Two  years  later  the  Rev.  J.  Kuhn  was  given 
charge  of  Ashland  as  a  mission,  attending  it  monthly  from  Mans- 
field. He  had  the  above  mentioned  meeting  house,  a  wooden 
structure  and  quite  old,  put  into  good  condition  at  an  expense  of 
about  $500.  The  mission  numbering  about  thirty  families, 
between    1863   and    1865,    increased   to   about    forty   during   the 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  307 

construction  of  the  Atlantic  and  Great  Western  railway — now 
known  as  the  Erie.  After  its  completion  only  a  few  families 
remained  at  Ashland.  Father  Knhn  attended  the  mission  until 
October,  1869,  when  the  Rev.  A.  Magenhann,  also  of  Mansfield, 
took  charge.  On  the  very  day  of  Father  Magenhann's  first  visit 
to  Ashland  the  church  was  destroyed  by  fire.  Preparations  were  at 
once  made  to  rebuild  it.  A  brick  church,  36  x  50  feet,  was  com- 
menced, but  not  put  under  roof  until  the  following  year.  For  want 
of  means  to  complete  the  building,  it  was  used  in  its  unfinished  and 
even  unplastered  condition  for  many  years ;  and  in  that  condition  it 
had  cost  about  $3,500.  In  September,  1872,  the  Rev.  N.  Schmitz, 
then  pastor  at  Loudonville,  took  charge  of  the  mission,  and 
attended  it  monthly  until  May,  1885.  He  found  a  burdensome 
debt  of  $1,500,  drawing  10  per  cent,  interest,  still  resting  on  the 
small  mission.  This  made  it  imperative  for  him  to  appeal  to  the 
faithful  people  of  the  diocese  for  assistance  to  prevent  the  church 
from  being  sold  for  that  debt.  His  appeal  met  with  a  generous 
response,  thus  saving  the  church  from  being  sold  by  the  county 
sheriff. 

Father  Schmitz's  successor  at  Loudonville,  the  Rev.  Joseph 
Sproll,  attended  Ashland  monthly,  from  July,  1885,  until  June, 
1898,  when  it  was  attached  to  Shelby  as  a  mission.  Thus  it 
remained  until  January,  1900,  when  it  was  again  attached  to 
Loudonville.  Since  the  time  of  Father  Sproll's  pastorate  the 
following  priests  have  attended  Ashland :  The  Revs.  J.  P. 
Michaelis,  E.  P.  Graham,  T.  M.  Kolb.  F.  J.  Pfyl,  and  at  present, 
the  Rev.  H.  E.  Boesken. 

Father  Michaelis  had  the  interior  of  the  church  neatly  reno- 
vated. The  mission  now  numbers  but  live  families,  and  they 
deserve  great  commendation  for  their  generosity  towards  the 
church. 

ASHTABULA.  ASHTABULA  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 
For  about  five  years  previous  to  1861  the  Rev.  Charles 
Coquerelle  attended  Ashtabula  from  Painesville — first  as  a  station, 
then  as  a  mission.  Under  his  direction  a  small  frame  church  was 
built  in  1860,  on  a  two-acre  tract  of  land  he  secured  by  contract, 
but  for  which  the  deed  was  not  given  until  July  19,  1864;  the  pur- 


308  A   HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

chase  price  was  $300.  From  18G1  to  IS(;2.  the  Very  ]\ev.  Alexis 
Caron,  V.  G.,  then  in  poor  hcaltli,  resided  at  I'ainesville  as  the 
guest  of  Father  Coqiierelle.  He  vohmteered  however  to  attend 
Ashtabula,  which  he  did  during  that  time.  In  the  fall  of  1862  the 
Rev.  John  Ell  wood  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Ash- 
tabula. Flis  stay  lasted  only  nine  months,  when  he  was  succeeded 
by  the  Rev.  John  Tracy  in  July,  1863.  During  his  pastorate  the 
interior  of  the  church  was  finished.  He  also  built  on  the  above 
mentioned  land  a  pastoral  residence  and  parish  school — both  frame 
buildings.  The  school  was  opened  in  September,  1865.  When 
Father  Tracy  left  Ashtabula,  in  October,  1869,  the  parish  was 
without  debt.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Edward  J.  Conway, 
who  had  an  addition  of  35  feet  built  to  the  church  in  1872,  to 
accommodate  the  increased  membership  of  his  congregation.  The 
church  is  still  in  use.  In  1877  the  present  two-story  brick  school, 
44  X  44  feet,  was  built  at  a  cost  of  $2,300,  and  the  old  school 
changed  into  a  residence  for  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary, 
who  had  charge  of  the  school  during  Father  Tracy's  pastorate.  In 
1881  he  also  secured  a  five-acre  tract  of  land  for  a  cemetery. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  M.  Smyth  succeeded  Father  Conway  in 
August,  1887,  and  remained  until  December,  1893.  For  three 
years,  beginning  October,  1890,  he  also  attended  Ashtabula 
Harbor  as  a  mission. 

In  December,  1893,  Father  Tracy  was  again  appointed  pastor 
of  Ashtabula  and  has  since  then  remained  in  charge.  In  1894  he 
had  the  pastoral  residence  remodeled  and  enlarged  at  a  cost  of 
about  $1,200.  He  is  now  preparing  for  the  erection  of  a  handsome 
church,  for  which  purpose  a  considerable  sum  has  already  been 
raised. 

Between  1866  and  1890  the  school  was  in  charge  of  the 
Sisters  of  St.  Joseph ;  then,  for  a  few  years,  it  w^as  taught  by  lay 
teachers,  and  for  one  year  by  the  Cincinnati  Sisters  of  Charity. 
Since  1897  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary  have  again  had 
charge. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  309 


ASHTABULA,  ASHTABULA  COUNTY. 
OUR  MOTHER  OF  SORROWS  CHURCH. 

The  parish  of  Onr  Mother  of  Sorrows  owes  its  existence  to 
the  development  of  Ashtabula  Harbor  as  an  iron  ore  and  coal 
receiving  and  shipping  port. 

The  Rev.  E.  J.  Conway,  when  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's  Church, 
Ashtabula,  purchased,  in  December,  1886,  three  lots,  50  x  150 
feet  each,  for  the  needs  of  the  future  congregation.  The  purchase 
price  was  $450.  One  of  the  lots  is  located  at  the  corner  of  Market 
and  Coyne  streets,  the  other  two  front  on  Oak  and  Coyne 
streets.  His  successor,  the  Rev.  Thomas  M.  Smyth,  built  a  frame 
combination  church  and  school  on  Market  street,  at  a  cost  of 
$6,500.  It  was  dedicated  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on  Sunday, 
October  19,  1890.  Father  Smyth  attended  the  new  congregation 
as  a  mission  until  December,  1893,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  John  Tracy.  From  the  very  beginning  the  people  showed 
great  generosity  and  zeal  in  seconding  the  efforts  of  their 
respective  pastors. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  F.  Smith  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor 
in  October,  1894.  Three  more  lots  were  purchased  December  1, 
1894,  for  $1,800.  A  very  neat  and  well  appointed  frame  pastoral 
residence,  costing  nearly  $5,000,  was  erected,  together  with  a  home 
for  the  Sisters,  at  a  cost  of  about  $2,500.  Until  September,  1894, 
the  parochial  school  was  in  charge  of  two  lay  teachers,  when  the 
Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  of  Mt.  Gallitzin,  Pa.,  took  charge,  and  since 
that  time  have  been  conducting  it  very  successfully.  The  enroll- 
ment in  December,  1900,  was  215  pupils. 

In  a  few  years  neither  church  nor  school  was  able  to  accom- 
modate the  increasing  numbers.  In  the  fall  of  1898  a  subscription 
for  a  new  and  much  needed  church  was  taken  up.  The  people 
showed  good  will,  and  responded  so  generously  that  it  was  decided 
to  begin  the  erection  of  the  new  church  immediately.  Ground  was 
broken  on  September  26,  1898,  and  the  corner-stone  was  laid  on 
Sunday,  November  27,  of  the  same  year.  Bishop  Horstmann 
of^ciated,  and  Mgr.  Thorpe  delivered  the  sermon. 

The  beautiful  church,  built  of  Ohio  sand  stone,  was  dedicated 
by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  Sunday,  September  16,  1900.     It  is  60 


310  A   HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

feet  wide,  130  feet  long  and  7-1  feet  wide  in  the  transept,  and  cost, 
with  altars,  pews,  etc.,  $43,300.  The  church  was  l^egun  without  a 
building  fund  in  reserve,  but  in  two  years  the  debt  was  reduced  to 
$14,900.  The  generosity  thus  shown  by  the  people  will  make  the 
cancellation  of  the  remaining  debt  an  easy  matter.  The  church  is 
of  old  Norman  architecture,  watli  two  towers,  and  is  complete  in 
every  detail,  excepting  a  pipe  organ,  which  will  be  secured  in 
the  near  future.  The  interior,  unobstructed  by  pillars,  is  of  very 
artistic  design,  and  has  a  fine  array  of  statuary. 

During  the  year  1900  Father  Smith  had  the  pastoral  residence, 
Sisters'  house  and  the  school  completely  renovated,  and  the  large 
grounds  beautified,  thus  making  the  church  property  very 
attractive. 

The  members  of  the  parish  made  great  sacrifices  for  the 
success  thus  far  achieved.  Their  zeal  was  encouraged  by  the 
generosity  of  the  members  of  St,  Joseph's  Church  and  their 
Protestant  fellow-citizens,  all  of  whom  feel  a  special  interest  in  the 
new  church,  which  by  common  consent  is  admitted  to  be  the 
finest  edifice  in  Ashtabula  county. 


ATTICA,  SENECA  COUNTY. 

STS.   PETER  AND  ST.  PAUL'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  mission  of  Attica  was  organized  in  1882.  Previous  to 
that  time  the  few  Catholics  living  in  and  near  the  small  town 
of  Attica  attended  Divine  service  at  the  neighboring  churches 
of  Tiffin,  St.  Stephen's,  Bismarck  and  Reed.  The  Rev.  A. 
Huthmacher,  pastor  of  Shelby,  was  given  charge  of  the  mission 
in  July,  1882.  The  church,  located  on  an  elevated  piece  of  land 
two  and  one-fourth  acres  in  extent,  is  a  frame  building,  33  x  50 
feet,  34  feet  high,  with  a  steeple  of  83  feet.  The  total  cost  of  land, 
church  and  fixtures  amounts  to  about  $3,000,  which  is  all  paid. 
The  non-Catholics  of  Attica  contributed  $400  towards  the  erection 
of  the  church.  The  first  Mass  ever  celebrated  in  Attica  was  offered 
up  on  the  day  the  church  was  dedicated,  October  29,  1882,  Father 
Huthmacher  being  the  celebrant. 

In  1885  a  handsome  set  of  Stations  was  erected.  In  1886  two 
side  altars,  and  statues  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  and  St.  Joseph  were 


HOLY   TRINITY   CHURCH   AXD   PASTORAL   RESIDENCE,    AVON. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  311 

placed  in  the  sanctuary.  The  statues  and  Stations  were  donated 
by  individual  members  of  the  mission,  which  is  now  composed  of 
but  twelve  families. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  it  may  be  added  as  a  matter  of 
record,  that  the  organization  of  the  congregation  was  not  author- 
ized by  Bishop  Gilmour,  whose  directions  in  the  matter  were 
ignored  by  the  laymen  who  constituted  themselves  a  board  of 
trustees,  purchased  land  (April  15,  1882),  and  built  the  church 
during  the  summer  of  1882.  Later,  however,  the  proper  amende 
was  made  and  the  unauthorized  action  of  the  self-constituted 
"trustees"  accepted,  so  that  the  church  was  duly  dedicated,  as 
above  stated. 

The  mission  was  attended  from  Shelby  until  1894;  at  first  by 
the  Revs.  A.  Huthmacher,  from  July,  1882,  to  November,  1888 ; 
P.  McDonald,  until  June,  1880  ;  J.  F.  Smith,  until  October,  1894. 
Attica  was  then  attached  to  St.  Stephen's,  Seneca  county,  as  a 
mission,  and  has  thus  remained  ever  since.  It  was  thence  attended 
monthly  by  the  Rev.  Ignatius  Rauh,  C.  PP.  S.,  until  October, 
1898.  Since  that  time  the  mission  has  been  in  charge  of  the  Rev. 
R.  Schmaus,  C.  PP.  S. 


AVON,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 

HOLY  TRINITY  CHURCH. 
The  origin  of  Holy  Trinity  congregation  dates  back  to  1833, 
when  the  first  Catholics  settled  in  Avon  Township.  There  were 
then  but  three  families,  whose  respective  heads  were  John 
Schwartz,  Jacob  Mueller  and  Paul  Faber.  They  had  left  their 
native  Germany  to  seek  their  fortune  in  Northern  Ohio.  Soon 
they  had  secured  by  purchase  sections  of  the  primeval  forest  in  the 
Western  Reserve  and  erected  roughly  hewn  log  cabins  as  their 
habitations.  For  seven  years  these  families  had  been  left  without 
the  consolations  of  religion,  living  alone  in  the  wild  woods.  Mean- 
while a  few  more  Catholics  arrived,  so  that  the  original  number 
was  increased  to  eight  families.  In  the  month  of  March,  1841,  the 
Rev.  Peter  McLaughlin,  then  stationed  at  Cleveland,  came  to  Avon 
to  minister  to  their  religious  wants.  He  was  the  first  priest  to  visit 
these  brave  pioneers,  who  for  so  long  a  time  had  been  in  spiritual 


312  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

exile.  Father  McLaughlin  said  Mass  in  the  log  cabin  of  John 
Schwartz  on  March  21,  1841.  It  was  a  day  of  rejoicing  and  con- 
solation for  the  fervent  attendants.  As  the  log  cabin  of  Mr. 
Schwartz  was  the  largest  in  the  Avon  settlement,  it  served  for 
years  as  a  place  of  worship.  For  about  ten  years  it  harbored  the 
missionary  priests  who  visited  the  place,  and  Bishops  Purcell  and 
Rappe  whenever  they  came  that  way.  Father  McLaughlin 
repeated  his  visits  every  three  months  to  this  portion  of  his 
scattered  flock.  Steadily  the  number  of  families  increased,  until 
in  1844  it  had  grown  to  forty-four.  By  this  time  the  above  men- 
tioned log  cabin  had  become  much  too  small  to  contain  all  the 
worshippers,  among  them  being  a  number  of  Catholic  settlers  from 
French  Creek,  in  the  western  part  of  Avon  township. 

The  question  of  building  a  church  had  now  to  be  met,  but  the 
site  for  the  prospective  church  gave  rise  to  considerable  dissension. 
The  Catholics  who  lived  at  and  near  French  Creek  insisted  on 
building  a  church  in  the  western  section  of  the  township,  whilst 
those  in  the  opposite  direction  were  just  as  determined  to  build  a 
church  in  their  locality.  The  dispute  was  finally  settled  by  the 
formation  of  two  separate  congregations,  each  of  which  was  to 
build  its  own  church  on  whatever  site  it  deemed  most  suitable. 
Accordingly,  with  the  approval  of  Father  McLaughlin,  an  acre  of 
land  was  secured  on  September  9,  1843,  by  the  Catholics  of  East 
Avon  as  the  site  for  the  proposed  church,  which  was  built  during 
the  following  year.  It  was  a  very  plain,  frame  structure,  30  x  40 
feet.  Although  it  was  unfinished  interiorly.  Father  McLaughlin 
said  Mass  in  it  for  the  first  time  on  November  21,  1844.  It  was 
dedicated  by  Bishop  Rappe  on  Trinity  Sunday,  1848.  On  the 
same  occasion  he  also  blessed  the  cemetery,  adjoining  the  church 
site.  In  1858  additional  land  was  bought  for  parish  purposes,  thus 
making  the  church  grounds  a  little  over  two  acres.  By  this  time 
the  old  church  had  become  too  small.  Another  frame  church, 
40  X  60  feet,  was  therefore  erected  in  1862,  on  the  site  of  the  old 
building,  which  was  moved  to  an  adjacent  part  of  the  parish 
grounds,  adjoining  the  new  building,  and  partitioned  off  for 
sacristy  and  chapel. 

From  the  time  of  its  formation  up  to  1865,  Holy  Trinity  con- 
gregation, Avon,  was  attended,  off  and  on,  from  Cleveland,  and 
later  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  who  had  been  introduced  into 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  313 

Ohio  by  Bishop  Purcell  in  1844.  Father  McLaughHn  attended 
the  Avon  mission  from  1841  to  1845.  He  was  succeeded  between 
1846  and  1848  by  the  Revs.  Michael  A.  Byrne,  F.  X.  Roth  and 
Maurice  Howard.  Then  came  a  long  list  of  Sanguinist  Fathers, 
who  visited  the  mission  from  Thompson,  Seneca  county.  Avon 
was  next  attended  from  French  Creek,  between  1857  and  1865,  by 
the  Revs.  A.  Dambach,  J.  Hackspiel  and  V.  Haussner.  The  Rev. 
Nicholas  Schmitz  was  appointed  the  first- resident  pastor  of  Avon 
in  July,  1863.  He  was  succeeded  in  March,  1868,  by  the  Rev. 
Charles  Barbier,  who  remained  in  charge  until  September,  1877. 
During  his  pastorate  two  fine  bells^  since  then  in  use,  were  bought 
for  $700.  The  following  priests  had  pastoral  charge  of  Avon,  after 
Father  Barbier  was  removed :  The  Revs.  N.  Flammang,  Septem- 
ber, 1871,  to  August,  1872 ;  G.  Peter,  1872-1873 ;  J.  Heidegger, 
January,  1874,  to  June,  1881 ;  P.  Kolopp,  June,  1881,  to  May,  1883 ; 
Joseph  Eyler,  August,  1883,  to  January,  1884.  Between  the 
departure  of  Father  Kolopp  and  the  arrival  of  Father  Eyler,  Avon 
was  attended  from  Sheffield.  The  Rev.  Nicholas  Pfeil  was  resident 
pastor  of  Avon  from  February,  1884,  until  April,  1897.  Between 
the  last  mentioned  date  and  the  following  September,  Avon  was 
attended  from  North  Ridgeville.  Then  the  Rev.  F.  J.  Pfyl  was 
appointed  pastor.  He  remained  at  Avon  until  June,  1898,  when 
the  present  resident  pastor,  the  Rev.  Anthony  B.  Stuber,  received 
his  appointment, 

A  Catholic  school  had  been  started  as  early  as  1845,  and  was 
continued  with  but  few  interruptions  until  1860,  when  the  log 
cabin  in  which  it  was  conducted  gave  way  to  a  frame  building, 
erected  on  a  plat  of  land  next  to  the  pastoral  residence.  On  Easter 
Sunday,  1873,  this  building  was  destroyed  by  fire,  and  shortly  after, 
during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Peter,  replaced  by  a  brick  edifice, 
at  a  cost  of  $1,000.  Until  the  advent  of  Father  Pfeil  the  school 
was  taught  by  lay  teachers.  In  the  fall  of  1884  he  engaged  as 
teachers  the  Franciscan  Sisters  from  Tifhn.  They  remained  in 
charge  until  1897,  when  two  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  from  Cleve- 
land, were  appointed  as  teachers  and  are  at  present  (December, 
1900)  conducting  the  school. 

During  the  time  Father  Heidegger  had  charge  the  church 
was  re-roofed.  It  was  also  thoroughly  and  tastily  renovated 
interiorly.        During   the   pastorate   of   Father   Pfeil    the   parish 


314  A  HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

property  was  enlarged  by  the  purchase  of  an  acre  of  ground,  part 
of  wliich  was  to  be  an  adcHtion  to  the  cemetery  and  part  a  site 
for  a  new  pastoral  residence  to  be  eventually  built.  The  above 
mentioned  school  building  was  enlarged,  as  also  the  priest's  house, 
at  an  outlay  of  $1,000.  The  present  handsome  pastoral  residence, 
a  frame  building,  was  built  in  1890,  and  cost  nearly  $3,000. 

After  Father  Stuber  was  at  Avon  about  three  months  he  fully 
realized  the  necessity  of  building  a  new  church,  in  keeping  with 
the  prosperous  condition  of  the  parish,  and  in  compliance  with  the 
wish  expressed  by  Bishop  Horstmann  when  he  visited  Avon  in 
1896.  When  the  subject  was  presented  by  Father  Stuber  to  his 
people  the  question  of  location  at  once  arose,  most  of  the 
parishioners  advocating  a  site  some  distance  north  of  the  present 
church.  Without  discussing  the  question  of  a  new  site,  he  raised  a 
subscription  of  $13,000  for  the  erection  of  a  stone  church.  In  the 
spring  of  1900,  when  a  large  quantity  of  stone  had  been  brought  to 
the  old  church  site  and  the  excavation  for  the  foundation  of  the 
new  edifice  was  begun,  it  was  discovered  that  the  underlying  quick- 
sand meant  an  extra  outlay,  for  labor  alone,  of  $2,500  for  a  solid 
foundation,  independent  of  about  $2,000  for  additional  material. 
After  some  exchange  of  views,  in  which  Father  Stuber  showed  his 
congregation  the  advisability  of  securing  elsewhere  a  far  better, 
larger  and  more  centrally  located  site,  which  he  had  in  view,  the 
vote  of  the  congregation  was  almost  unanimous  in  favor  of  the 
change.  In  consequence  of  this  vote  the  property  was  bought. 
It  is  nearly  one  mile  northeast  of  the  present  church  and  has  a 
frontage  of  825  feet  on  two  roads.  It  will  be  graced  during  the 
coming  year  (1901)  with  a  handsome  stone  church  and  pastoral 
residence.  The  new  site  will  make  the  Avon  church  property  one 
of  the  most  desirable  of  any  country  parish  in  the  diocese  of  Cleve- 
land. 

BARBERTON,  SUMMIT  COUNTY. 

ST.  AUGUSTINE'S  CHURCH. 

Barberton  is  a  pretty  and  attractive  town  located  south  of 

Akron,  of  which  busy  city  it  is  practically  a  suburb.    Around  and  in 

close  proximity  to  the  shores  of  a  small  but  picturesque  lake 

(named  "Lake  Anna")  are  situated  the  finest  building  sites  in  the 


ST.    AUGUSTIN'S    CHURCH    AND    PASTORAL    RESIDENCE.     BARBERTON. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  315 

town  of  Barberton.  And  here  the  CathoHcs  of  Barberton  deter- 
mined to  have  a  church  located.  Under  the  direction  of  the  Rev. 
Jacob  F.  Kiiebler,  who  had  attended  Barberton  from  Canal 
Fulton  as  a  station,  monthly  from  March,  1891,  to  1893,  and 
semi-monthly,  as  a  mission,  from  1893  to  1898,  four  fine  lots 
were  purchased  from  the  Barberton  Land  Co.,  by  land  con- 
tract, for  $1,350.  The  deed  was  given  on  January  26,  1895.  Two 
of  the  lots  front  on  Lake  avenue,  and  the  other  two  to  the  rear, 
on  Eighth  avenue.  On  the  first  two  a  frame  building,  36  x  60 
feet,  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  $1,200  to  serve  as  a  church  until 
means  were  within  reach  to  replace  it  by  a  church  deserving 
the  name.  Prior  to  this  time  Father  Kuebler  celebrated  Mass 
in  Young's  hall.  New  Portage,  and  for  a  time  in  the  village 
school.  The  temporary  edifice  was  dedicated  to  St.  Augustine, 
and  although  not  finished  interiorly,  Mass  was  celebrated  in  it 
for  the  first  time  August  28,  1892,  on  the  patronal  feast  of  this 
young  and  hopeful  mission.  In  the  following  year  the  building 
was  completed. 

The  number  of  Catholics  in  Barberton  constantly  increasing, 
they  asked  for  a  resident  pastor,  so  as  to  have  service  every 
Sunday  and  Holyday — which  it  was  impossible  to  give  them  as  a 
mission.  Their  petition  was  granted  by  Bishop  Horstmann  when, 
in  June,  1898,  he  sent  them  the  Rev.  Joseph  G.  Schafifeld  as  their 
resident  pastor,  thus  relieving  Father  Kuebler,  who,  by  his  fidelity 
to  duty,  had  endeared  himself  to  all  the  people  of  Barberton,  irre- 
spective of  creed. 

Father  Schafleld  at  once  organized  a  building  committee  and 
began  the  erection  of  a  handsome  and  substantial  pastoral 
residence.  Two  more  lots  fronting  upon  Lake  Anna  were  pur- 
chased for  $1,000,  to  furnish  a  site  for  this  building.  The  house, 
built  of  brick  and  Kilbuck  stone,  was  completed  during  December, 
1898,  at  a  cost  of  $4,000. 

The  church  in  the  meantime  had  proved  itself  too  small  for 
the  steadily  growing  congregation.  An  addition  was  therefore 
built  to  it,  pews  were  secured,  and  the  interior  improved  in  every 
way,  until  the  congregation  found  itself  in  possession  of  a  church 
which,  if  not  imposing,  was  at  least  neat  and  well  adapted  to  their 
wants.    These  improvements  were  made  during  the  year  1898. 


316  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

Barberton's  wonderful  growth  made  it  advisable  to  secure  a 
site  for  a  school  while  land  could  still  be  bought  at  a  reasonable 
price.  Four  additional  lots  were  accordingly  purchased  on 
Seventh  street,  for  $800.  This  gave  the  Catholics  of  Barberton  not 
only  one  of  the  finest  locations  for  a  church  and  school,  hut  quite 
a  valuable  one  as  well.     The  ground  is  144  x  250  feet  in  size. 

Negotiations  have  been  begun  for  the  purchase  of  a  cemetery 
site  by  which  it  is  hoped  to  do  away  with  the  great  inconvenience 
of  bringing  the  dead  to  Akron  for  burial.  Plans  for  a  new  church 
are  now  under  way,  which,  if  expectations  are  realized,  will  give 
Barberton  a  beautiful  church  edifice.  It  is  hoped  that  the  build- 
ing will  be  commenced  during  1901,  or  at  the  very  latest  within 
the  year  following. 


BELLEVUE,  HURON  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE    CONCEPTION  CHURCH. 

The  Catholics  of  Bellevue  were  organized  as  a  congregation 
in  1859  by  the  Rev.  Narcissus  Ponchel,  then  resident  pastor  of 
St.  Mary's,  Norwalk.  In  May  of  that  year  he  purchased  a  frame 
warehouse,  and  the  lots  on  which  it  stood,  for  $500.  He  had  the 
building  fitted  up  as  a  church,  which  served  as  such  until  the  com- 
pletion of  the  present  edifice,  in  1884.  In  December,  1860,  the 
Rev.  John  Ouinn  succeeded  Father  Ponchel  at  Norwalk,  with 
charge  of  the  Bellevue  mission,  which  latter  he  however  attended 
only  until  the  following  April,  when  the  Rev.  James  Monahan  was 
appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Bellevue.  During  his  pastorate 
three  lots  and  a  frame  house  were  purchased  in  July,  1863,  for 
$1,100.  Father  Monahan  was  succeeded,  in  August,  1866,  by  the 
Rev.  Timothy  M.  Mahony,  who  established,  in  1867,  the  parish 
school,  which  has  ever  since  continued  with  success.  The  Rev. 
Edward  Mears  was  the  ne.Kt  resident  pastor  of  Bellevue,  his 
appointment  having  been  made  in  August,  1871.  He  found  the 
location  of  the  church  quite  unsuitable,  and  as  the  prospects  for 
the  erection  of  a  new  church  were  then  very  promising,  he  pur- 
chased, in  January,  1873,  for  $1,800,  two  fine  lots,  located  nearer 
the  centre  of  the  town.  But  the  financial  panic  of  1873,  whose  dire 
effects  struck  the  entire  country,  forced  Father  Mears  and  his 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  317 

people  to  indefinitely  postpone  the  erection  of  the  much  needed 
church.  In  April,  1874,  the  Rev.  J.  D.  Bowles  was  appointed 
successor  to  Father  Mears,  and  remained  in  charge  till  May,  1876. 
Bellevue  was  then  attended  from  Clyde  as  a  mission  for  two 
months  by  the  Rev.  G.  Rudolph,  when  the  Rev.  James  Molloy  was 
sent  to  Bellevue.  He  in  turn  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  W.  J. 
Gibbons  on  June  15,  1879.  Father  Gibbons  went  to  Bellevue 
reluctantly.  In  September,  1880,  he  left  for  Rome,  there  to  seek 
redress  against  Bishop  Gilmour  for  having  removed  him  from  St. 
Augustine's,  Cleveland,  and  sent  him  to  Bellevue.  Rome,  how- 
ever, sustained  the  Bishop's  action,  and  ordered  Father  Gibbons  to 
return  to  Bellevue,  which  he  did  in  October,  1881.  During  the 
year  of  his  absence  his  parish  was  attended  for  two  months  from 
Cleveland  by  the  Rev.  G.  F.  Houck,  and  for  ten  months  by  the 
Rev.  J.  T.  Cahill,  who  was  appointed  the  temporary  resident  pastor 
of  Bellevue  in  November,  1880.  Shortly  after  Father  Gibbons 
again  took  charge  of  his  parish  he  began  to  collect  funds  for  the 
erection  of  the  much  desired  new  church.  In  this  he  was  very  suc- 
cessful and  soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  having  the  edifice  under 
way.  It  was  completed  in  the  summer  of  1884,  at  a  cost  of  about 
^17,000,  and  dedicated  by  Bishop  GilmOur  on  August  3  of  that 
year.  The  church  is  an  ornate  brick  structure,  45  x  90  feet,  of 
Gothic  architecture,  with  two  spires,  stained  glass  windows,  and  is 
very  tastily  frescoed. 

After  a  brief  illness  Father  Gibbons  died  on  April  1,  1885. 
His  death  was  sincerely  mourned  by  his  parishioners.  His  suc- 
cessor was  the  Rev.  F.  Rupert,  who  assumed  charge  on  April  16 
of  the  same  year.  The  sanctuary,  which  had  only  the  high  altar, 
was  now  provided  with  side  altars  and  a  communion  railing;  the 
latter  was  Father  Rupert's  donation  to  the  church.  He  also 
bought  a  supply  of  vestments  at  an  outlay  of  $500,  half  of  which 
sum  he  likewise  donated. 

The  year  1887  was  one  of  much  activity  for  the  parish.  In  the 
spring  of  that  year  the  old  brick  public  school  in  the  rear  of  the 
church  v/as  bought  and  refitted  as  a  parochial  school,  thus 
replacing  the  frame  building  that  had  served  a  like  purpose  since 
1867.  The  property  and  necessary  changes  cost  about  $2,000. 
In  September  of  the  same  year  the  school  was  ready  for  occupancy. 


318  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

and  was  placed  in  charge  of  three  Franciscan  Sisters,  who  had 
served  the  parish  as  teachers  since  September,  1885.  In  October, 
1887,  the  present  h'ont  steps  to  the  church  and  the  stone  sidewalks 
were  put  in  place  at  a  cost  of  $600.  The  parish  fair  held  in 
November  of  the  same  year  netted  $2,200,  which  sum  cleared  the 
debt  on  the  church  property,  within  $500  ;  and  that  was  paid  off  the 
following  year. 

In  September,  1890,  Father  Rupert  went  to  Washington, 
D.  C,  the  Revs.  P.  Schirack,  C.  PP.  S.,  and  W.  J.  Smith,  succes- 
sively supplying  his  place,  the  latter  from  October,  1890,  to 
January,  1891,  when  Father  Rupert  resumed  his  pastoral  charge. 
In  the  fall  of  1891  another  very  successful  parish  fair  was  held, 
netting  nearly  $4,000,  out  of  which  sum  the  present  organ  was  paid 
for;  it  cost  about  $2,000.  In  the  following  year  the  residence  now 
occupied  by  the  Sisters  was  built  and  furnished  at  an  expense  of 
about  $2,000.  In  July  of  the  same  year  the  old  frame  church, 
w^hich  had  become  unsafe,  was  torn  down  and  the  lot  sold.  Thus 
one  of  Bellevue's  old  land  marks  disappeared.  In  1893  the  parish 
was  again  cleared  of  all  debts  and  so  continued  until  the  removal 
of  Father  Rupert  to  the  pastorate  of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Nonvalk, 
on  October  2-4,  1894.  A  few  days  later  he  was  succeeded  at 
Bellevue  by  the  Rev.  Gustave  H.  Rieken,  who  in  the  following  year 
had  the  pastoral  residence  considerably  improved  at  a  cost  of  about 
$600.  He  left  the  parish  in  December,  1895,  as  he  found  it — in 
excellent  condition  as  to  spirituals  and  temporals.  His  successor 
is  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  J.  A.  Michenfelder. 


BEREA,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 

ST.   ADALBERT'S    (POLISH)   CHURCH. 

About  the  year  1865  the  current  of  emigration  from  Europe 
brought  a  number  of  Polish  families  to  Berea,  to  wdiich  place 
they  were  attracted  by  the  good  wages  paid  in  the  now  cele- 
brated stone  quarries.  Soon  they  induced  many  of  their 
countrymen  to  follow  their  example,  with  the  result  that  about  the 
year  1873  the  Poles  at  Berea  numbered  upwards  of  one  hundred 
families.  Up  to  that  time  they  received  spiritual  attendance  about 
twice  a  year  from  one  of  their  own  countryman,  the  Rev.  Father 


ST.    ADALBERT'S  CHURCH,   BEREA. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  319 

Schulak,  S.  J.,  then  stationed  at  Chicago,  111.  At  other  times  they 
depended  on  the  Rev.  Louis  J.  Filiere,  pastor  of  St.  Mary's, 
Berea.  But  as  he  did  not  know  their  language  his  ministration 
proved  very  unsatisfactory  to  them.  Finally,  in  December,  1873, 
Bishop  Gilmour  succeeded  in  securing  a  Polish  priest,  the  Rev. 
Victor  Zareczny,  as  their  resident  pastor.  In  April  of  the  following 
year  Father  Zareczny  commenced  the  erection  of  a  brick  church, 
45  X  80  feet,  on  a  parcel  of  land  donated  for  the  purpose,  and  con- 
taining a  little  over  one  acre.  The  slate  roofed  church  was  finished 
and  used  in  December,  1874.  It  cost  $6,000,  and  was  dedicated  to 
St.  Adalbert  on  September  20,  1875,  by  the  Very  Rev.  Adminis- 
trator Boff.  In  the  same  year  Father  Zareczny  also  secured  four 
acres  of  land  for  a  cemetery.  The  church  was  built  during  the 
financial  distress  that  began  in  1873  and  lasted  for  over  eight  years. 
In  consequence  of  the  hard  times  and  little  or  no  employment, 
many  Poles  left  Berea  for  the  West,  thus  reducing  the  parish  very 
considerably  and  making  the  debt  all  the  more  burdensome  to 
those  that  remained.  Yet,  in  spite  of  these  drawbacks,  the  parish 
debt  was  reduced  to  about  $2,300  before  December,  1880.  Father 
Zareczny  left  Berea  in  February,  1884,  and  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  Nicodemus  Kolasinski.  Under  his  direction  a  lofty  spire  was 
made  to  grace  the  church,  which  latter  was  also  considerably 
enlarged  by  the  addition  of  a  sanctuary  and  sacristies,  making  its 
dimensions  45  x  132  feet — all  at  a  cost  of  $5,000.  In  March,  1889, 
the  Rev.  Emanuel  J.  Slowikowski  succeeded  Father  Kolasinski, 
but  remained  only  till  May,  1890,  when  the  Rev.  Benedict  Rosinski 
was  appointed  his  successor.  During  the  first  year  of  his  pastorate 
the  parish  debt,  amounting  to  $1,300,  was  paid,  and  church  vest- 
ments purchased  at  a  cost  of  $1,000.  Till  then  the  church  had  been 
almost  devoid  of  even  the  most  necessary  articles  for  Divine 
service.  Now  St.  Adalbert's  Church  is  able  to  compare  with  the 
largest  churches  of  the  diocese  in  respect  to  vestments. '  In  April 
of  the  following  year  Father  Rosinski  purchased  a  half-acre  tract 
of  land  as  the  site  for  a  new  school.  The  handsome  and  well 
appointed  brick  school,  71  x  78  feet,  was  ready  for  occupancy  by 
December,  1891.  With  furnishings  and  heating  apparatus  it  cost 
$11,000.  In  1891  he  engaged  the  Felician  Sisters,  from  Detroit, 
as  teachers  of  tlie  parish  school,  which  prior  to  that  time  had  been 


320  A  HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

in  charge  of  lay  teachers.  A  comfortable  residence  was  built  for 
the  Sisters  in  1892.  In  June,  1892,  Father  Rosinski  was  transferred 
to  St.  Stanislas'  Church,  Cleveland,  and  the  Rev.  Felix  S. 
Motulewski  appointed  to  the  pastorate  of  St.  Adalbert's,  Berea. 
He  remained  one  year,  when  the  Rev.  Thomas  Misicki  succeeded 
him.  His  stay  at  Berea  ended  in  July,  1894,  when  the  Rev. 
Andrew  J.  Suplicki,  now  in  charge,  was  appointed  his  successor. 
During  his  incumbency  the  church  property  was  put  in  excellent 
condition  and  the  parish  debt  almost  cancelled.  Under  his  direc- 
tion the  present  handsome  and  attractive  stone  pastoral  residence 
was  commenced  in  December,  1897,  and  completed  in  1898,  at  a 
cost  of  $6,000. 

In  December,   1900,   the  school  had  an  enrollment  of  245 
pupils ;  it  is  taught  by  four  Felician  Sisters. 


BEREA,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY, 

ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

There  is  no  evidence  to  show  that  the  Catholics  at  Berea  had 
spiritual  attendance  prior  to  1852.  In  May  of  that  year  the  Very 
Rev.  James  Conlan  said  Mass  in  the  log  house  of  James  Donovan. 
A  few  months  later  the  Rev.  William  O'Connor  began  to  attend 
Berea  from  Cleveland  as  a  station  and  continued  until  April,  1854, 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  Walsh,  a  curate  at  the 
Cathedral.  His  successors,  between  the  fall  of  1854  and  January, 
1856,  were  the  Revs.  Michael  Kennedy  and  Francis  McGann. 
Then  the  Rev.  Louis  J.  Filiere,  pastor  of  Olmsted,  was  given 
charge  of  Berea  as  a  station.  He  had  an  old  frame  house  moved  to 
the  site  of  the  present  church.  It  was  fitted  up  so  as  to  serve  as  a 
temporary  place  of  worship,  which  it  did  for  nearly  nine  years. 
The  present  stone  church,  45  x  90  feet,  was  built  during  the 
pastorate  of  Father  Filiere.  It  was  commenced  in  August,  1866, 
and  was  ready  for  occupancy  three  years  later.  St.  Mary's  Church 
is  an  attractive  edifice  of  Roman  architecture.  In  1862  Father 
Filiere  was  appointed  Berea's  first  resident  pastor,  and  so  con- 
tinued until  February,  1876. 

The  hnancial  crash  of  1873  gave  Berea  a  hard  blow,  from 
which  it  did  not  fully  recover  for  some  years.     In  December  of 


Ill 


ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH  AND  PASTORAL  RESIDENCE,  BEREA. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  321 

that  year  the  Catholic  Poles  of  Berea  were  organized  as  a  separate 
congregation,  thus  considerably  weakening  St.  Mary's,  with  which 
they  had  been  affiliated.  This  made  the  existing  parish  debt  all 
the  more  burdensome  for  the  remaining  members  of  St.  Mary's. 
But  in  spite  of  this  fact  Father  Filiere,  with  his  people,  braved  the 
difficulties  of  meeting  the  parish  obHgations,  until  February,  1876, 
when  the  Rev.  John  Hannan  was  appointed  his  successor.  He 
remained  in  charge  until  the  advent  of  the  Rev.  John  T.  Carroll, 
on  June  1,  1879,  who  shortly  after  had  the  church  thoroughly 
renovated  and  its  interior  beautified.  In  this  he  was  cordially 
seconded  by  his  people,  who  contributed  generously  of  their 
meagre  earnings  towards  paying  for  the  much  needed  and  appre- 
ciated improvements.  In  1884  the  present  school  building  was 
erected  at  a  cost  of  $3,000,  affording  ample  and  attractive  facilities 
for  the  attending  pupils.  The  parish  school  was  organized  in  1860, 
but  for  lack  of  means  had  to  be  discontinued  soon  after.  It  was 
re-opened  in  a  rented  building,  in  1865,  and  for  ten  years  was  in 
charge  of  lay  teachers.  In  1875  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility 
of  Mary  were  placed  in  charge  and  have  continued  thus  ever 
since.  In  March,  1886,  Father  Carroll  was  transferred  to  the 
pastorate  of  the  Holy  Name  Church,  Cleveland,  the  Rev. 
Francis  J.  O'Neil,  now  in  charge,  succeeding  him  at  Berea.  In 
1891  he  had  the  church  spire  erected,  and  in  the  following  year 
the  present  pastoral  residence,  a  neat  frame  structure,  was  built. 
The  cost  of  spire  and  residence  amounted  to  about  $5,000.  The 
sweet-toned  bell,  now  in  use,  was  donated  in  January,  1893,  by  one 
of  the  parishioners,  Mrs.  Seidel.  In  1899  the  interior  of  the  church 
was  again  tastily  frescoed  and  renovated,  so  that  it  presents  a  very 
attractive  appearance,  as  does  also  the  entire  church  property, 
which  is  located  on  the  main  street  of  the  village.  The  parish, 
composed  of  about  sixty  families,  is  now  free  of  all  debt — a  very 
creditable  record. 

BERWICK,  SENECA  COUNTY, 

ST.    NICHOLAS'     CHURCH. 

In  the  spring  of  1856  the  French  speaking  members  of  the 

German  parish  of  St.  Boniface,  New  Riegel,  were  authorized  to 

form  a  separate  congregation  at  a  settlement  near  the  Berwick 


322  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

railway  station.  Mass  was  said  a  few  times  in  private  houses  by 
a  Sanguinist  Father  from  New  Riegel  until  the  erection  of  a  log 
chapel  on  the  site  of  the  present  school.  The  Rev.  Louis  Molon, 
a  French  priest,  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor  of  Berwick. 
Under  his  direction  a  brick  church  was  erected  in  the  fall  of  1856. 
It  was  ready  for  dedication  and  use  in  the  following  spring.  Mean- 
while divine  service  was  held  in  a  rented  house.  In  1864,  during 
the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Moes,  the  present  parish  house, 
a  brick  edifice,  was  built.  In  1867  the  Rev.  John  B.  Buerkel  was 
obliged  to  have  extensive  and  costly  repairs  made  on  the  church 
to  keep  it  from  collapsing,  so  badly  had  it  been  built  but  ten  years 
previous.  The  Rev.  Joseph  P.  Gloden  established  the  parish 
school  in  September,  1871.  It  was  taught  by  a  lay  teacher  about 
one  year.  In  1872  he  built  a  two-story  brick  school,  and  shortly 
after  it  was  ready  for  use  he  placed  it  in  charge  of  two  Franciscan 
Sisters,  from  Tiffin.  They  served  the  parish  until  1887,  when  the 
Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  from  Cleveland,  replaced  them.  From 
1891  to  1898  the  school,  much  reduced  in  attendance,  was  taught 
by  a  lay  teacher.  It  was  closed  in  1898,  for  lack  of  means,  but 
reopened  in  1900. 

In  1886  the  Rev.  M.  Arnoldi  took  up  a  subscription  for  a 
much  needed  church,  to  replace  the  old  one.  During  the  same 
year  also  additional  land  was  purchased  for  church  use;  the  entire 
parish  grounds  were  graded  and  in  part  graveled.  October  9,  1887, 
the  corner-stone  for  the  new  church  was  laid  by  Bishop  Gilmour, 
the  foundation  having  been  commenced  in  the  spring  of  that  year. 
Mgr.  Boff,  V.  G.,  delegated  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  dedicated  the 
church  on  Sunday,  November  9,  1890.  It  is  a  brick  edifice, 
trimmed  with  stone,  of  Roman  architecture,  and  very  attractive  in 
appearance.  Its  interior  is  rich  in  decoration  and  statuary.  The 
dimensions  of  the  church  are :  Length,  130  feet ;  width,  50  feet. 
The  parish  has  lost  numerically  within  the  last  few  years,  having 
now  less  than  sixty  families.  In  consequence  of  this  fact,  the  debt 
still  due  since  the  erection  of  the  church  is  quite  a  burden  on  the 
remaining  members.  However,  since  the  pastorate  of  Father 
Lentsch  the  debt  has  been  reduced  over  one-half,  and  will  soon 
be  cancelled  if  the  prospects,  now  so  promising,  be  a  guaranty  for 
the  future.     During  the  year  1900  many  improvements  in  and 


IN   THE    DIOCESE  OF    CLEVELAND.  323 

about  the  parish  buildings  were  made  and  paid  for,  under  the 
direction  of  the  present  pastor. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  priests  who  had  charge  of  the  parish 
since  its  establishment,  1856 :  The  Revs.  Louis  Molon,  from  1856 
to  November,  1867;  William  Bally,  to  July,  1861;  Joseph  P. 
Dolweck,  to  April,  1862.  The  parish  was  then  attended  as  a 
mission  from  New  Riegel,  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  till  Novem- 
ber, 1863.  Then  the  following  resident  pastors  had  charge: 
The  Revs.  Nicholas  Moes,  November,  1863,  to  September,  1865 ; 
Andrew  Magenhann,  to  May,  1867 ;  J.  B.  Buerkel,  to  July,  1871 ; 
Joseph  P.  Gloden,  to  May,  1886 ;  Matthias  Arnoldi,  to  January, 
1896  ;  Joseph  Rosenberg,  to  January,  1900,  and  the  present  incum- 
bent, the  Rev.  Leonard  Lentsch,  since  January,  1900. 


BETTSVILLE,  SENECA  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE    CONCEPTION   MISSION   CHURCH. 

In  the  summer  of  1875  the  Very  Rev.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G., 
administrator  of  the  diocese  during  Bishop  Gilmour's  absence  in 
Europe,  granted  permission  to  nine  German  families  to  separate 
from  St.  Mary's  Church,  at  Millersville,  and  build  a  church  of  their 
own  at  Bettsville.  This  they  did,  under  the  supervision  of  the 
Rev.  M.  Arnoldi,  who  attended  the  mission  from  Fostoria  until 
October,  1878.  The  church  is  a  plain,  frame  structure,  35  x  55 
feet.  It  cost  $1,500,  exclusive  of  the  lots  on  which  it  is  built. 
Bettsville  was  attached  to  Millersville  as  a  mission  in  October, 
1878,  and  was  thence  attended  monthly  on  Sundays  by  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Blaser,  until  January,  1888,  and  from  that  time  until 
January,  1897,  by  the  Rev.  Michael  Dechant.  As  the  mission  had 
then  decreased  to  four  families,  owing  to  the  erection  of  a  church 
at  Kansas,  Seneca  county,  Bishop  Horstmann  directed  that 
Sunday  services  be  discontinued  there.  Mass  is  now  said  on  week 
days  a  few  times  during  the  year,  to  save  the  property  from 
taxation.  From  present  indications  it  would  appear  that  Catho- 
licity has  no  future  in  the  village  of  Bettsville. 


324  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

BIG  DITCH,  LUCAS  COUNTY. 

ST.  IGNATIUS'  CHURCH. 
The  above  named  church,  a  small,  modest  looking  frame 
building,  30  x  45  feet,  with  posts  for  support,  was  built  in  Novem- 
ber, 1883,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  John  McMahon.  It  was 
dedicated  by  Mgr.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on  September  27,  1885.  On  the 
same  day  he  also  blessed  the  adjoining  cemetery.  Big  Ditch  is  a 
French-Canadian  settlement,  and  received  its  odd  name  from  the 
fact  that  a  deep  ditch  was  cut  through  that  part  of  lAicas  county 
to  drain  a  large  section  of  adjacent  flat  country.  The  settlement 
was  attended  from  Toussaint  as  a  mission  by  the  Rev.  John  Mc- 
Mahon, from  November,  1883,  to  March,  1886 ;  then  by  the  Rev. 
Armand  Hamelin,  to  August,  1890.  From  that  time,  until  January, 
1891,  it  had  no  services,  owing  to  lack  of  priests.  It  was  then 
attended  monthly  from  Toledo  by  the  Rev.  Louis  Braire,  pastor 
of  St.  Joseph's  Church,  until  June  of  the  same  year.  Again  Big 
Ditch  was  without  attendance  till  the  appointment  of  the  Rev. 
James  Rouchy  as  first  resident  pastor,  in  January,  1892.  He 
boarded  with  one  of  his  parishioners  until  the  fall  of  that  year,  when 
he  built  a  small  frame  residence,  at  a  cost  of  $800.  Owing  to  ill 
health  he  resigned  his  pastorate  in  March,  1896,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Rev.  James  Mevel,  who  remained  only  until  the 
latter  part  of  October,  1897,  when  he  also  was  obliged  to  resign 
because  of  illness.  He  died  at  St.  Vincent's  Hospital,  Toledo,  on 
November  3,  1897.  His  immediate  successor  was  the  present 
pastor,  the  Rev.  John  Berthelot.  He  had  the  church  placed  on  a 
brick  foundation,  as  also  neatly  renovated  and  tidied  up.  The 
pastoral  residence  was  enlarged  by  a  frame  addition  of  20  x  32 
feet  during  1898.  In  the  following  year  a  spire  was  built  and  a 
1,200  pound  bell  placed  in  the  belfry.  In  1900  the  church  was 
lengthened  26  feet,  the  addition  forming  the  present  sanctuary. 
The  interior  was  frescoed  and  fitted  up  with  neat  pews,  altar  rail- 
ing, etc.  Hardly  were  these  improvements  finished  when,  on 
July  7,  1900,  a  cyclone  struck  the  church,  tore  off  the  spire  and 
greatly  damaged  the  building.  This  was  at  once  put  in  good 
condition  again.  The  entire  church  property,  including  the 
cemetery,  now  presents  an  attractive  appearance  and  reflects  much 
credit  on  the  pastor  and  his  spiritual  charge,  which,  though 
numerically  small,  is  generous  in  its  support  of  the  Church. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  325 

BIG  SPRING,  SENECA  COUNTY, 
ST.  PETER'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

In  October,  1858,  Bishop  Rappe  gave  permission  to  about 
fifty  families,  then  and  for  years  before  identified  with  St.  Boniface's 
Church,  New  Riegel,  to  build  a  church  for  themselves  at  Big 
Spring  Settlement,  two  miles  distant.  This  they  did  under  the 
direction  of  the  Rev.  Erhard  Glueck,  C.  PP.  S.,  who  was  appointed 
to  take  charge  of  the  mission.  The  church,  a  frame  building, 
30  X  60  feet,  was  built  at  a  cost  of  $1,500,  on  a  one-acre  parcel  of 
land  donated  in  May,  1857,  by  Frederick  Nye,  a  parishioner.  At 
the  same  time  Peter  Kiefer  also  donated  five  acres  to  the  mission. 
Bishop  Rappe  dedicated  the  church  to  St.  Peter  the  Apostle,  in 
November,  1859.  It  served  its  purpose  until  1881,  when  in 
November  of  that  year  it  was  replaced  by  the  present  brick  church, 
45  X  95  feet  in  size.  It  is  a  neat  structure  of  Roman  architecture. 
has  stained  glass  windows,  and  the  necessary  outfit  of  fine  altars, 
pews,  etc.  It  is  also  tastily  frescoed.  The  church  was  built  at  a 
cost  of  $9,000  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Jacob  Marte, 
C.  PP.  S.,  in  the  face  of  considerable  opposition  on  the  part  of 
some  of  his  parishioners.  This  opposition,  however,  had  almost 
disappeared  before  the  church  was  finished. 

Big  Spring  has  always  been  attended  by  Sanguinist  Fathers 
from  New  Riegel  as  a  mission.  From  1858  to  1866  services  were 
held  once  or  twice  each  month.  Since  then  Divine  service  has  been 
held  every  Sunday  and  Holyday. 

St.  Peter's,  like  many  other  congregations,  has  pages  in  its 
history  that  were  better  unwritten.  Several  times  a  spirit  of 
insubordination  prevailed,  to  the  injury  of  religion  and  the  scandal 
of  the  faithful.  This  fact,  with  the  frequent  changes  of  pastors  as 
a  result,  proved  a  serious  drawback  to  the  growth  of  the  mission — 
composed  almost  entirely  of  farmers.  For  years  past,  however,  a 
better  spirit  has  been  shown  and  St.  Peter's  record  since  then  has 
been  void  of  any  blot. 

The  following  priests  had  charge  of  the  mission  of  Big  Spring 
from  1858  to  1900:  The  Revs.  Erhard  Glueck,  Patrick  Henne- 
berry,  Nicholas  Gales,  Engelbert  Rufif,  Henry  Drees,  Matthias 
Kreusch,  Christian  Frensch,  Alphonse  Laux,  Philip  Rist,  Caspar 


326  A   HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Schedler,  John  B.  Birnbaiim,  Theobald  Schoch,  Cosmas  Seeberger, 
George  Fleisch ;  Jacob  Marte,  July,  1877,  to  August,  1882;  Joseph 
Heitz,  to  October,  1883  ;  Rudolph  Abbrederis,  to  November,  1885  ; 
Matthias  Kenk,  to  April,  1892;  Xavier  Mielinger,  to  May,  1894. 
The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Charles  Meyer,  has  had  charge  of 
Big  Spring  since  July,  1894.  Twice  during  his  pastorate  he  had 
the  church  repaired,  owing  to  its  defective  construction.  It  now 
ranks  with  the  better  class  of  country  churches  in  its  appointments 
and  general  appearance. 

The  parish  school  has  an  enrollment  of  60  pupils  and  is  taught 
by  a  lay  teacher. 


BISMARCK,  HURON  COUNTY, 

ST.  SEBASTIAN'S  CHURCH. 

St.  Sebastian's  congregation  at  Bismarck  is  composed  entirely 
of  German  farmers  and  was  organized  in  1846.  Previous  to  that 
year  the  Catholics  living  in  Sherman  township — which  gave  its 
original  name  to  the  settlement ;  only  since  1882  has  it  been  known 
as  Bismarck — were  identified  with  the  congregations  of  Peru  and 
Thompson.  On  July  2,  1846,  their  first  church,  a  small  building 
constructed  of  rough  hewn  logs,  was  opened  for  Divine  service. 
From  that  time  until  1860  the  mission  of  Sherman  was  attended  by 
the  Sanguinist  Fathers  from  Thompson,  five  miles  distant.  At 
first  the  attendance  was  monthly,  and  finally,  as  the  mission  grew, 
Mass  was  said  every  Sunday  and  Holyday.  The  following 
Sanguinist  Fathers  had  charge  of  the  mission  between  1846  and 
1868 :  The  Revs.  F.  S.  Brunner,  P.  A.  Capeder,  M.  A.  Meier,  M. 
Kreusch,  S.  Ganther  (1849-52),  A.  Dambach,  E.  Glueck,  P. 
Wilhelmy,  R.  Schuele,  V.  Haussner,  J.  Ringeli  (1860-66),  E.  Ruff 
and  A.  Laux.  In  July,  1868,  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Thoma,  C.  PP.  S.,  was 
appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Sherman,  remaining  until  July, 
1869.  The  settlement  was  then  again  attended  from  Thompson 
as  a  mission  until  December  of  the  same  year.  Since  that  time  the 
congregation  of  Sherman  (Bismarck)  has  been  in  charge  of 
secular  priests,  the  first  being  the  Rev.  John  P.  Puetz,  who 
remained  until  November,  1872,  when  he  was  obliged  to  resign 
because    of    ill    health.      The    Rev.    V.    Haussner.    formerly    a 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  327 

Sanguinist,  but  at  this  time  a  secular  priest,  was  again  given 
pastoral  charge  of  Bismarck,  as  successor  to  Father  Puetz.  In 
April,  1870,  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  John  F.  Koehn.  He 
too  was  obliged  in  October  of  the  same  year  to  give  up  pastoral 
work  owing  to  illness.  He  died  at  Bismarck  on  January  24,  1880. 
The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Theodore  Litterst,  took  charge  of 
the  congregation  in  November,  1879. 

The  original  log  chapel  was  replaced  in  1857  by  the  present 
brick  church,  40  x  72  feet  in  size.  Its  cornerstone  was  laid  on 
August  5  of  that  year.  The  present  pastoral  residence  and 
school,  both  brick  buildings,  were  erected  between  1867  and 
1868.  A  frame  school  house  was  built  in  1862,  about 
two  miles  from  the  church,  for  the  convenience  of  the  children 
in  that  section  of  the  parish.  No  notable  improvements  were 
made  in  or  about  the  church  property  for  a  number  of  years, 
until  1894,  when  the  church  was  thoroughly  renovated,  both 
exterior  and  interior,  and  thus  made  very  attractive,  which  it  is 
even  at  the  present  time.  In  1897  a  $1,400  pipe  organ  replaced 
the  old  time  worn  instrument. 

The  two  parish  schools  are  taught  by  lay  teachers. 


BLUFFTON,  ALLEN  COUNTY, 
ST.   MARY'S   MISSION    CHURCH. 

Bluffton  was  a  Catholic  station  from  1856  until  1S66.  During 
these  years  it  was  attended  from  New  Riegel  by  the  Rev.  M. 
Kreusch.  It  was  then  attended  monthly  from  Findlay  by  the 
Revs.  J.  M.  Roetzer.  from  July.  1860,  to  March,  1862;  H.  Behrens, 
to  July,  1863;  M.  Dechant,  to  June,  1867;  E.  J.  Vattmann,  to 
September,  1869;  N.  Flammang,  to  August,  1870;  from  Fostoria, 
until  March,  1871 ;  again  from  Findlay,  by  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Jung, 
until  October,  1878  ;  from  Fostoria,  to  March,  1879  ;  from  Findlay, 
by  the  Rev.  G.  Rudolph,  to  March,  1881.  Since  then  the 
present  pastor  of  Findlay,  the  Rev.  H.  Doerner,  has  attended  the 
mission  monthly. 

In  1865  James  Owens  donated  an  acre  of  ground  on  which 
the  present  frame  church,  24  x  40  feet,  was  built  under  the 
direction  of  Father  Dechant.     It  cost  $1,000,  of  which  sum  Mr. 


328  A  HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

Owens  contributed  $200.  Bishop  Rappe  dedicated  the  church  in 
the  summer  of  1869.  In  1883  the  building  was  re-roofed,  and  in 
1890  it  was  surmounted  by  a  spire,  and  the  interior  was  also 
renovated.  At  present  the  mission  numbers  only  twelve  families 
and  has  no  prospective  growth. 


BOWLING  GREEN,  WOOD  COUNTY. 
ST.  ALOYSIUS'    CHURCH. 

For  some  unexplained  reason  the  number  of  Catholics  in 
Bowling  Green,  though  a  county  seat,  and  an  attractive  and  very 
pleasantly  situated  town,  surrounded  by  excellent  farming  land, 
was  for  some  years  very  small — out  of  all  proportion  with  its 
population.  For  upwards  of  twenty  years,  prior  to  1882,  there 
were  but  ten  families,  and  these  mostly  all  poor.  They  were  visited 
at  irregular  intervals  by  the  pastors  in  charge  of  Maumee  and 
Perrysburg,  especially  by  the  Revs.  S.  Bauer  (1860-62),  and 
C.  Griss  (1863-65).  In  1869  Bowling  Green  was  attached  to 
Providence  as  a  station  and  later  as  a  mission,  and  so  remained 
until  1890,  the  Rev.  D.  O'Keefe  attending  it  until  1871,  and  the 
Rev.  H.  D.  Best  from  1871  until  1877.  About  1878  Father  Best 
made  an  attempt  to  build  a  church  at  Bowling  Green,  but  failed 
for  lack  of  means.  Meanwhile  and  until  the  fall  of  1881  Mass  was 
said  in  private  houses,  as  had  been  done  in  years  past.  In  1880 
the  Rev.  H.  Kolopp  succeeded  in  raising  a  subscription  sufficiently 
large  to  warrant  the  purchase  of  a  lot  and  the  erection  of  a  church. 
The  latter,  a  neat  and  substantial  brick  edifice,  35  x  50  feet,  was 
built  during  the  summer  of  1881,  and  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour 
on  Sunday,  October  23,  of  the  same  year.  During  the  year  1892 
the  church  was  painted  and  frescoed.  It  was  also  furnished  with  a 
neat  altar,  pews,  altar  railing,  confessionals,  etc.  By  the  end  of 
that  year  the  entire  debt  was  cancelled,  and  the  above  mentioned 
improvements  were  paid  for.  In  1894  an  addition  of  30  feet  was 
built  to  the  church,  at  a  cost  of  $1,200.  In  the  summer  of  1896  a 
tower  was  built  and  a  bell  purchased,  both  at  a  cost  of  $800.  The 
pastoral  residence,  a  frame  structure,  was  built  in  1891. 

As  a  result  of  the  pastoral  zeal  of  Father  Kress  in  behalf  of 
his  flock,  many  who  had  gone  astray  or  had  become  indifferent 


ST.    ALOYSIUS'    CHURCH,    BOWLING    GREEN. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE  OF    CLEVELAND.  329 

about  their  religious  obligations  were  brought  back  to  the  fold. 
Thus  the  membership  of  St.  Aloysius'  parish  was  raised  from  about 
twenty-five  families  to  sixty-five  in  1894.  This  number  was 
reduced,  however,  shortly  after,  owing  to  the  destruction  by  fire 
of  the  Glass  Works,  in  which  there  were  many  Catholics  employed. 
As  the  works  were  not  rebuilt  all  the  employees  sought  work  else- 
where. Since  then  there  has  been  a  slight  increase  again  in  the 
parish,  the  number  of  families  according  to  the  last  diocesan 
census  (1900)  being  fifty-nine. 

A  much  needed  parish  school  has  not  as  yet  been  established, 
owing  in  part  to  lack  of  means. 

The  following  priests  had  pastoral  charge  of  Bowling  Green 
since  the  time  of  the  Rev.  H.  D.  Best  (1871-77),  viz.:  The  Revs. 
H.  Kolopp,  April,  1877,  to  August,  1883 ;  G.  Leeming,  to 
February,  1885;  J.  P.  McGrath,  to  December,  1888;  J.  J. 
Hennessy,  to  February,  1890.  The  Rev.  M.  Philippart  was  the 
first  resident  pastor  of  Bowling  Green,  which  ceased  to  be  a  mission 
with  his  appointment,  in  June,  1890.  His  successors  were  the 
following  priests :  The  Revs.  W.  S.  Kress,  in  January,  1892 ;  A.  H. 
Schreiner,  October,  1894,  to  January,  1899,  when  the  present 
incumbent,  the  Rev.  M.  J.  Regan,  took  pastoral  charge. 


BRIGHTON  (BROOKLYN),  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 

CHURCH  OF  THE  SACRED  HEART  OF  MARY. 

Brighton,  a  village  in  the  suburbs  of  Cleveland,  now  known 
as  Brooklyn,  was  made  a  mission  in  the  spring  of  1873,  and, 
with  the  exception  of  the  time  from  October,  1877,  to  January, 
1879,  was  attended  as  such  from  St.  Mary's  Seminary  until 
November,  1885,  by  the  Rev.  P.  F.  Quigley,  D.  D.  During  the 
above  mentioned  period  the  Rev.  John  A.  Marschal  attended  the 
mission  from  Cleveland.  For  over  two  years  Father  Quigley  held 
divine  service  in  an  old  cooper  shop,  which  he  had  fitted  up  as  a 
temporary  place  of  worship.  In  May,  1874,  he  purchased  a  lot 
on  Mechanic  street  for  $2,800.  A  few  weeks  later  he  began  the 
erection  of  a  brick  church,  35  x  70  feet  in  size.  The  corner-stone 
was  laid  on  Sunday,  October  25,  1874.  In  the  absence  of  Bishop 
Gilmour,   the   church   was   dedicated   by    Bishop    Fitzgerald   on 


330  A   HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Sunday  afternoon,  July  4,  1875.  The  ceremony  was  witnessed  by 
a  very'  large  number  of  interested  spectators,  among  them  many 
of  the  Protestant  villagers,  who  till  then  had  treated  their  Catholic 
fellow-townsmen  with  contempt  and  even  with  insolence.  In  their 
bigotry  they  denied  the  attending  priest  the  most  ordinary 
courtesies.  The  village  authorities  even  refused  him  the  temporary 
use  of  the  Town  Hall,  thus  forcing  him  to  use  the  above  mentioned 
cooper  shop  as  a  place  of  worship.  The  erection  of  the  church  was 
barely  tolerated  by  the  intolerant  Brightonians.  Hence,  from  the 
very  beginning  the  mission  was  beset  with  difficulties  engendered 
by  bigotry.  But  other  difficulties  of  a  graver  nature  were  in  store 
for  it. 

At  the  time  Dr.  Quigley  took  charge  of  the  Brighton  mission 
its  prospects  were  very  roseate  in  the  way  of  a  large  increase 
of  population,  because  of  promised  carshops,  etc.  On  this  sup- 
position the  above  mentioned  lot  was  bought  (to  which  a  second 
lot  was  added  in  1875),  and  the  church  built — at  a  cost  of  about 
$10,000.  This  was  done  when  real  estate  and  building  material 
were  held  at  a  high  price.  As  the  mission  was  then  composed  of 
twenty-five  poor  families,  help  from  that  source  was  out  of  the 
question.  Hopeful  of  a  brighter  future,  to  tide  over  financial 
difficulties,  brought  about  by  the  panic  of  1873,  Father  Quigley 
was  obliged  to  secure  a  loan  at  an  exorbitant  rate  of  interest. 
But  the  prospects  so  ardently  looked  for  failed  to  materialize, 
and  the  Brighton  church  was  hopelessly  involved  in  debt  which 
bore  a  heavy  rate  of  interest,  so  that  the  future  of  the  mission 
looked  anything  but  bright  or  promising.  On  January  24,  1878, 
Bishop  Gilmour  published  an  appeal  in  behalf  of  the  mission,  and 
authorized  Father  Quigley  to  solicit  financial  aid  throughout  the 
diocese  and  elsewhere.  Besides  attending  to  his  duties  at  the 
Seminary,  he  was  thus  engaged  until  his  appointment  to  the 
pastorate  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  Church,  Toledo,  in  November, 
1885.  At  that  time  he  had  succeeded  in  raising  enough  money  to 
pay  the  interest  and  reduce  the  debt  to  $3,500. 

Brighton  was  without  a  priest  from  November,  1885,  to 
January,  1888,  when  the  Rev.  Peter  D.  Scherer,  resident  pastor  of 
Independence,  was  appointed  to  attend  the  mission,  which  he  did 
monthly  until  June  of  the  same  year,  when  he  left  the  diocese.  He 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Hofstetter,  who  had  charge  of 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  331 

the  mission  until  August,  1890.  Brighton  was  next  attended  from 
St.  Ignatius'  College,  Cleveland,  by  the  Rev.  Augustine  Steffen, 
S.  J.,  from  August,  1890,  to  August,  1893,  and  by  the  Rev.  Henry 
Richard,  S.  J.,  until  February,  1894.  Father  Steffen's  pastorate 
was  very  successful  and  infused  new  life  into  the  mission  which  had 
almost  ceased  to  exist.  In  1892  he  began  the  erection  of  the 
present  frame  school  building,  31  x  55  feet,  and  had  it  finished  in 
the  following  year,  at  a  cost  of  $2,100,  In  February,  1894,  the 
Rev.  Michael  Becker  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of 
Brighton.  In  September  of  that  year  the  school  was  opened  with 
an  attendance  of  fifty  pupils,  taught  by  a  lay  teacher.  Father 
Becker  was  succeeded  in  March,  1895,  by  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Neustich, 
S.  J.,  who  attended  Brighton  from  St.  Ignatius'  College  till  July, 
1895,  when  the  Rev.  Joseph  Schwick  succeeded  him.  He  was 
replaced  in  June,  1896,  by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  N.  W^ckel, 
whose  energy  has  produced  a  great  change  for  the  better 
in  the  parish.  Shortly  after  taking  pastoral  charge  he  had  the 
church  re-roofed,  frescoed,  and  furnished  with  stained  glass 
windows.  The  parish  hall  in  the  school  building  was  plastered  and 
a  second  school  room  was  added.  He  also  engaged  two  Sisters  of 
St.  Joseph  to  take  charge  of  the  school.  In  1897  he  built  the 
present  neat  frame  pastoral  residence  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,200.  In 
1899  the  school  and  pastoral  residence  were  provided  with  furnaces. 
In  1900  a  very  tasty  high  altar  replaced  the  old  make-shift  which 
served  as  an  altar.  Meanwhile  he  also  reduced  the  parish  debt 
considerably,  so  that  it  is  now  almost  entirely  cancelled.  The 
parish  is  in  a  flourishing  condition  and  bids  fair  to  increase  in 
strength ;  its  outlook  is  most  promising. 

BRYAN,  WILLIAMS  COUNTY. 

ST.  PATRICK'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
Rev.  Francis  Westerholt  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  Bryan. 
He  attended  the  place  from  Defiance,  as  a  Station,  during  1857 
and  1858.  At  that  time  there  were  but  four  Catholic  families  in 
Bryan  and  its  vicinity.  An  attempt  to  build  a  church  was  made  in 
1874  by  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Vogt  who  took  up  a  subscription  for  that 
purpose,  but  the  project  ended  in  failure,  owing  to  the  small  num- 
ber of  Catholics.     In  the  following  year  the  Rev.  P.  H.  Delbaere 


332  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

made  another  effort  in  the  same  direction,  which  proved  success- 
ful, as  the  Protestants  of  the  village  subscribed  liberally;  in  fact 
they  gave  most  of  the  money  needed  for  the  erection  of  the  modest 
little  frame  structure,  which  was  built  on  a  lot  secured  in  1874  by 
Father  Vogt.  Their  subscription  exceeded  by  far  that  of  the 
Catholics,  who  lacked  means  however,  rather  than  good  will.  The 
church  was  dedicated  by  Vicar  General  Boff  in  1875.  It  was 
replaced  in  1890  by  the  present  neat  brick  structure,  32  x  54  feet  in 
size,  exclusive  of  the  tower.  With  its  furnishings  and  the  site,  it 
cost  about  $3,500.  The  church  is  located  in  a  prominent  part  of 
the  village,  on  a  lot  purchased  in  1889. 

Following  is  a  list  of  priests  who  have  had  charge  of  Bryan 
as  a  Station  or  Mission :  The  Revs.  F.  Westerholt,  A.  I.  HoefTel, 
J.  P.  Carroll,  1857-65 ;  N.  Kirch,  1865-67 ;  Peter  Becker,  1867-69 ; 
J.  E^ler,  1869-70;  C.  Braschler,  1870-73;  J.  G.  Vogt,  1873-75; 
P.  H.  Delbaere,  1875-77 ;  N.  J.  Franche,  1877-81 ;  F.  X.  Nunan, 
1881-82 ;  J.  B.  Primeau,  1882-83 ;  J.  H.  Kleekamp,  March  to  July, 
1884;  G.  C.  Schoenemann,  1884-86;  J.  H.  Muehlenbeck,  1886-98. 
Since  July,  1898,  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  P.  H.  Janssen,  has 
had  charge. 

Bryan  was  attended  from  Defiance  till  1865 ;  from  Edgerton, 
Archbold  and  St.  Mary's  Corners,  between  1865  and  1884,  with 
periodical  intermissions,  when  it  had  no  priestly  attendance.  Since 
July,  1884,  Bryan  has  been  attached  to  Archbold  as  a  Mission,  and 
at  present  numbers  about  eighteen  families. 


BUCYRUS,  CRAWFORD  COUNTY. 
HOLY  TRINITY  CHURCH. 

In  1835  the  Redemptorist  Father,  F.  X.  Tschenhens,  came 
from  Peru,  Huron  county,  to  gather  together  and  minister  to  the 
few  Catholic  families  in  and  around  Bucyrus,  he  being  the  first 
priest  to  visit  the  Catholic  settlers  located  in  that  part  of  Northern 
Ohio.  From  1844  to  1862  Mass  was  said  at  irregular  intervals,  in 
private  houses  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  who  came  from  Thomp- 
son, Seneca  county.  Among  these  w^ere  the  Revs.  J.  Albrecht, 
A.  Reichert,  and  Matthias  Kreusch.  The  Rev.  Peter  Kreusch 
attended  Bucyrus  from  Shelby  Settlement  between  1852  and  1854. 

In  1862  a  lot  was  bought  on  Mary  street,  and  also  an  old  Pres- 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  333 

byterian  meeting  house,  which  was  moved  on  to  said  lot  and  fitted 
up  as  a  church.  The  cost  of  lot  and  building  was  $400.  The 
Mission  of  Bucyrus  was  then  attended  from  Shelby  Settlement 
until  1865  by  the  Revs.  S.  Falk  and  V.  Arnould ;  and  for  a  few 
months  in  1865,  from  Wooster,  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  F.  Gallagher. 
It  was  then  attached  to  Upper  Sandusky  as  a  monthly  Mission, 
until  1869.  During  that  time  it  had  as  attending  priests  the  Revs. 
A.  J.  Spierings,  from  November,  1865,  to  April,  1867 ;  and  Joseph 
Reinhardt,  until  February,  1868.  Father  Reinhardt  was  killed  on 
February  22,  1868,  whilst  boarding  a  train  at  Upper  Sandusky  for 
Bucyrus  where  he  intended  to  meet  Bishop  Rappe,  who  had  gone 
there  to  give  confirmation.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  G.  Peter, 
who  attended  Bucyrus  until  1869.  The  Mission  was  then  without  a 
priest  for  tw^o  years,  except  once  during  the  Eastertide,  because  of 
some  difference  between  the  congregation  and  Bishop  Rappe. 
Peace  was  finally  restored  and  Bucyrus  received  its  first  resident 
pastor  May  5,  1871,  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  D.  Zinsmayer,  who 
remained  in  charge  until  April,  1877.  During  that  period  a  great 
deal  had  to  be  done  for  the  parish.  The  frame  church  was  old,  and 
without  decent  furniture.  There  w^as  no  residence  that  was  suit- 
able for  the  pastor,  and  a  considerable  debt  to  be  cancelled.  Father 
Zinsmayer  lived  for  some  time  in  a  small  frame  house,  that  stood 
on  a  lot  which  had  been  bought  for  the  parish  by  Father  Peter, 
but  had  been  paid  for  only  in  part.  Father  Zinsmayer  raised  a 
subscription  to  cancel  the  debt.  He  bought  a  fine  bell  and  pro- 
vided the  church  with  needed  furniture  and  had  it  thoroughly 
renovated  and  frescoed.  He  also  built  and  furnished  a  neat 
pastoral  residence — all  at  an  outlay  of  nearly  $4,000.  At  this  time 
the  congregation  numbered  only  about  forty-five  families;  though 
the  majority  were  poor,  they  assisted  their  pastor  very  generously, 
considering  their  means.  "The  St.  Ludwig's  Missions  Verein,"  of 
Munich,  Bavaria,  sent  Father  Zinsmayer  the  sum  of  $1,300  towards 
cancelling  the  parish  debt  incurred  by  the  congregation  for  the 
above  mentioned  improvements. 

The  Rev.  H.  D.  Best  succeeded  Father  Zinsmayer  in  April, 
1877.  His  pastorate  ended  in  November,  1881,  when  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Eyler  was  appointed  his  successor.  Shortly  after  his  arrival 
at  Bucyrus,  Father  Eyler  urged  upon  his  people  the  necessity  of 
building  a  new  church,  as  the  old  structure  had  become  dilapidated 


334  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

and  too  small.  But  before  he  could  put  into  effect  his  cherished  plan 
he  was  replaced,  in  August,  1883,  by  the  Rev.  H.  Kolopp,  under 
whose  direction  the  present  handsome  brick  church  was  built.  Its 
cornerstone  was  laid  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  May,  25,  1884.  The 
same  Prelate  dedicated  the  church  to  the  Most  Holy  Trinity,  on 
Sunday,  May  27,  1888.  It  cost  about  $17,000,  exclusive  of  altars, 
pews,  etc.  Father  Kolopp  died  at  Bucyrus,  after  a  short  illness,  on 
March  22,  1887.  In  the  following  month  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Kleekamp 
was  appointed  his  successor.  He  found  a  large  debt,  which  had 
been  contracted  in  the  erection  of  the  church,  but  which  he  con- 
siderably reduced  during  the  tim.e  he  remained  in  charge — till 
August,  1891,  when  the  Rev.  Joseph  Rosenberg  was  sent  to 
Bucyrus.  At  an  outlay  of  nearly  $1,000,  paid  entirely  by  himself, 
Father  Rosenberg  had  the  sanctuary  ornamented  by  three  neat 
altars  and  a  communion  rail.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  M. 
Arnoldi,  who  had  charge  of  the  parish  from  January,  1896,  till 
May,  1899,  when  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  Charles  Brasch- 
ler,  succeeded  him. 

The  parish  school  was  first  organized  during  the  pastorate  6i 
Father  Spierings,  but  owing  to  lack  of  means  it  had  to  be  closed 
soon  after.  Father  Zinsmayer  reopened  the  school,  but  for  the 
same  reason  it  had  to  be  closed  again,  although  at  one  time  about 
sixty  pupils  were  on  its  rolls.  It  was  reopened  during  the  pastorate 
of  Father  Kolopp,  and  has  continued  doing  its  work  ever  since. 
The  Dominican  Sisters  have  had  charge  of  the  school  since  1895. 
At  present  (December,  1900)  115  pupils  are  in  attendance. 


CANAL  FULTON,  STARK  COUNTY. 

STS.  PHILIP  AND  JAMES'  CHURCH. 
Lawrence  township,  Stark  county,  in  which  Canal  Fulton  is 
situated,  received  its  first  quota  of  Catholic  settlers  in  1812.  They 
were  John  McCadden,  Matthew  and  James  Patton,  Daniel  Boyle 
and  their  families.  The  Rev.  Edward  D.  Fenwick,  O.  P.,  then 
stationed  at  St.  Rose's,  Ky..  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  Northern 
Ohio,  after  the  departure  of  the  Jesuits  in  1773.  He  extended  his 
visit  from  the  village  of  Canton  to  Lawrence  township  in  1817, 
where  he  gladdened  the  hearts  of  the  above  named  pioneers  who 
had  not  seen  a  priest  since  they  came  to  Ohio.     He  said  Mass  in 


STS.  PHILIP  AND  JAMES'  CHURCH.  CANAL  FULTON 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  335 

the  house  of  Matthew  Patton.  In  the  following  year  he  repeated 
his  visit  to  these  settlers  who  formed  the  nucleus  of  the  congrega- 
tion of  Canal  Fulton.  These  visits  were  made  annually  from 
Somerset,  Perry  county,  O.,  by  Father  Fenwick,  and  later  on 
(1821-22)  by  his  nephew,  the  Rev.  Nicholas  A.  Young,  and  the 
Rev.  Thomas  H.  Martin  (1822-25) — all  Dominicans.  January 
13,  1822,  Father  Fenwick  was  consecrated  first  Bishop  of  Cincin- 
nati. Some  time  after,  during  the  same  year,  he  again  visited  the 
Catholics  in  Lawrence  township,  celebrated  Mass  in  Matthew 
Patton's  house,  as  he  had  done  before,  and  administered  confirma- 
tion to  a  few  persons.  Among  them  was  Philip  Patton,  who  died 
at  Canal  Fulton  on  November  11,  1884,  at  the  age  of  73;  to  him 
the  writer  is  indebted  for  many  facts  in  connection  with  this  sketch 
and  with  the  early  history  of  Catholicity  in  Stark  county.  Between 
1824  and  1828  the  Very  Rev.  John  A.  Hill  attended  the  Catholics 
in  Lawrence  township  from  Canton.  After  his  death,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1828,  they  were  attended  from  Somerset,  by  the  Revs.  R.  P. 
Miles  and  Thomas  H.  Martin,  until  the  appointment,  in  1830,  of 
the  Rev.  John  M.  Henni,  as  pastor  of  St.  John's,  Canton,  where 
he  remained  till  his  transfer  to  Cincinnati,  in  1834.  Mass  was  cele- 
brated in  private  houses  until  1831,  when  under  the  direction  of 
Father  Henni  a  log  chapel,  30x40  feet  in  size,  was  erected  at  "Law- 
rence Cross-Roads,"  two  miles  from  the  present  town  of  Canal 
Fulton,  on  a  one-acre  plot  of  land  donated  by  Philip  McGuire. 
The  chapel  was  never  completed  but  services  were  held  in  it,  suc- 
cessively, until  1845,  by  the  Rev.  Fathers  Henni,  Martin,  O'Meara, 
and  McGrady,  of  Canton;  and  the  Revs.  Basil  Schorb  (1837- 
42),  Maurice  Howard  and  Cornelius  Daly  (1842-45),  of  Doylestown, 
then  known  as  Chippewa.  The  log  chapel  accommodated  all  the 
Catholics  living  in  Chippewa,  Baughman  and  Sugar  Creek  town- 
ships, in  Wayne  county,  as  also  those  residing  in  Lawrence 
township.  Stark  county. 

In  1826  the  Ohio  Canal,  from  Cleveland  to  Marietta,  was 
located  through  the  present  site  of  Canal  Fulton  and  two 
years  later  it  was  opened  for  traffic  as  far  as  Massillon.  This 
was  the  beginning  of  Canal  Fulton,  which  was  platted  in  1826. 
With  the  growth  of  the  town  the  number  of  Catholics  also 
increased.  This  necessitated  the  building  of  a  church  in  the  town, 
proportioned  to  the  means  and  size  of  the  mission,  and  more  cen- 


336  A   HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

trally  located  than  the  log  chapel  above  mentioned.  As  a  result 
of  an  exchange  of  views  on  the  subject  between  Father  Howard 
and  his  people  a  site  for  the  proposed  church  was  secured  by  him 
in  September,  1844.  Three  town  lots  were  donated  for  the  pur- 
pose by  Mrs.  Mary  Fassett.  A  frame  church,  37xG4  feet  in  size, 
was  erected  thereon  in  1845,  at  a  cost  of  $1500.  Father  Howard 
was  succeeded  in  this  mission  by  the  Rev.  Philip  Foley,  pastor  of 
St.  Mary's,  Massillon  (1846-48).  The  church  was  dedicated  by 
Bishop  Purcell,  August  24,  1847.  Canal  Fulton  was  next  attended 
from  Canton  by  the  Rev.  J.  Vincent  Conlan  (1848-51),  and  by  the 
Rev.  A.  Campion  (1851-53).  The  mission  was  also  visited  a  few 
times  from  Wooster  by  the  Revs.  George  H.  Brennan  and  Michael 
Healy,  in  1853.  From  1854  to  1862  the  following  priests  attended 
Canal  Fulton,  as  a  mission  from  Doylestown :  The  Revs.  N. 
Ponchel,  P.  Kohler,  E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith  and  Joseph  Lais.  Father 
Lais  was  appointed  pastor  of  Canal  Fulton  in  1862  and  remained 
till  1867.  During  his  pastorate  twelve  lots  were  secured  (Septem- 
ber 26,  1863),  which  with  the  three  lots  mentioned  above,  made 
the  Canal  Fulton  church  property  the  finest  and  best  located  in  the 
town,  with  ample  room  for  church,  school,  cemetery  and  pros- 
pective pastoral  residence — all  in  one  block.  The  Rev,  Nicholas 
Kirch  succeeded  Father  Lais  in  August,  1869,  and  remained  till 
March,  1875.  During  this  time  the  frame  church,  built  in  1847, 
had  become  too  small,  so  that  a  larger  one  was  of  imperative 
necessity.  Father  Kirch  had  plans  drawn  for  the  present  brick 
church,  of  composite  Roman-Gothic  architecture,  45x100  feet  in 
size.  The  foundation  was  laid  in  1867.  The  church  was  brought 
under  roof  in  1868  and  dedicated  by  Bishop  Toebbe  in  1869, 
under  the  patronage  of  Sts.  PhiHp  and  James,  Apostles.  It  cost 
$28,000  and  is  a  very  neat  and  substantial  building,  surmounted 
by  a  spire  150  feet  high.  It  stands  on  an  eminence  commanding 
a  view  of  the  town  and  surrounding  country  for  many  miles,  and 
is  a  monument  to  the  people  whose  generosity  made  its  erection 
possible.  The  Rev.  Wimar  Mueller  succeeded  Father  Kirch  in 
April,  1875.  During  his  pastorate,  which  lasted  until  October, 
1877,  many  improvements  were  made  and  the  present  3000  pound 
bell,  then  the  largest  in  Stark  county,  was  bought  at  a  cost  of 
$1,300.  The  Rev.  E.  J.  Vattmann  was  Father  Mueller's  successor. 
In  1878,  at  an  expense  of  $3,000,  he  built  the  present  very  neat  and 


IMMACULATE    CONCEPTION    CHURCH-SCHOOL,    CANTON. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  337 

commodious  brick  pastoral  residence.  He  gave  much  attention 
to  the  betterment  of  the  parish  schools,  and  introduced  congre- 
gational singing,  which  proved  quite  popular  in  the  parish.  He 
also  had  the  church  renovated  and  frescoed  in  the  fall  of  1888. 
Father  Vattmann  was  succeeded  in  February,  1891,  by  the  Rev. 
Jacob  F.  Kuebler,  who  in  a  short  time  paid  off  a  considerable  por- 
tion of  the  parish  debt,  in  spite  of  the  financial  depression,  which 
was  felt  throughout  the  country,  but  in  a  very  special  way  in  the 
coal  mining  district  in  which  Canal  Fulton  is  located.  The  present 
pastor,  the  Rev.  Henry  J.  Gerhardstein,  was  appointed  Father 
Kuebler's  successor  in  June,  1898.  In  less  than  two  years,  aided 
by  his  generous  people,  he  had  the  balance  of  the  church  debt 
cancelled.  Although  the  congregation  has  had  much  to  contend 
with  financially,  for  some  years,  because  of  depression  in  the  coal 
interests,  its  members  have  at  all  times  cheerfully  and  generously 
responded  to  all  calls  in  behalf  of  parochial  improvements.  Com- 
posed as  it  is  of  different  nationalities  it  may  truthfully  be  called  a 
model  "mixed"  congregation  where  Catholicity  and  not  nationality 
is  the  bond  of  brotherhood  in  the  Faith. 


CANTON,  STARK  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION   CHURCH. 

For  more  than  thirty  years  the  Catholics  living  in  the  southern 
part  of  Canton  and  the  adjacent  country  ardently  looked  forward 
to  the  time  when  they  could  have  a  church  and  school  in  that 
vicinity.  In  fact,  a  lot  had  been  purchased  for  them  in  that 
section,  in  the  year  1869,  to  be  ultimately  used  as  a  site  for  church 
buildings.  But  nothing  further  was  done  in  the  matter  until  the 
advent  of  the  Rev.  Clement  Treiber,  in  September,  1899,  when  he 
was  commissioned  by  Bishop  Horstmann  to  organize  a  new  parish 
in  South  Canton.  In  June  of  the  same  year  he  secured  an  elegant 
site  on  South  Market  street.  For  a  short  time  he  gathered  his 
new  charge  in  St.  Peter's  and  St.  John's  Churches,  and  later  in  a 
hall  near  the  site  above  mentioned.  Meanwhile  he  arranged  for 
the  erection  of  a  combination  church  and  school  building,  the 
corner-stone  of  which  was  laid  on  October  1,  of  the  same  year,  in 
the  presence  of  a  vast   multitude   of  interested   spectators.      So 


338  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

rapidly  was  the  work  of  building  pushed  that  Mass  was  cele- 
brated for  the  first  time  in  the  basement  of  the  edifice,  on  December 
24,  1899.  It  was  a  day  of  rejoicing  for  the  parish,  which  now  had 
its  own  "roof  tree."  Without  further  delay  the  upper  stories  of 
the  building  were  brought  to  completion,  and  on  the  20th  of  the 
following  May  the  edifice  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann. 
Again  a  great  outpouring  of  people  was  present  to  witness  the 
ceremony.  The  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  preached  the  dedicatory  sermon 
in  English,  and  Father  Kaempker  preached  a  German  sermon  on 
the  occasion.  The  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck  was  celebrant  of  the 
first  Mass  in  the  new  chapel. 

The  people  composing  this  new  parish,  the  third  in  Canton, 
are  justly  proud  of  their  schoolhouse  and  place  of  worship,  which 
is  an  ornament  to  the  city  and  a  credit  to  the  diocese.  The  build- 
ing is  of  cream  colored  pressed  brick,  and  has  two  stories  and  a 
fine  basement.  It  cost  about  $15,000.  The  first  story  serves  as 
a  temporary  church.  The  second  is  divided  into  well-appointed 
school  rooms  and  the  basement  serves  as  a  parish  hall.  In  all  its 
equipments  the  building  is  quite  modern.  Later,  when  the  per- 
manent church  is  erected,  the  present  temporary  one  will  be 
changed  into  school  rooms. 

In  July,  1900,  additional  ground  was  bought  adjoining  the 
former  purchase.  On  it  there  was  a  frame  house  which  was  moved 
to  the  rear  of  the  church  and  fitted  up  as  a  Sisters'  residence.  The 
school,  with  an  attendance  of  over  two  hundred  children,  was 
opened  in  September,  1900,  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of 
St.  Joseph. 

Shortly  after  the  purchase  of  the  above  mentioned  ground 
another  parcel  of  land  was  secured  for  $1,800,  and  the  house  on 
it  transformed  into  a  neat  residence  for  the  pastor.  The  parish 
now  owns  an  elegant  property  with  a  frontage  of  three  hundred 
and  twenty  feet  on  South  Market  street.  Its  formation  did  not 
in  the  least  afifect  the  other  two  parishes,  and  it  has  a  bright  future. 
Pastor  and  people  are  in  full  accord,  and  a  healthy  Catholic  spirit 
prevails. 


Si.   .lUIIN  S   CHliKt  II.   CANTON. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  339 


CANTON,  STARK  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOHN'S  CHURCH. 

St.  John's  congregation.  Canton,  was  the  second  organized 
in  Northern  Ohio,  that  at  Dungannon  having  been  the  first.  Its 
history  as  such  dates  back  to  1823,  when  the  CathoHc  settlers,  in 
and  near  Canton,  built  their  first  church — a  plain,  brick  edifice. 
It  was  finished  in  1824,  and  cost  $5,000 — a  large  sum  for  that  time 
and  for  the  few  people  who  composed  the  Mission.  Prior  to  the 
erection  of  the  church  the  Catholics  of  Canton  had  Mass  at  the 
residence  of  John  Schorb,  a  short  distance  west  of  the  present 
church.  He  was  the  first  Catholic  to  settle  at  Canton,  having 
come  from  Baltimore  in  1807.  Shortly  after  he  was  followed  by 
his  brother,  Stephen,  Andrew  Meyer,  Richard  and  James  Moffitt, 
Joseph  Trout,  John  Pirrong,  Martin  Zimmermann,  John  Gillig 
and  a  few  others,  whose  names  are  now  unknown.  John  Schorb 
was  the  chief  promoter  in  the  erection  of  the  church.  As  the 
Catholics  of  and  near  Canton  were  unable  to  meet  the  expense  of 
building,  without  help  from  other  sources,  Mr.  Schorb  went  to 
Baltimore,  and  twice  to  Somerset,  O.,  to  collect  for  that  purpose. 
He  was  quite  successful  in  his  efforts  among  his  Baltimore  friends. 
John  Schorb  and  Basil  Wells  donated  the  ground  for  a  church ;  it 
is  the  same  that  is  in  use  today.  The  former  also  donated  the  land 
for  the  first  parish  cemetery.  Whilst  Mr.  Schorb  was  engaged  in 
bringing  the  church  to  completion  he  was  killed  by  a  falling  timber. 
The  church  was  built  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Very  Rev.  John 
A.  Hill,  a  Dominican,  who  was  the  first  resident  pastor  of  Canton, 
from  1824  to  1828,  with  charge  of  surrounding  missions  in  Stark 
and  Wayne  counties.  Previous  to  his  appointment  other  Domin- 
ican Fathers  attended  Canton  from  Somerset,  Perry  county,  O., 
— Father  Fenwick,  the  pioneer  priest  of  Northern  Ohio,  his 
nephew,  the  Rev.  Nicholas  D.  Young  (1821-22),  and  the  Rev. 
Thomas  H.  Martin  (1823).  After  Father  Hill's  death  at  Canton, 
September  3,  1828,  the  congregation  was  without  a  resident  pastor 
for  nearly  two  years,  but  was  again  visited  by  the  Dominican 
Fathers  stationed  at  Somerset,  among  others  by  the  Rev.  Richard 
P.  Miles. 

In  1830  Bishop  Fenwick  appointed  the  Rev.  John  M.  Henni 


S40  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

resident  pastor  of  St.  John's,  Canton.  This  charg-e,  with  a  number 
of  missions,  he  held  until  December,  1834,  when  he  was  transferred 
to  Cincinnati.  From  1834  Canton  was  again  attended  from 
Somerset  by  the  Dominican  Fathers,  Vincent  de  Raymacher,  C.  P. 
Montgomery,  P.  Fochenkress,  Anthony  Fahey  and  Joseph  S. 
Alemany;  the  first  two  lived  at  Canton,  each  for  a  few  months,  in 
1835.  All  these  priests  had  also  charge  of  missions  in  the  adjoining 
counties. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  priests  who  had  pastoral  charge 
of  St.  John's,  Canton,  from  the  time  the  congregation  was  organ- 
ized, in  1824 :  The  Very  Rev.  John  A.  Hill,  from  November,  1824, 
to  September.  1828;  the  Rev.  John  M.  Henni  (1830-34); 
the  Dominican  Fathers,  Vincent  de  Raymacher,  J.  O'Meara, 
P.  Fochenkress,  A.  Fahey,  C.  P.  Montgomery  and  Thomas  H. 
Martin,  all  of  whom  attended  Canton  as  a  mission  from  Somerset, 
between  1834  and  1837,  and  the  first  two  between  1828  and  1830. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  H.  Martin  was  also  resident  pastor  of  Canton 
from  July  to  December,  1835.  From  October  to  December,  1836, 
the  Rev.  Stephen  Badin,  the  first  priest  ordained  in  the  United 
States,  resided  at  Canton,  and  gave  his  assistance  to  the  Dominican 
Fathers  there  as  well  as  in  the  neighboring  missions.  In  January, 
1837,  the  Rev.  F.  S.  Hofifmann,  D.  D.,  was  appointed  resident 
pastor  of  St.  John's,  Canton,  thereby  relieving  the  Dominicans  of 
that  charge.  He  was  a  learned  and  zealous  priest,  but  finding  the 
climate  disagreeable  to  him,  he  resigned  his  pastorate  in  October 
of  the  same  year  and  returned  to  Europe.  During  part  of  the  time 
the  Rev.  Dr.  Hoffmann  was  at  Canton  he  had  as  his  co-laborers  in 
that  part  of  Ohio,  the  Revs.  Michael  McAleer  and  Ferdinand 
Kiihr,  D.  D.  The  former  was  stationed  at  Canton  from  January, 
1837,  to  April,  1840,  and  the  latter,  from  November,  1837,  to 
April,  1839.  In  April,  1840,  the  Rev.  Henry  D.  Juncker  was 
sent  to  Canton  as  resident  pastor.  To  the  great  sorrow  of  his 
parishioners  his  stay  was  of  short  duration,  as  he  was  transferred  to 
Chillicothe,  in  August,  of  the  same  year.  His  successors  were  the 
Revs.  Matthias  Wiirz,  who  remained  in  charge  from  August,  1840, 
to  September,  1844;  John  J.  Doherty,  September,  1844,  to  July, 
1848.  The  Rev.  John  H.  Luhr  resided  with  Father  Doherty  from 
September,  1844,  till  June,  1847.     During  that  time  he  attended 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  341 

the  Catholic  Germans  of  Canton,  who  had  separate  services  in 
St.  John's  Church,  till  the  completion  of  their  own  (St.  Peter's) 
church,  which  was  built  under  Father  Luhr's  direction.  In 
August,  1848,  the  Rev.  James  Vincent  Conlan  succeeded  Father 
Doherty.  He  remained  pastor  of  St.  John's  till  September,  1851. 
The  following  priests  were  his  successors  :  The  Revs.  Augustine  S. 
Campion,  October,  1851,  to  November,  1853;  Michael  Kennedy, 
December,  1853,  to  August,  1854;  Bernard  Carragher,  December, 
1854,  till  his  death,  April  10,  1857;  John  Roos,  May  to  September, 
1857.  St.  John's  was  then  attended  from  St.  Peter's,  until  the 
appointment  of  the  Rev.  E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith,  as  resident  pastor, 
in  February,  1858.  In  August,  1868,  he  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  Francis  Berthelet,  who  had  pastoral  charge  from  September, 
1869,  to  December,  1875.  The  Rev.  V.  Arnould,  pastor  of  St. 
Peter's,  Canton,  then  attended  St.  John's  during  the  interim,  from 
January  to  March,  1876,  when  the  Rev.  John  P.  Carroll  was 
appointed  resident  pastor.  He  in  turn  was  succeeded  by  the 
present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  Patrick  J.  McGuire,  in  July,  1879. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Berthelet  it  was  decided  to 
erect  a  new  and  larger  church,  the  old  structure  having  proved 
entirely  too  small,  although  twice  enlarged.  The  corner-stone  of 
the  new  edifice  (60x144  feet)  was  laid  on  Sunday,  July  10,  1870, 
by  Bishop  Rosecrans,  of  Columbus,  in  the  absence  of  Bishop 
Rappe,  who  was  then  in  Europe.  About  one  year  later  the  new 
and  present  church,  with  its  interior  unfinished,  was  opened  for 
divine  service.  It  is  built  of  brick,  and  is  of  pure  Gothic  architec- 
ture, with  a  clere-story,  and  has  the  distinction  of  being  one  of 
the  finest  churches  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  Exclusive  of  the 
spire  and  interior  decorations,  it  cost  $80,000.  Bishop  Gilmour 
dedicated  the  splendid  edifice  on  Sunday,  December  29,  1872. 
Father  Berthelet  had  excellent  taste  as  a  builder  of  churches,  but 
had  little  knowledge  of  business  affairs.  In  consequence  of  this 
he  involved  the  parish  in  a  debt  which  taxed  the  energy  of  his 
successors  and  the  generosity  of  the  laity  to  their  utmost  to 
diminish  and  cancel.  The  latter  was  not  done  until  during  the 
pastorate  of  Father  McGuire,  in  1885.  Together  with  paying  the 
debt  he  added  many  improvements  to  the  church,  between  1887 
and  1889,  notably  the  spire,  which  is  one  of  the  finest  in  Canton. 


342  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

and  cost  $4,000.  He  also  had  the  church  frescoed  in  1898,  at  an 
expense  of  $2,000.  Besides  these  improvements,  the  church  was 
supplied  with  a  steam  heating  apparatus,  and  the  beautiful  sanc- 
tuary is  graced  with  a  splendid  marble  altar,  the  gift  of  Joseph 
Dick.     It  was  consecrated  by  Bishop  Horstmann,  February  10, 

1897.  The  church  now  vies  with  any  in  the  diocese  in  point  of 
architecture,  beauty  and  decoration,  and  is  a  temple  in  which  those, 
who  by  their  generosity  made  its  construction  possible,  have  just 
reason  to  glory. 

Father  McGuire  also  looked  after  the  best  interests  of  the 
parish  school.  Its  organization  dates  back  to  about  1845,  but  for 
some  reason  unknown  to  the  writer  it  was  closed  two  years  later. 
It  was  reopened  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Carroll,  in  1876. 
He  had  a  frame  building  erected  as  a  temporary  school,  but  it  soon 
became  too  small.  Father  McGuire,  therefore,  enlarged  it  con- 
siderably in  1884,  and  again  in  1894,  to  accommodate  the  rapidly 
increasing  attendance.  But  his  ardent  desire,  to  have  a  school 
building  worthy  of  so  prominent  a  parish,  was  not  realized  until 

1898,  when  the  present  splendid  brick  building,  with  modern  equip- 
ments, was  completed,  at  a  cost  of  over  $22,000.  Architecturally 
it  is  the  fitting  compkment  of  the  neighboring  church. 

The  school  was  for  a  number  of  years  in  charge  of  lay  teachers. 
From  1868  to  1883  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  taught 
it.  They  were  then  succeeded  by  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  who 
have  had  charge  ever  since  and  have  been  very  successful.  About 
350  pupils  were  in  attendance  in  December,  1900. 

With  the  erection  of  the  contemplated  brick  pastoral  residence 
of  modern  design,  to  replace  the  present  and  rather  antiquated 
building,  the  parish  buildings  of  St.  John's,  Canton,  will  rank  with 
the  best  equipped  parishes  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  And  to 
the  credit  of  pastor  and  members  of  the  congregation  be  it  recorded 
that  the  ownership  of  the  splendid  property  is  not  clouded  by  debt. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  343 

CANTON,  STARK  COUNTY. 
ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH. 

Owing  to  the  rapid  increase  of  Canton's  Catholic  population 
after  1840  it  was  found  necessary  either  to  enlarge  St.  John's 
Church,  or  to  build  another  for  the  use  of  the  Germans  who  formed 
a  considerable  portion  of  the  parish.  After  due  deliberation  the 
building  of  the  new  church  was  agreed  upon  as  the  proper  alterna- 
tive. A  committee,  composed  of  prominent  members  of  the  pros- 
pective congregation,  under  the  leadership  of  the  Rev.  Matthias 
Wiirz,  of  Canton,  put  the  project  into  effect  in  1843.  The  present 
site  of  St.  Peter's  was  purchased,  and  the  plan  for  the  erection  of  a 
neat  brick  church  (45x98  feet)  was  approved.  Its  corner-stone  was 
laid  by  Bishop  Purcell  on  Pentecost  Monday,  1845.  The  church 
was  dedicated  by  the  same  Prelate,  to  St.  Peter,  the  Apostle,  on 
August  29,  1847,  although  it  had  been  used  in  its  unfinished  state 
for  over  a  year.  At  this  time  St.  Peter's  parish  numbered  about 
seventy-five  families.  The  church  cost  about  $4,000,  and  the  lots 
Si, 200.  By  the  direction  of  Bishop  Purcell  St.  John's  congrega- 
tion gave  $1,000  to  St.  Peter's,  because  at  the  time  of  the  separa- 
tion the  Germans  had  made  the  proposition,  either  to  give  $2,000 
for  the  property  of  St.  John's  congregation,  or  to  accept  $1,000 
and  withdraw :  the  latter  was  mutually  agreed  upon.  The  last  of 
the  parish  debt,  amounting  in  1853  to  $1,500,  was  paid  during 
the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  F.  M.  Boff. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  priests  who  had  charge  of  St.  Peter's 
parish  since  its  organization,  in  1845 :  The  Revs.  John  H.  Luhr, 
June,  1845,  to  February,  1853;  Peter  Carabin,  February,  1853,  to 
August,  1853;  Felix  M.  Boff,  August,  1853,  to  January,  1856; 
John  B.  Weikmann,  about  six  weeks  of  January  and  February, 
1856.  Then  St.  Peter's  was  attended  from  St.  John's  until  the 
appointment  of  the  Rev.  John  B.  Uhlmann  as  resident  pastor  in 
May,  1856.  He  remained  till  March,  1864.  His  successor  was 
the  Rev.  John  Hackspiel,  March,  1864,  to  August,  1865.  He  in 
turn  was  succeeded  by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Victor  Arnould, 
who  received  his  appointment  on  August  7,  1865. 

Shortly  after  the  advent  of  the  Rev.  Victor  Arnould,  St. 
Peter's  congregation  had  increased  to  such  an  extent  that,  in  1869, 


344  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

it  was  deemed  necessary  either  to  divide  the  parish  or  build  a  larger 
church.  The  latter  idea  prevailed  among  a  majority  of  the  people. 
With  that  object  in  view,  and  the  sanction  of  Bishop  Rappe,  a  large 
plot  of  ground,  200x300  feet  in  size,  located  at  the  corner  of  Poplar 
and  Navarre  streets,  was  bought  in  1870,  for  $3,800.  But  the 
financial  panic  of  1873  forced  the  pastor  and  people  to  abandon 
for  a  time  the  idea  of  building  the  needed  church.  The  question 
was  not  again  discussed  until  Bishop  Gilmour  paid  his  first  visit 
to  Canton,  in  1874.  It  was  then  resolved  that  the  congregation 
should  not  be  divided,  but  that  a  larger  church  should  be  built  on 
the  old  church  site,  bought  in  1843.  In  April,  1874,  Father 
Arnould  called  a  meeting  of  the  congregation,  and  the  resolution 
was  passed  to  build  a  large  and  beautiful  church. 

A  building  committee  was  elected,  consisting  of  the  Rev.  V. 
Arnould  and  Messrs.  Joseph  Biechele,  William  Dannemiller, 
Joseph  Schott,  and  George  Gonder.  A  subscription  was  taken 
up,  and  in  a  few^  weeks  the  sum  of  $35,000  was  subscribed,  payable 
in  four  yearly  installments.  The  plans  for  the  new  church  were 
furnished  by  Architect  Engelhardt,  of  New  York.  Preparations 
for  the  building  began  September  1,  1874,  with  the  removal  of  the 
dead  from  the  old  St.  Peter's  cemetery,  adjoining  the  church,  to  the 
new  one,  about  one  mile  north  of  the  city,  in  order  to  make  room 
for  the  new  church.  On  June  29,  1875,  the  corner-stone  was  laid 
by  Bishop  Fitzgerald,  of  Little  Rock ;  Bishop  Gilmour  was  then  ill 
in  Europe.  The  building  was  put  under  roof  in  the  fall  of  the 
same  year.  Then  the  work  was  stopped,  to  be  resumed  in  the 
beginning  of  September,  1877,  when  it  continued  without  inter- 
ruption until  the  church  was  finished.  It  was  dedicated  before  an 
immense  concourse  of  people  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  Ascension 
day.  May  22,  1879.  The  church,  a  brick  structure,  of  Gothic 
architecture,  measures  74x164  feet.  The  steeple,  now  raised  to  a 
height  of  113  feet,  will  be  210  feet  when  finished.  The  ceiling  in 
the  nave  is  60  feet  high  and  is  supported  by  sixteen  beautiful 
columns.  The  sanctuary  measures  25x69  feet  and  the  gallery 
25x74  feet.  The  church  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  the  dio- 
cese of  Cleveland,  and  is  an  ornament  to  Canton.  The  cost  of  the 
building  had  been  estimated  at  $80,000,  but  was  reduced 
to    $55,000    by    advantageous    contracts    and    reduced    prices    of 


OUR   LADY   OF  CONSOLATION    CHURCH   AND  PASTORAL   RESIDENCE,   CAREY. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  345 

building  material  and  wages.  The  twelve  beautiful  windows  of 
stained  glass,  valued  at  $2,300 ;  the  statues  in  the  sanctuary  from 
the  celebrated  works  of  Mayer  in  Munich ;  the  baptismal  font,  the 
pulpit  and  communion  railing  are  individual  gitts  of  members  of 
the  congregation.  The  ninety  elegant  pews  were  paid  for  by  the 
respective  pew-holders.  Some  of  the  pcAvs  of  the  old  church  were 
retained  for  a  short  time,  but  have  since  been  replaced  by  new  ones. 
With  gifts  included,  the  church  cost  about  $82,000.  The  beautiful 
high  altar,  of  marble,  was  a  gift  of  the  late  Benedict  Dannemiller. 
It  was  consecrated  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  October  4,  1898. 

The  parish  school  was  opened  in  1860,  during  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Uhlmann,  under  whose  supervision  the  first  school,  a  brick 
building,  was  erected.  For  many  years  the  children  were  taught 
by  lay  teachers,  among  others  by  Mr.  A.  Lang,  and  his  sister,  Rose. 
They  were  assisted  later  on  by  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of 
Mary,  who  had  charge  of  the  girls.  The  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame 
succeeded  them  in  September,  1883.  The  present  school  build- 
ing, a  fine  brick  structure,  74x123  feet  in  size,  with  parish  hall  on 
the  second  floor,  and  accommodations  for  1,000  pupils,  was 
commenced  in  1889  and  dedicated  by  Mgr.  Bofif,  V.  G.,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1890.  It  cost  $30,000,  and  harmonizes  very  well  with  the 
parish  church,  under  whose  shadow  it  stands.  In  1894  the  old 
pastoral  residence  gave  way  to  the  present  commodious  brick 
building,  which  cost  about  $8,000. 

According  to  the  last  Diocesan  Census  (1900)  St.  Peter's 
numbered  nearly  400  families. 


CAREY,  WYANDOT  COUNTY. 

CHURCH  OF  OUR  LADY  OF  CONSOLATION. 

Carey  is  a  flourishing  village  about  fourteen  miles  south  of 
TifHn.  Until  1868  the  Catholic  families  residing  there  were  identi- 
fied with  the  congregations  of  Berwick  and  Crawfordsville.  In 
that  year  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Vattmann,  then  pastor  of  Findlay,  sixteen 
miles  distant,  was  directed  by  Bishop  Rappe  to  organize  a  congre- 
gation at  Carey  and  to  build  a  church  on  the  two  lots  which  had 
been  bought  for  that  purpose  in  October  of  the  previous  year. 
The   proposition   to   build   was   very    favorably   received   by   the 


346  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

congregation,  then  comprising  about  thirty  families.  In  the 
spring  of  1867  the  foundation  of  the  proposed  brick  church  (30x60 
feet)  was  begun,  and  in  July  following  Bishop  Rappe  laid  the 
corner-stone.  Everything  looked  promising, and  the  early  comple- 
tion of  the  church  was  apparently  a  certainty,  when,  to  the  great 
disappointment  of  all  concerned,  work  on  the  church  was  brought 
to  a  sudden  stop — owing  to  lack  of  means.  The  foundation,  ready 
for  the  superstructure,  remained  for  two  years  in  that  condition,  as 
an  eyesore  to  the  Catholics  of  the  village.  Meanwhile  the  Rev. 
N.  Flammang,  who  succeeded  Father  Vattmann  in  the  pastorate 
of  Findlay  in  September,  1869,  occasionally  visited  Carey  and  tried 
to  arouse  the  congregation  to  finish  the  church,  but  his  appeals 
met  with  no  response.  Finally  in  the  fall  of  1870,  the  Rev.  J.  L. 
Bihn,  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's,  Tiffin,  was  commissioned  by  the  Very 
Rev.  E.  Hannin,  then  administrator  of  the  diocese,  to  take  charge 
of  Carey.  After  considerable  difficulty  he  succeeded  in  raising 
sufficient  means  to  build  a  frame  church,  but  finding  he  could  not 
continue  to  attend  the  mission  and  do  justice  to  his  own  large 
congregation,  he  asked  to  be  relieved  of  the  former  charge.  His 
request  was  granted,  and  in  July,  1872,  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Gloden, 
pastor  of  Berwick,  was  appointed  to  attend  Carey.  He  found  the 
church  in  an  unfinished  state,  but  eight  or  nine  families  remaining, 
and  these  despondent ;  also  a  large  debt,  considering  the  number  of 
people  and  their  resources.  Although  the  future  of  Catholicity 
in  Carey  now  looked  very  dark  indeed,  Father  Gloden  was  full  of 
hope,  and  with  indomitable  zeal  he  succeeded  so  far  in  bringing 
the  work  to  completion  that  in  the  fall  of  1873  Mass  could  be  said 
in  the  church.  He  then  visited  the  Mission  every  Thursday,  and 
once  a  month  on  Sunday.  October  18,  1874,  the  church  was 
dedicated  and  placed  under  the  patronage  of  the  Blessed  Virgin, 
under  the  title  of  Our  Lady  of  Consolation ;  Father  Bihn  was  dele- 
gated by  Bishop  Gilmour  to  perform  the  ceremony.  From  that 
time,  and  especially  since  a  fac-simile  of  the  celebrated  statue  of 
Our  Lady  of  Consolation  in  Luxemburg  was  secured,  the  church 
has  been  visited  from  far  and  near  by  large  numbers  of  the  faithful, 
afflicted  in  one  form  or  another.  To  encourage  the  pilgrims. 
Father  Gloden  sought,  and  obtained  in  April,  1878,  special  spiritual 
favors  from  the  Holy  See  for  those  visiting  the   church.     He 


IN  THE  DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  347 

also  established  a  confraternity  of  Our  Lady  of  Consolation, 
approved  by  Rome  and  endowed  with  many  privileges.  Its  mem- 
bership is  now  quite  large. 

The  church  is  very  neatly  furnished,  and  the  main  altar  is 
considered  an  excellent  piece  of  workmanship.  The  altar,  vest- 
ments, and  the  interior  ornamentations  of  the  edifice  were  donated 
or  paid  for  chiefly  by  persons  visiting  the  church  as  pilgrims,  in 
thanksgiving  for  favors  received.  A  magnificent  gold-embroid- 
ered antependium  was  sent  to  the  church  by  Pope  Leo  XIIL  It 
was  one  of  the  many  gifts  he  received  on  the  occasion  of  his  Golden 
Jubilee  as  a  priest,  in  1887. 

In  May,  1886,  the  Rev.  M.  Arnoldi  succeeded  Father  Gloden 
at  Berwick.  He  also  had  charge  of  Carey  until  the  appointment 
of  the  Rev.  Cornelius  L.  O'Brien,  as  first  resident  pastor,  in 
August,  1888.  Father  O'Brien's  successor  was  the  present  pastor, 
the  Rev.  John  G.  Mizer,  who  took  charge  in  January,  1890.  He 
at  once  devised  means  to  cancel  the  parish  debt,  of  about  $1,500, 
which  he  found  on  his  arrival.  It  was  paid  within  one  year.  In 
1891  he  had  plans  drawn  for  remodeling  the  pastoral  residence, 
begun  in  1887,  but  left  incomplete.  The  lot  on  which  it  stands 
was  bought  in  1882.  The  work  was  done  in  a  few  months  and  the 
house  ready  for  occupancy.  It  is  a  neat  structure  and  is  well 
arranged. 

In  February,  1887,  Father  Mizer  secured  four  acres  of  land 
about  one  mile  from  Carey,  for  a  parish  cemetery.  Platted  as 
modern  cemeteries  usually  are,  it  presents  a  neat  appearance,  and 
is  a  credit  to  the  Catholics  of  Carey. 

On  July  3,  1892,  Carey  was  visited  by  a  destructive  cyclone, 
doing  much  damage  to  the  town.  The  church  spire  was  torn  off, 
although  the  church  itself  escaped  injury.  The  adjacent  pastoral 
residence  was  also  struck,  and  considerably  damaged.  In  a  short 
lime,  however,  the  spire  was  rebuilt  and  the  residence  repaired. 

During  Father  Mizer's  pastorate  the  congregation  of  Carey 
increased  considerably,  and  now  numbers  about  sixty  families. 
Of  recent  years  the  annual  pilgrimage  to  the  shrine  of  Our  Lady 
of  Consolation,  which  takes  place  during  the  fourth  week  after 
Easter,  has  received  a  new  impetus;  the  number  of  pilgrims  is 
increasing  each  year. 


348  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

Preparations  are  now  under  way  for  the  erection  of  a  fine 
church,  of  brick  or  stone,  which,  according  to  present  indications, 
will  be  under  roof  in  1903. 

The  parish  school  was  established  by  Father  Gloden  in  1877. 
It  is  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher,  and  has  an  attendance  of  sixty-five 
pupils. 

CECIL,  PAULDING  COUNTY. 
IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  Mission  of  Cecil  was  not  organized  until  1875.  As  early 
as  1865,  however,  the  Catholics  who  had  settled  there  and  at 
Emerald,  and  The  Furnace,  about  two  miles  distant,  had  been 
regularly  attended,  for  ten  years,  from  Defiance.  Since  1875  the 
resident  pastors  of  Antwerp  have  had  charge  of  Cecil,  as  a  Station, 
till  1879;  and  since  then  as  a  Mission.  They  were  the  Revs.  J. 
Klute,  H.  Kolopp,  P.  H.  Delbaere,  F.  Rupert,  A.  E.  Manning, 
A.  Hamelin,  F.  A.  Schreiber,  E.  P.  Graham,  J.  A.  Sidley,  and  since 
August,  1899,  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Forst. 

Father  Rupert  purchased  four  lots,  in  September,  1879,  and 
on  one  of  them  he  had  a  small  but  neat  frame  church  (30x40  feet) 
erected,  at  a  cost  of  $600.  Bishop  Gilmour  delegated  him  to  bless 
it,  on  the  feast  of  the  Immaculate  Conception,  December  8,  1879. 
Previous  to  that  time  Mass  had  always  been  said  in  private  houses 
in  the  above  mentioned  places.  In  1883  Father  Manning  pur- 
chased a  tract  of  land  for  a  cemetery.  During  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Schreiber  the  Mission  of  Cecil  outgrew  its  church.  It  was 
thought  best  to  enlarge  the  church  rather  than  build  another. 
Plans  were  accordingly  drawn  for  remodeling  and  enlarging  the 
church.  Its  length  was  increased  43  feet,  making  its  present  size 
30x83  feet.  The  work  was  begun  in  the  spring  of  1888,  and 
finished  by  the  following  autumn.  The  result  was  that  practically 
a  new  church  had  been  built.  The  cost  of  the  reconstructed  edifice 
was  about  $2,000.  In  the  following  year  it  was  neatly  frescoed 
and  provided  with  windows  of  cathedral  glass.  Three  neat  artistic 
altars,  two  statues  and  other  furnishings  were  added,  thus 
enhancing  the  beauty  of  the  sanctuary.  A  1,000  pound  bell  was 
placed  in  the  belfry  in  1889.  The  reconstructed  church,  now  fully 
and  tastefully  equipped,  and  paid  for,  was  re-dedicated  on  Sunday, 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  349 

Ju^y  27,  1890,  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  as  Bishop  Gilmour's  delegate. 
It  was  a  day  of  rejoicing  for  Father  Schreiber  and  the  devoted  and 
generous  people  of  his  Mission.  Owing  to  the  fact  that  most  of 
the  children  live  too  far  from  Cecil,  it  has  not  been  found  possible 
to  establish  a  parish  school,  although  the  Mission  numbers  about 
forty  families. 


CHICAGO,  HURON  COUNTY. 

ST.  FRANCIS  XAVIER'S  CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  J.  Martin  Piitz,  pastor  of  Monroeville,  was  the  first 
priest  to  look  after  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  Catholics  at 
Chicago  (formerly  known  as  Chicago  Junction),  a  thriving  railroad 
town,  located  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad,  at  its  junction 
with  the  line  of  the  same  system,  running  from  Newark  to  San- 
dusky. Father  Piitz  attended  Chicago  from  the  summer  of  1876 
until  the  appointment,  in  February,  1877,  of  the  Rev.  Francis  J. 
Oberle,  who  attended  the  place  from  Shelby  as  a  Station.  He 
and  his  predecessor  said  Mass  in  private  houses.  In  the  spring 
of  1879  he  succeeded  in  raising  enough  means  to  purchase  several 
lots,  and  erect  on  these  a  frame  church,  or  chapel,  20x40  feet  in 
size.  The  cost  of  both  was  about  $700.  The  school  was  opened 
in  November,  1880.  with  an  enrollment  of  27  children,  taught  by 
a  lay  teacher.  The  vestry  of  the  church  was  the  first  school.  The 
Rev.  Frederick  Rupert  succeeded  Father  Oberle  at  Shelby  and 
Chicago  in  April,  1881.  and  attended  the  latter  place  monthly,  as 
did  his  predecessor.  Owing  to  lack  of  means  the  parish  school 
had  to  be  abandoned  in  June,  1881.  Father  Rupert  had  charge  of 
the  Mission  until  July,  1882.  From  that  time,  until  June,  1898, 
the  following  priests  attended  Chicago  from  Shelby,  viz. :  The 
Revs.  A.  Huthmacher,  P.  McDonald,  J.  F.  Smith  and  J.  P. 
Michaelis.  The  Rev.  J.  C.  Herr  was  appointed  first  resident 
pastor  of  .Chicago  in  June,  1898,  but  remained  only  until  the 
following  September,  when  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  Cathedral 
curates.  His  successor  is  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Daniel  B. 
Kirby. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Michaelis  (November,  1894, 
to  June,  1899),  the  Mission  of  Chicago  had  far  outgrown  its  first 


350  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

church.  Its  site,  moreover,  was  inconvenient  and  undesirable; 
and  now  that  a  new  church  was  a  necessity,  a  more  desirable,  loca- 
tion was  sought.  Three  lots,  situated  on  the  south  side  of 
Washington,  near  Hayes  street,  were  bought  in  May  or  June, 
1896.  The  former  lots  were  sold  by  Father  Michaelis,  and  their 
proceeds  applied  on  the  purchase  price  of  the  new  lots.  Plans 
were  procured  for  a  brick  church,  to  be  located  at  the  intersection 
of  the  above  named  streets.  Its  corner-stone  was  laid  by  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Mgr.  Thorpe,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate,  on  Sunday,  August 
30,  1896.  Just  one  year  later  (August  29,  1897),  the  handsome 
edifice  (42x72  feet),  a  reproduction  in  miniature  of  St.  Peter's, 
Rome,  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann.  It  seats  nearly  300 
and  cost  about  $9,500;  its  interior  is  very  attractive.  The  church 
is  indeed  a  credit  to  Father  Michaelis,  and  to  the  small  but  gener- 
ous congregation ;  and  no  less  to  its  designer. 

Owing  to  lack  of  means  there  is  no  parish  school  at  Chicago. 
Father  Kirby  hopes  to  re-establish  it  in  the  near  future,  and  to 
build  a  pastoral  residence.  At  present  the  parish  numbers  about 
thirty-eight  families. 


CLOVERDALE,  PUTNAM  COUNTY. 

ST.  BARBARA'S  CHURCH. 

Cloverdale,  a  small  but  enterprising  village,  less  than  ten  years 
in  existence,  is  located  at  the  crossing  of  the  "Cloverleaf,"  and  the 
Findlay,  Ft.  Wayne  and  Western  railroads.  There  are  only  ten 
Catholic  families  in  the  place,  but  the  surrounding  country  is  settled 
largely  by  prosperous  Catholic  German  farmers,  who  form  the 
principal  membership  of  the  congregation,  which  is  an  outgrowth 
of  the  Ottoville  parish.  These  farmers  petitioned  Bishop  Horst- 
mann for  permission  to  erect  a  church  for  themselves,  and  thus 
obviate  the  necessity  of  going  to  Ottoville,  seven  miles  distant. 
As  soon  as  they  gave  evidence  of  their  ability  to  build  and  pay  for 
the  desired  church,  the  permission  was  granted.  The  Rev. 
Michael  Mueller,  pastor  of  Ottoville,  was  commissioned  to  secure 
a  proper  site  to  serve  for  church,  school,  and  pastoral  residence. 
This  was  done  in  January,  1895,  when  a  three-acre  tract  of  land  was 
bought.  . 


IN    THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  351 

In  the  summer  of  1898  the  church,  a  neat  frame  structure, 
40x90  feet,  was  built  at  a  cost  of  about  $5,000.  It  was  dedicated 
to  St.  Barbara  on  August  21,  of  the  same  year.  From  that  time 
forward  Cloverdale  was  attended  from  Ottoville  every  Sunday  as 
a  Mission,  by  the  Rev.  Henry  Wichmann,  who  was  then  Father 
Mueller's  assistant.  In  June,  1900,  Father  Wichmann  was 
appointed  resident  pastor  of  Cloverdale.  He  had  an  elegant 
residence  built  during  the  fall  of  1900,  at  a  cost  of  about  $3,000. 
Pending  its  construction  he  resided  at  Ottoville. 

The  parish  numbers  about  seventy  families,  and  has  a  healthy, 
steady  growth,  with  fair  prospects  of  soon  ranking  among  the  large 
country  parishes  in  the  diocese.  Catholic  "District  Schools" 
accommodate  the  children,  a  regular  parochial  school  being 
impracticable,  as  the  children  live  too  far  from  the  church. 


CLYDE,  SANDUSKY  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 
The  history  of  Catholicity  in  the  beautiful  village  of  Clyde 
dates  back  to  1853.  It  was  in  that  year  the  Rev.  Thomas  J. 
Walsh,  resident  pastor  of  St.  Ann's,  Fremont,  said  Mass  there  for 
the  first  time  in  an  old  log  house,  which  stood  on  the  site  now 
occupied  by  the  Lake  Shore  freight  house.  His  visit  was  the 
source  of  great  joy  to  the  few  Catholics  of  the  town.  Until  1861, 
Clyde  was  attended  from  St.  Ann's.  The  Rev.  John  Roos  had 
charge  from  1856  to  May,  1857;  and  the  Rev.  Louis  Molon,  to 
1861.  Up  to  this  time  Mass  was  said  in  private  houses.  In  May, 
1857,  Father  Molon  bought  an  acre  of  ground,  for  a  church  site 
and  cemetery.  Two  years  later  he  secured  additional  ground  of 
the  same  dimension.  Both  these  purchases  were  made  in  a  part 
of  Clyde  that  later  proved  very  attractive.  In  1858  he  commenced 
the  erection  of  a  frame  church  on  the  ground  first  purchased. 
Before  its  completion,  however,  he  was  succeeded  in  the  attendance 
of  Clyde,  in  July,  1859,  by  the  Rev.  George  Peter,  who  was  then 
at  St.  Joseph's,  Fremont,  and  had  charge  of  a  number  of  the 
neighboring  Missions.  Father  Peter  had  the  church  finished  early 
in  1860.  Bishop  Rappe  blessed  it  and  the  adjoining  cemetery,  in 
May  of  that  year.     In  June,  1861,  Clyde  was  made  a  Mission  of 


352  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

Bellevue  and  so  remained  until  July,  1872,  when  the  Rev.  J.  D. 
Bowles  was  appointed  its  first  resident  ])astor.  Tn  October  after 
his  appointment  he  purchased  for  his  residence  a  house  and  lot, 
near  the  church  lot,  with  a  street  intervening.  In  January,  1875, 
the  Rev.  G.  Rudolf  became  his  successor  and  remained  until  the 
appointment  of  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Nunan  in  March,  1870.  From 
June  until  September,  1881,  Clyde  was  again  attended  from 
Bellevue — this  time  by  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Cahill,  who  was  then 
transferred  to  Clyde,  as  resident  pastor.  He  soon  succeeded  in  allay- 
ing the  disturbed  condition  of  the  congregation  and  infusing  into  it 
new  life.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  A.  E.  Manning,  who  took 
charge  in  April,  1888.  In  a  short  time  he  had  the  parish  debt 
cancelled  and  set  about  to  prepare  for  the  erection  of  a  much 
needed  church  to  replace  the  old,  time-worn  structure.  In  this 
project  he  was  seconded  by  his  people,  whose  confidence  he  soon 
gained  and  who,  though  few  in  number,  proved  generous  givers. 
Plans  for  a  brick  church,  45x100  feet,  witb  a  transept  of  52  feet, 
were  made  by  a  competent'  architect  and  approved  by  Bishop 
Gilmour.  Work  was  commenced  on  the  new  church  in  May,  1886, 
and  the  corner-stone  laid  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  the  following  4th 
of  July.  In  order  not  to  overtax  his  people.  Father  Manning 
thought  it  wise  to  "make  haste  slowly,"  and  hence  nothing  was 
done  in  connection  with  the  new  church  during  the  next  two  years, 
beyond  enclosing  it.  In  1889  the  groining,  plastering  and  fresco- 
ing were  completed.  In  March,  1890,  before  the  church  was  quite 
finished,  Father  Manning  was  transferred  to  St.  Ann's,  Fremont. 
His  administration  had  been  fruitful  in  inspiring  the  people  with 
confidence  and  courage.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Francis 
T.  Moran,  who  took  up  the  work  where  it  had  been  laid  down, 
and  brought  the  new  church  to  completion.  It  was  dedicated  on 
July  13,  of  the  same  year,  by  Bishop  Gilmour.  It  was  the  last 
church  he  dedicated,  as  shortly  after  this  event  he  fell  seriously  ill 
and  never  recovered.  With  furnishings,  and  a  $450  bell,  the 
church  cost  about  $13,000.  Of  this  sum  Father  Manning  paid 
$6,700;  the  balance  was  met  by  his  successor.  Father  Moran. 
Shortly  before  the  dedication  of  the  church,  Mrs.  Jane  Mack,  a 
member  of  the  parish,  donated  the  very  generous  sum  of  $1,000 
towards  furnishing  the  same,  particularly  its  sanctuary.      Honor 


ST.   JOSEPH'S  CHURCH,   COLLINWOOD. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  353 

to  whom  honor  is  due !  The  church,  a  beautiful  Gothic  structure, 
is  the  most  attractive  and  conspicuous  building  in  Clyde,  and  is 
justly  the  pride  of  the  Catholics  of  the  town.  In  1892  Father 
Moran  built  the  present  neat  and  commodious  pastoral  residence. 
It  is  of  brick  and  cost  about  $3,000.  He  sold  the  old  residence  and 
lot  the  same  year.  Many  improvements  were  made  about  the 
ground  and  the  adjoining  cemetery,  and  the  parochial  property 
was  as  complete  as  possible,  when  Father  Moran  was  transferred 
to  Akron,  to  be  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Patrick  C.  N.  Dwyer,  in 
December,  180(3.  He  in  turn  was  succeded  by  the  present  pastor, 
the  Rev.  John  J.  Powers,  in  January,  1898.  The  parish  now  num- 
bers about  70  families,  most  of  them  living  on  farms  within  a 
radius  of  about  five  miles. 

Thus  far  it  has  not  been  found  practicable  to  establish  a  paro- 
chial school,  owing  to  the  small  number  of  children  that  could 
convenientlv  attend. 


COLLINWOOD.  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

About  1875  the  Lake  Shore  Railway  Company  bought  a  large 
tract  of  land,  two  miles  west  of  Nottingham,  and  converted  it  into 
a  car-yard  for  their  through  traf^c.  They  also  built  a  roundhouse 
and  repair  shops  there.  The  employes  of  the  road  came  by 
degrees,  and  as  fast  as  houses  could  be  built  for  them  they  settled 
in  the  neighborhood  of  the  station  and  car-yard.  Thus  in  a  short 
time  an  extensive  village  was  formed  and  named  Collinwood,  after 
Mr.  Collins,  who  was  the  chief  engineer  of  the  "Lake  Shore"  road. 
Among  the  new-comers  was  a  fair  number  of  Catholic  families. 
These  soon  required  church  and  school  accommodations.  The 
Rev.  A.  T.  Martin,  pastor  of  Euclid,  was  given  charge  of  Collin- 
wood's  spiritual  interests,  in  October,  1877,  when  he  was  author- 
ized by  Bishop  Gilmour  to  purchase  a  few  lots  at  the  intersection 
of  Manchester  and  Collins  avenues.  The  purchase  price  was  $910. 
In  November  of  the  same  year  a  small  frame  church,  24x30  feet  in 
size,  was  commenced  on  the  east  end  of  the  property.  Mass  was 
celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time  the  following  Christmas.  In  the 
spring  of  1879  the  church  was  enlarged  by  an  addition  of  40  feet 


354  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

and  the  whole  building  fitted  up  for  church  and  school  purposes. 
The  entire  cost  of  land,  church  and  school  was  about  $2,500.  The 
school  was  opened  in  January,  1880,  w'ith  an  attendance  of  40 
pupils. 

Father  Martin  attended  Collinwood  from  Euclid,  at  first  twice 
a  month,  on  Sundays,  and  from  1884,  every  Sunday.  In  a  few 
years  the  Mission  had  grown  so  rapidly  that  the  church  became 
much  too  small.  The  original  debt  having  been  cancelled  in  1890, 
Father  Martin  made  preparations  for  the  erection  of  a  larger  and 
permanent  church,  to  be  located  near  the  intersection  of  the  above 
named  avenues.  Plans  were  drawn  for  a  brick  structure,  44x90 
feet,  of  Norman-Gothic  architecture.  The  foundation  was  laid  in 
1891,  at  a  cost  of  over  $2,000..  Work  was  then  stopped  until  the 
spring  of  1894,  owing  in  part  to  present  lack  of  means,  and  later 
to  the  general  financial  distress  of  1893.  The  corner-stone  for  the 
new  church  was  laid  by  Mgr.  Boft,  V.  G.,  on  Sunday,  August  26, 
of  the  same  year.  The  attractive  church  was  dedicated  to  St. 
Joseph  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  Sunday,  September  1,  1895.  It 
was  a  day  of  great  rejoicing  for  the  Catholics  of  Collinwood,  as 
well  as  for  Father  Martin,  under  whose  watchful  care  the  edifice 
was  brought  to  completion.     It  cost  about  $13,000. 

All  of  the  former  church  was  now  converted  into  a  school, 
which  a  few  years  previous  had  been  placed  in  charge  of  two 
Ursuline  Sisters. 

Father  Martin's  faithful  attendance  of  the  Collinwood  Mission 
ended  with  his  edifying  death,  on  November  24,  1899.  His  demise 
was  sincerely  mourned  by  his  parishioners.  The  present  pastor, 
the  Rev.  John  W.  Bell,  was  appointed  Father  Martin's  successor 
in  January,  1900.  His  first  care  was  the  proper  grading  of  the 
school.  For  this  purpose  he  had  the  building  enlarged  and  reno- 
vated at  a  cost  of  about  $700.  He  also  engaged  a  third  teacher  to 
assist  the  two  Ursuline  Sisters. 

Father  Bell  found  that  the  best  interests  of  the  parish  and 
school  demanded  that  he  reside  at  Collinwood,  and  make  Euclid 
a  Mission.  Bishop  Horstmann  approved  of  the  proposed  change 
and  authorized  the  purchase  of  lots  on  which  to  erect  a  suitable 
pastoral  residence.  This  was  begun  in  August,  1900,  and  at 
present  writing  (December,  1900)  is  almost  completed.     Its  cost 


IN   THE    DIOCESE  OF    CLEVELAND.  355 

and  the  purchase  price  of  the  lots  will  approximate  $9,000.  The 
parish  now  numbers  about  120  families.  The  prospects  for  further 
growth  of  the  village  and  a  corresponding  increase  of  its  Catholic 
population  are  the  brightest,  because  of  the  decision  of  the  "Lake 
Shore"  road  to  build  immense  car  shops,  and  to  enlarge  its  present 
repair  shops  in  the  near  future. 


CONNEAUT,  ASHTABULA  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  Peter  Peudeprat,  resident  pastor  of  Painesville,  from 
1850  to  1852,  was  the  first  priest  to  minister  to  the  spiritual  wants 
of  the  two  Catholic  families  then  living  at  Conneaut.  He  visited 
them  a  few  times  between  1851  and  1852.  The  Rev.  Charles 
Coquerelle  succeeded  him  at  Painesville  and  Conneaut,  and 
attended  the  latter  place  monthly  on  Sundays.  He  said  Mass  in 
the  house  of  William  Brody.  The  V.  Rev.  Alexis  Caron  had 
charge  from  1859  to  1862,  when  Conneaut  was  attached  to  Ashta- 
bula as  a  Station,  and  later  as  a  Mission.  Thus  it  remained  until 
July,  1880.  During  this  time  the  following  priests,  resident  at 
Ashtabula,  looked  after  the  spiritual  interests  of  Conneaut :  The 
Revs.  John  Ellwood,  John  Tracy  and  Edward  J.  Conway.  In 
July,  1880,  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Finucan  was  appointed  resident  pastor 
of  Jefferson,  and  was  also  given  charge  of  Conneaut,  which  he 
attended  till  March,  1881,  when  it  was  again  attached  to  Ashtabula. 
In  May,  1864,  the  Rev.  J.  Tracy  secured,  as  a  donation  from 
Martin  Murphy  and  Terence  Ouinn,  a  half-acre  lot,  fronting  on 
Chestnut  street.  The  Catholics  of  Conneaut  were  too  poor  and 
too  few  in  number  to  build  a  church.  Father  Tracy  bought  a 
frame  building  (26x36  feet)  at  an  expense  of  $300.  It  was  formerly 
used  as  a  dwelling  and  stood  on  the  site  of  the  present  Town  Hall. 
He  had  it  removed  to  the  above  mentioned  lot  and  remodeled  for 
church  purposes,  at  a  cost  of  about  $600.  It  was  dedicated,  in 
1865,  under  the  title  of  St.  Mary.  In  the  following  year  an 
addition  was  made  to  it,  costing  about  as  much  as  the  old  building 
itself.  In  1869  Father  Conway  made  some  improvements  in  and 
about  the  church,  which  bridged  over  for  some  years  the  necessity 
of  building  a  permanent  and  larger  church.     In  July,  1884.  Con- 


356  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

neaut  was  again  attached  to  Jefferson  as  a  Mission,  and  placed  in 
charge  of  the  Rev.  Gilbert  P.  Jennings.  In  the  si)ring  of  1887  he 
purchased  a  new  site  for  a  church — two  lots  covering  an  area 
of  122x155  feet,  at  the  corner  of  State  and  Chestnut  streets;  they 
cost  $900.  On  July  10,  of  the  same  year,  Bishop  Gilmour  laid  the 
corner-stone  of  the  new  brick  church.  It  is  a  neat  Gothic  structure. 
40x80  feet,  with  transept,  and  is  tastily  frescoed.  It  was  dedicated 
on  October  21,  1888,  by  the  same  Prelate.  Exclusive  of 
altars  and  pews,  its  cost  was  about  $10,000.  In  October, 
1889,  Father  Jennings  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor  of 
Conneaut,  and  Jefferson  became  the  Mission.  This  change  was 
necessitated  by  the  greater  relative  growth  and  importance  of 
Conneaut,  and  was  welcomed  with  joy  by  the  generous  people, 
who  had  made  so  many  sacrifices  in  erecting  their  beautiful  church. 
In  October,  1891,  the  present  commodious  pastoral  residence  was 
ready  for  occupancy.  It  cost  about  $2,200.  In  July,  1892,  the 
old  church  was  torn  down  and  the  lots  on  which  it  stood  since 
1866  were  sold.  The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  William  F.  Murphy, 
succeeded  Father  Jennings  in  August,  1893.  He  found  a  flourish- 
ing congregation,  imbued  with  an  excellent  spirit,  thus  making 
his  pastorate  a  labor  of  love.  Thus  far  Conneaut  had  no  parish 
cemetery.  Father  Murphy  therefore  secured  five  acres  of  land  for 
that  purpose,  in  June,  1900.  The  purchase  price  was  $750,  and  the 
location  is  a  desirable  one.  During  the  same  year  he  also  bought, 
for  $2,900,  two  lots,  on  State  street,  to  serve  for  school  purposes. 
The  building  was  commenced  on  September  8,  1900,  and  at  pres- 
ent writing  (December,  1900)  is  under  roof.  It  is  built  of  pressed 
brick  and  is  two  stories  high,  exclusive  of  basement.  When 
completed  it  will  have  cost  about  $15,000.  This  completes  a 
group  of  parish  buildings  that  would  do  honor  to  a  parish  of  much 
greater  numerical  and  financial  strength.  Conneaut  now  has 
about  100  Catholic  families,  and  with  its  present  bright  prospects 
this  number  will  rapidly  increase  in  the  near  future. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  357 


CONVOY,  VAN  WERT  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
The  village  of  Convoy,  located  on  the  P.  Ft.  W.  &  C.  railway, 
between  Delphos  and  Van  Wert,  is  a  small  Catholic  Mission,  of 
only  ten  families,  which  number  it  never  exceeded.  It  was  first 
attended  from  Glandorf.  Putnam  county,  as  a  Station,  as  far  back 
as  1850,  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  the  Revs.  P.  Henneberry  and 
M.  Kreusch.  In  1855  it  was  attached  to  Delphos,  and  thence 
attended,  successively,  by  the  Revs.  F.  Westerholt  and  A.  I. 
HoefYel  until  ]876.  It  was  then  made  a  Mission  of  Van  Wert,  and 
has  since  so  remained.  Father  Westerholt  bought  a  lot  at  Convoy 
in  April,  1801,  and  had  a  plain  but  neat  frame  church  (25x35  feet) 
built  on  it,  which  still  serves  its  purpose.  The  following  priests 
attended  Convoy  monthly,  from  Van  Wert:  The  Revs.  J.  H. 
Leddy,  J.  T.  Ca'hill,  P.  Barry,  E.  F.  Rohan,  F.  J.  O'Neill,  M.  J. 
Clear,  J.  J.  Clarke,  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  S.  Weber, 
since  June,  1898. 

CRAWFORDSVILLE,  WYANDOT  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
The  Mission  of  Crawfordsville  was  organized  in  1849  and  a 
small  log  church  (20x26  feet),  built  on  a  donated  parcel  of 
land.  It  was  attended  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  the  first  of 
whom  was  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Obermiiller.  The  last  was  the  Rev.  T. 
Schoch,  whose  pastorate  ended  in  August,  1875,  when  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Rosenberg,  resident  pastor  of  Kirby,  was  appointed  to  take 
charge  of  the  Mission.  Whilst  the  Rev.  Father  Gales,  C.  PP.  S., 
attended  Crawfordsville  (May,  1857,  to  October,  1859),  the 
second  church,  a  very  plain  frame  structure  (25x50  feet)  was  built 
in  1859.  It  cost  about  $1,000,  and  was  erected  on  a  one  acre  tract 
of  land  donated  by  Peter  Pauly,  in  November,  1858,  for  a  place  to 
build  a  church  and  school.  In  May,  1859,  J.  Draper  also  donated 
two  and  one-half  acres  for  a  cemetery.  In  1878  Father  Rosenberg 
established  the  parish  school.  In  July,  1880,  he  was  succeeded  by 
the  present  attending  priest,  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Mizer.  About  this 
time  the  Mission  had  considerably  increased,  which  fact  made  the 


358  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

need  of  a  large  church  quite  apparent.  Besides,  the  well-to-do 
Catholic  German  farmers,  who  composed  the  Mission,  also  felt 
equal  to  the  task  of  erecting  a  church  that  would  be  a  credit  to 
them.  Father  Mizer  therefore  had  plans  drawn  for  a  church  of 
Roman  architecture,  in  size  40x80  feet,  and  to  cost  about  $7,000. 
It  was  begun  in  August,  1883,  and  ready  for  use  in  January,  1885. 
On  December  10,  1893,  the  pretty  church  was  consumed  by  fire, 
owing  to  a  defective  flue.  The  insurance  ($5,000)  was  promptly 
paid,  but  covered  the  loss  only  in  part.  The  people  were  not  dis- 
heartened, however,  but  resolved  at  once  to  replace  the  church  by 
another  and  better  edifice.  Just  two  months  after  the  fire  the 
contract  for  the  new  church  was  let.  On  June  3,  1894,  Bishop 
Horstmann  laid  its  corner-stone.  He  also  dedicated  the  church 
on  November  18,  1896.  It  is  a  very  attractive  brick  structure, 
40x80  feet,  of  Roman  architecture,  with  an  eighty-foot  tower  at  the 
southwest  corner.  It  is  furnished  with  artistic  stained  glass 
windows,  fine  altars,  statuary,  etc.,  and  is  considered  one  of  the 
prettiest  country  churches  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  Its  cost 
was  $11,000,  and  is  fully  paid.  The  fact  is  worthy  of  record,  as  the 
Mission  numbers  only  about  35  families. 

Father  Mizer  has  had  charge  of  Crawfordsville  since  1880, 
with  the  exception  of  a  short  time  (August,  1888,  to  January, 
1890),  when  the  Mission  was  attended  from  Carey,  by  the  Rev. 
C.  L.  O'Brien.  Father  Mizer  was  then  transferred  to  Carey,  as 
resident  pastor,  but  retained  the  charge  of  Crawfordsville,  giving 
it  semi-monthly  service  since  then,  as  in  past  years. 


CRESTLINE,  CRAWFORD  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  George  H.  Brennan  was  the  first  priest  to  say  Mass 
in  Crestline.  This  he  did  on  week  days  in  private  houses, 
between  the  years  1854  and  1856,  whilst  he  was  resident  pastor  of 
Wooster.  In  the  latter  year  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Michael 
O'Neill  who  for  about  three  years  attended  the  few  Catholic 
families  then  residing  at  Crestline.  They  were  next  visited  by  the 
Rev.  Stephen  Falk,  pastor  of  Shelby  Settlement,  from  1859  to 
1861,  when  Crestline  was  assigned  to  IMansfield  as  a  Station  and 


ST.    JOSEPH'S    CHURCH  AND   SCHOOL,   CRESTLINE. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  359 

attended  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  F.  Gallagher.  Fathers  Brennan  and 
O'Neill  had  made  several  attempts  to  raise  sufficient  means  for  the 
erection  of  a  frame  church  on  lots  that  were  promised  as  a  dona- 
tion, but  their  efforts  failed,  because  of  the  very  small  number  and 
the  poverty  of  those  that  comprised  their  charge.  The  promised 
site  for  a  church  (two  lots  fronting  on  North  street)  was  deeded 
by  Peter  Dousset  to  Bishop  Rappe  in  July,  1859,  during  the  time 
Father  Falk  attended  Crestline,  but  the  building  project  had  still 
not  materialized.  Finally,  when  Father  Gallagher  took  charge  in 
July,  1861,  another  attempt  was  made  to  raise  funds  for  a  church — 
this  time  with  success.  In  a  few  months  a  frame  building,  25x60 
feet,  was  ready  for  use  as  a  place  of  worship.  Most  of  the  timber 
was  donated  by  members  of  the  Shelby  Settlement  congregation 
and  hauled  by  them  gratis.  This  materially  reduced  the  cost  of 
the  church,  which  was  erected  at  an  expense  of  about  $1,000.  It 
was  placed  under  the  protection  of  St.  Joseph,  but  there  is  no 
record  when  or  by  whom  it  was  dedicated.  The  Rev.  Victor 
Arnould  succeeded  Father  Falk  at  Shelby  Settlement  in  May, 
1862,  and  was  also  given  charge  of  CrestHne  as  a  Mission.  This 
he  attended  regularly  on  Sundays  until  September,  1863,  when  it 
became  a  Mission  of  Mansfield,  with  the  Rev.  James  P.  Molony  in 
charge.  In  July,  1865,  the  Rev.  John  P.  Piitz  was  appointed 
pastor  of  Galion  and  was  at  the  same  time  directed  to  attend  Crest- 
line as  a  Mission.  In  November,  1868,  he  was  transferred  to 
Crestline  as  the  first  resident  pastor.  He  remained  until  Decem- 
ber, 1869,  when,  to  the  great  sorrow  of  his  parishioners,  ill  health 
forced  him  to  resign  his  charge.  His  successor  was  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Eyler,  January,  1870,  to  May,  1873.  Shortly  before  his 
departure  Father  Piitz  had  bought  two  lots  immediately  east  of 
the  church,  to  be  used  eventually  as  a  site  for  the  pastoral  resi- 
dence. Father  Eyler  raised  a  subscription  for  the  purpose  and  in 
1871  built  the  present  residence,  a  neat  brick  structure,  at  a  cost  of 
about  $2,500.  In  July,  1873,  the  Rev.  A.  M.  Meili  was  appointed 
to  succeed  Father  Eyler,  after  whose  departure  the  Rev.  J.  B. 
Heiland,  of  Shelby  Settlement,  attended  Crestline  about  one 
month.  Father  Meili's  pastorate  ended  in  March,  1874.  The 
Rev.  P.  F.  Quigley  had  temporary  charge  of  Crestline,  from 
Rockport,  for  a  few  weeks,  until  the  arrival  of  the  Rev.  Edward 
Mears.     By  his  prudence  and  zeal  Father    Mears    succeeded  in 


360  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

bringing  about  an  excellent  spirit  into  the  parish,  which  he  found 
considerably  disturbed  because  of  difificulties  that  arose  during  the 
time  of  Father  Meili's  incumbency.  His  successor  was  the  Rev. 
George  F.  Houck,  whose  pastorate  lasted  from  August,  1875,  to 
July,  1877 — when  the  efifects  of  the  "Black  Friday"  financial  panic 
of  1873  were  yet  felt.  Notwithstanding  the  financial  depression, 
which  very  noticeably  affected  Crestline — a  thorough  "railroad 
town" — Father  Houck  succeeded  in  making  a  number  of  notable 
improvements  in  and  about  the  church  and  school,  all  of  which 
were  paid  for  when  completed.  In  obedience  to  Bishop  Gilmour's 
wish  he  severed  his  connection  with  the  good  people  of  his  first 
and  only  pastoral  charge,  and  to  which  he  had  become  greatly 
attached.  He  was  assigned  to  a  field  of  duty  entirely  new  to 
him — the  Chancellorship  of  the  diocese,  with  which  position  was 
also  connected  that  of  secretary  to  the  Bjshop.  Father  Houck's 
successor  was  the  Rev.  Michael  B.  Brown,  during  whose  pastorate, 
which  ended  in  March,  1881,  the  present  Sisters'  residence  was 
built.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  William  J.  Finucan  who, 
like  most  of  his  predecessors  and  the  large  majority  of  the  parish- 
ioners, was  displeased  with  the  out-of-the-way  location  of  the 
church.  As  a  new  and  larger  church  was  a  necessity.  Father 
Finucan  determined  that  it  should  be  built  in  a  prominent  part  of 
the  town — as  good  as  the  best.  In  188.3  he  raised  a  generous 
subscription  for  the  purchase  of  a  splendid  site  at  the  corner  of 
Main  and  Thoman  streets.  The  lots  were  bought  in  May,  1884, 
and  cost  $1,800.  Ill  health  prevented  Father  Finucan  from  build- 
ing the  much  desired  church,  and  obliged  him  to  ask  for  a  less 
exacting  pastoral  charge.  His  wish  was  granted  and  the  Rev. 
Clement  H.  Treiber  was  appointed  his  successor,  in  June,  1887. 
Shortly  after  his  advent  to  Crestline  Father  Treiber  made  prepara- 
tions to  erect  the  new  church,  for  which  he  found  a  little  over 
$4,000  in  the  parish  treasury.  This  sum  had  been  raised  by  Father 
Finucan  who  had  also  paid  for  the  above  mentioned  lots.  With 
this  nucleus  on  hand,  increased  by  further  subscription,  the  founda- 
tion for  the  church  was  commenced  in  the  spring  of  1888.  On 
June  3,  of  the  same  year,  the  corner-stone  was  laid  by  Bishop 
Gilmour.  During  1888  the  sum  of  $13,000  was  expended  on  the 
building.    Father  Treiber  thought  it  prudent  not  to  push  the  work 


IN   THE    DIOCESE  OF    CLEVELAND.  361 

too  rapidly;  hence  nothing  of  importance  was  done  in  1889.  In 
the  following  year  the  church  was  completed,  $3,000  having  been 
the  amount  expended.  Mass  was  said  in  it  for  the  first  time  on 
November  23,  1890.  The  beautiful  edifice  was  dedicated  by 
Bishop  Horstmann,  on  Sunday,  May  22,  1892.  It  was  a  day  of 
rejoicing  for  pastor  and  people  who  now  had  a  church  that  ranked 
with  any  in  that  section  of  the  diocese  in  point  of  architectural 
beauty  and  finish.  It  was  also  a  vindication  of  Father  Finucan's 
position  against  the  few  who  opposed  the  purchase  of  the  new  site, 
all  now  agreeing  that  no  better  location  could  have  been  chosen. 
The  church  (42x100  feet)  is  a  very  attractive  brick  edifice  of  Gothic 
architecture  and  adorned  with  stone  trimmings.  It  has  stained 
glass  windows  and  its  interior  is  fitted  up  in  excellent  taste. 

In  September,  1899,  the  Rev.  Ignatius  J.  Wonderly  was 
appointed  successor  to  Father  Treiber,  who  was  sent  to  Canton, 
there  to  organize  a  congregation.  Father  Wonderly's  stay  was 
brief — till  January,  1900,  when  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Herr,  the  present 
incumbent,  was  appointed  to  take  charge.  Shortly  after  his  arrival 
he  had  the  pastoral  residence  neatly  refurnished  at  a  cost  of  about 
$300.  At  an  outlay  of  about  $700  he  had  the  old  church  remod- 
eled into  a  school,  a  purpose  it  now  admirably  serves,  affording, 
as  it  does,  ample  educational  faciHties  to  the  children  of  the  parish. 
The  school  dates  back  to  the  pastorate  of  Father  Piitz,  and  has 
been  kept  open  ever  since.  It  was  in  charge  of  lay  teachers  until 
September,  1887,  when  it  was  placed  under  the  direction  of  the 
Sisters  of  Notre  Dame.  They  remained  in  charge  until  Septem- 
ber, 1889,  when  they  were  succeeded  by  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility 
of  Mary.  They  taught  the  school  until  June,  1893.  In  Septem- 
ber, 1893,  the  Dominican  Sisters  replaced  them  and  since  then 
have  had  charge.  The  enrollment  in  December,  1900,  was  100 
pupils. 

The  parish  now  numbers  about  85  families.  As  a  "mixed" 
congregation,  composed  of  Irish,  Germans,  and  their  decendants, 
it  is  a  model.  Catholicity  and  not  nationality  being  the  tie  that 
binds  them  all. 


362  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

CUSTAR,  WOOD  COUNTY. 

ST.  LOUIS'  CHURCH. 

The  first  Catholic  settlers  in  Liberty,  Milton  and  Weston 
townships  formed  the  nucleus  of  the  present  flourishing  congrega- 
tion at  Custar.  From  1858  to  1866  Custar  was  attended  as  a 
Station  at  irregular  intervals,  from  Maumee,  Perrysburg  and 
Providence.  A  frame  church  (no  longer  existing)  was  built  in  the 
early  "sixties,"  at  Wirtsburg,  about  a  mile  and  a  quarter  east  of 
the  center  of  the  Custar  Mission,  where  also,  in  the  summer  of 
1864,  a  frame  church,  29x50  feet,  was  built  under  the  direction  ot 
Father  Griss,  who  at  that  time  attended  Custar  from  Perrysburg. 
Both  churches  were  completed  about  the  same  time  and  were 
dedicated  on  the  same  day  by  Bishop  Rappe.  There  is,  however, 
no  record  of  the  date  of  dedication.  Shortly  after  this  event  the. 
Mission  of  Wirtsburg  was  merged  into  that  of  Custar,  and  thus 
ceased  to  exist.  The  following  priests  had  charge  of  Custar, 
either  as  a  Station  or  as  a  Mission:  The  Revs.  S.  Bauer  (who 
attended  Custar  from  Maumee  between  1860  and  1862,  and  was 
the  first  priest  who  visited  Custar),  Jacob  Hamene,  Charles  Griss, 
Joseph  Reinhardt,  Daniel  O'Keefe,  and  Henry  D.  Best.  In 
August,  1875,  the  Rev.  Henry  Doerner  was  appointed  first  resi- 
dent pastor.  He  had  charge  of  St.  Louis'  parish  until  March, 
1881.  He  built  the  pastoral  residence  in  1876;  previous  to  that 
time  he  lived  in  a  rented  house.  His  successor  was  the  Rev. 
Joseph  Sproll  (1881-85),  and  he  in  turn  was  succeeded  by  the 
present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Michael  Vollmayer,  in  July,  1885.  By 
this  time  the  congregation  had  outgrown  its  first  church,  which 
had  also  been  considerably  damaged  by  fire  in  March,  1887. 
Hence  Father  Vollmayer  secured  a  suitable  site  in  January,  1889, 
and  shortly  after  had  the  foundation  for  a  brick  church,  45x106 
feet,  under  way.  Bishop  Gilmour  laid  the  corner-stone  on  Sunday, 
July  14,  1889.  Two  years  later  (May,  1891),  Mgr.  F.  M.  Bofif, 
then  administrator  of  the  diocese,  dedicated  the  beautiful  Gothic 
structure  to  St.  Louis,  King  of  France.  The  pastor  and  his  gen- 
erous people,  the  majority  being  German  farmers,  had  the  great 
satisfaction  of  entering  their  new  house  of  worship  on  the  day  of 
its  dedication,  with  the  knowledge  that  it  was  without  a  dollar  of 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  363 

debt.  With  its  furnishings,  stained  glass  windows,  Stations  and 
statues,  the  church  cost  about  $14,000.  In  December,  1891,  three 
fine  bells  were  placed  in  position.  The  church  is  a  monument  to 
the  zeal  of  Father  Vollmayer,  under  whose  watchful  eye  it  was 
brought  to  completion ;  it  is  also  a  tangible  evidence  of  the 
generosity  and  practical  faith  of  his  congregation,  which  numbers 
about  85  families. 

In  the  fall  of  1900  Father  Vollmayer  began  the  erection  of  a 
handsome  pastoral  residence,  of  brick ;  it  cost  about  $3,500.  The 
old  residence  was  fitted  up  as  a  home  for  the  Notre  Dame 
Sisters  who  took  charge  of  the  parish  school  in  September,  1900, 
till  then  taught  by  lay  teachers.  The  school  was  established  in 
1875,  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Best.  For  three  years  the 
pupils  were  assembled  in  the  church,  near  the  entrance,  and  there 
taught.  In  1878  Father  Doerner  built  an  addition  to  the  rear  of 
the  church,  part  of  it  serving  as  a  sacristy,  and  part  as  a  school. 


CUYAHOGA  FALLS,  SUMMIT  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION    CHURCH. 

Cuyahoga  Falls  is  a  flourishing  village,  five  miles  north  of 
Akron.  It  is  located  on  the  banks  of  the  river  from  which  it  takes 
its  name,  and  is  noted  as  one  of  the  most  picturesque  places  in 
Northern  Ohio.  Catholics  settled  there  between  1820  and  1835, 
and  were  visited  by  the  Dominican  Fathers,  among  them  the  Rev. 
Vincent  De  Raymacher.  In  1835  the  Rev.  John  Dillon,  first 
resident  pastor  of  Cleveland,  paid  them  occasional  visits,  as  appears 
from  an  item  in  the  Cincinnati  Catholic  Telegraph  of  September 
4.  1835,  which  will  be  found  on  page  31  of  this  volume.  Cuyahoga 
Falls  was  first  attended  from  Cleveland,  as  a  Station,  by  the  Revs. 
Patrick  O'Dwyer  and  Peter  McLaughlin  (1836-42),  and  from 
1842  till  1867,  by  the  resident  pastors  of  St.  Vincent's,  Akron. 
It  was  then  attached  to  Hudson,  whence  it  has  been  attended 
ever  since.  Whilst  the  Rev,  Patrick  Barry,  resident  pastor  of 
Hudson  (July,  1881,  to  November,  1884),  had  charge  of  Cuyahoga 
Falls,  he  secured  property  for  a  church  in  October,  1883.  In  the 
spring  of  the  following  year  he  had  the  present  brick  edifice  (30x60 
feet)  brought  under  roof,  but  lack  of  means  prevented  its  interior 


364  A    HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

completion.  It  thus  remained  until  the  advent  of  the  Rev.  James 
J.  Farrell,  who  had  pastoral  charge  of  ''The  Falls"  from  October, 
1885,  to  September,  1889.  He  had  the  church  plastered  and 
neatly  adorned.  It  cost  about  $2,000,  and  was  dedicated  to  St. 
Joseph,  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  BofT,  V.  G.,  on  June  19,  1887.  The 
Mission  numbers  about  20  families,  to  whom  much  credit  is  due 
for  generously  assisting  with  their  limited  means  their  respective 
pastors  in  securing  so  neat  a  place  of  worship.  The  Rev.  D.  B. 
Crotty,  of  Hudson,  the  present  pastor,  has  had  charge  of  the 
Mission  since  August,  1899. 


CYGNET,  WOOD  COUNTY. 

SACRED  HEART  OF  JESUS'  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  little  "oil-town"  of  Cygnet  has  but  a  brief  history.  It 
dates  back  less  than  ten  years — to  about  the  year  1890,  when  in  the 
heart  of  the  now  celebrated  oil  field  of  Wood  county  it  came  into 
existence.  With  oil  drillers,  in  the  employment  of  the  Standard 
Oil  Company,  came  also  a  fair  contingent  of  Catholics,  whose 
numbers  were  steadily  increased  by  other  co-religionists  seeking 
employment,  or  their  fortune,  in  the  surrounding  oil  region.  How 
Cygnet,  with  its  vast  array  of  oil  derricks,  came  by  its  pretty  name 
is  not  on  record,  as  there  is  certainly  nothing  about  the  town  to 
suggest  the  young  of  the  swan. 

To  the  Rev.  W.  S.  Kress,  pastor  of  Bowling  Green,  was 
committed,  in  September,  1892,  the  spiritual  welfare  of  Cygnet's 
few  Catholics.  He  assembled  them  for  the  purpose  of  determining 
upon  the  purchase  of  a  suitable  place  for  divine  worship.  They 
were  averse  to  erecting  a  costly  building,  as  the  future  of  the  town, 
depending  as  it  did  on  the  oil  supply,  was  not  assured.  Its 
exhaustion  meant  the  total  abandonment  of  Cygnet.  In  view  of 
the  uncertainty  of  the  town's  stability  it  was  resolved  to  accept  the 
ofifer,  without  cost,  of  an  abandoned  one-story  frame  building, 
which  had  been  used  as  a  rod-shop,  but  was  still  in  good  condition. 
Three  lots,  fronting  on  Bradford  street,  were  purchased  for 
$250,  and  the  above  mentioned  building,  located  on  them,  was 
transformed  into  a  neat  chapel.  The  first  High  Mass  was  cele- 
brated in  it  by  Father    Kress,    on    Sunday,    October    30,   1892. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  365 

Previous  to  the  equipment  of  the  chapel,  Mass  had  been  said  in 
one  of  the  public  school  buildinofs,  and  before  that  in  the  house  of 
Hugh  McGivern.  In  November,  1894,  the  Rev.  A.  H.  Schreiner 
succeeded  Father  Kress  at  Bowling  Green,  with  charge  of  Cygnet 
as  a  Mission.  After  repeated  but  vain  efforts  to  convince  the  few 
Catholics  of  Cygnet  of  the  necessity  of  building  a  more  suitable 
house  of  worship,  Father  Schreiner  finally  succeeded  in  getting 
their  co-operation.  As  a  result  he  bought,  on  September  9,  1898, 
a  new  location  in  the  most  prominent  part  of  the  town.  The 
temporary  chapel  was  removed  to  the  rear  end  of  the  lots,  eventu- 
ally to  be  used  as  a  parish  and  society  hall.  Plans  were  at  once 
drawn  and  approved  for  the  construction  of  a  substantial  brick 
church,  35  feet  wide  and  65  feet  long.  It  was  completed  in  a  few 
months,  and  dedicated  to  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus,  on  Sunday, 
July  9,  1899,  by  the  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck,  as  Bishop  Horst- 
mann's  delegate.  He  also  sang  the  first  High  Mass  in  the  new 
edifice,  which  is  a  little  gem  of  church  architecture,  and  an  orna- 
ment to  the  town  as  well  as  its  most  prominent  building.  Its 
construction  was  planned  and  begun  by  Father  Schreiner,  and 
completed  under  the  supervision  of  Father  Regan.  It  cost  $4,000; 
but  a  small  debt  remains,  which  will  soon  be  paid. 

Father  Schreiner  was  succeeded  at  Bowling  Green  and  Cygnet 
by  the  Rev.  Martin  J.  Regan,  the  present  pastor,  in  January,  1899. 
Since  Bowling  Green  and  Cygnet  are  now  connected  by  an  electric 
line,  services  are  held  in  each  place  every  Sunday  and  Holyday. 
The  Mission  is  in  a  prosperous  condition,  with  harmony  and  peace 
prevailing.  As  yet  it  has  not  been  found  possible  to  establish  a 
parish  school. 


DALTON,  WAYNE  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

As  early  as  1825  Catholics,  from  Maryland,  had  settled  in  the 
village  and  environs  of  Dalton — located  six  miles  from  West 
Brookfield,  Stark  county.  It  was  then  and  for  many  years  known 
as  Sugar  Creek.  They  were  attended  by  the  resident  pastors  of 
St.  John's,  Canton,  and  later  by  those  of  Doylestown,  Wooster  and 
Canal  Fulton.     They  had  built  a  log  chapel  on  the  farm  of  a  Mr. 


366  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

Arnold.  As  they  gradually  became  reduced  in  numbers  their 
further  attendance  as  a  Mission  was  abandoned.  When  asked  to 
join  one  of  the  neighboring  Missions,  and  help  build  a  church,  it 
is  said  they  refused.  Concerning  the  log  chapel,  mentioned  above, 
the  following  paragraph  is  taken  from  a  letter  sent  by  Bishop 
Purcell  to  the  Cincinnati  Catholic  Telegraph,  in  which  it  appeared 
July  18,  1834:  "In  Sugar  Creek  church,  Wayne  county,  likewise 
a  log  edifice,  small  and  inconveniently  situated,  there  were  fourteen 
communicants  *  *  *  on  the  first  of  July.  The  Arnolds,  of 
Allegheny  county,  Maryland,  have  planted  the  mustard  seed,  and 
they  now  cherish  its  growth  in  this  lonely  place."  By  degrees 
they  became  careless  and  eventually  they,  with  their  descendants, 
apostatized.  The  above  mentioned  log  chapel  was  turned  into  a 
stable  and  later  the  adjoining  small  and  partially  filled  cemetery 
was  sold  to  the  Township  Trustees  by  the  owner  of  the  farm  on 
which  it  was  located,  and  made  a  public  cemetery.  Thus  the  last 
trace  of  Catholicity  at  Dalton  was  effaced  and  has  never  since  been 
restored. 


DEFIANCE,  DEFIANCE  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOHN  THE  EVANGELIST'S  CHURCH. 

The  Holy  Sacrifice  was  offered  in  Defiance  for  the  first  time, 
in  the  year  1841,  the  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe,  later  first  Bishop  of 
Cleveland,  being  the  celebrant.  There  were  then  but  two  Catholic 
families — P.  Fitzpatrick's  and  Frank  Weissenberger's — in  Defi- 
ance, the  County  Seat  of  Defiance  county.  There  were  in  the 
town  at  that  time  less  than  three  hundred  inhabitants.  Besides 
the  above  mentioned  families,  in  whose  houses  Mass  was  said  for 
some  years,  there  were  also  a  few  Catholic  young  men  and  women. 
They  constituted  the  numerical  strength  of  Defiance's  Catholic 
population  and  were  regularly  visited  from  Toledo,  on  week  days, 
by  Father  Rappe  (1841-46),  the  Revs.  Louis  De  Goesbriand  (1847) 
and  Philip  Foley  (1847-49).  In  1849  the  Rev.  Sebastian  Sanner. 
resident  pastor  of  Maumee,  was  given  charge  also  of  Defiance, 
which  he  attended  about  one  year. 

The  first  church,  a  frame  structure,  22x30  feet,  was  built  under 
the  direction  of  Father  Rappe,  in  the  fall  of  1844,  on  a  lot  donated 


-Mi^v^Ulgr' 


ti,,^^:^^t^mM^W<-^  '''■  w^^^m^Mmm 


ST    JOHNS    CHURCH     Dl-:FlA.\CLi 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  367 

by  H.  G.  Phillipps.    The  following  passage,  relative  to  St.  John's, 
Defiance,  is  taken  from  a  letter  sent  by  Father  Rappe  to  Bishop 
Purcell,  and  published  by  him  in  the  Catholic  Telegraph,  February 
13,  1845:     "I  went  to  Defiance  the  15th  of  January,  and  was  very 
much  gratified  when  I  perceived  a  small  church  erected  by  the 
care  and  sacrifice  of  a  few  Catholic  families  of  that  place.     I  hope 
to  celebrate  Mass  in  it  before  Easter.     I  am  pleased  to  tell  you 
that  everything  has  been  conducted  so  well  that  it  will  be  out  of 
debt  when    finished.     It  is  not  a  splendid    building,  but  I  hope 
Almighty  God  will  have  more  regard  for  the  good  and  pious  hearts, 
which    built    up    an    humble    temple    for    His   glory,   with    much 
exertion,  than  for  a  monument  erected  by  pride,  or  without  any 
hard  sacrifice."     Though  small,  the  church,  or  chapel,  was  amply 
large  for  some  years,  as  the  growth  of  Catholicity  in  the  village  and 
county  of  Defiance  was  very  slow  until  1850.     Within  the  limits 
of  the  entire  county  there  were  then  only  fifteen  Catholic  families, 
some  of  them  going  a  distance  of  twenty  miles  to  attend  Mass. 
In  1850  Defiance  was  made  the  center  of  a  Mission  district,  com- 
prising all  of  Defiance,    and    part  of  Fulton,    Henry,    Paulding, 
Williams  and  Wood    counties.     The    Rev.    Louis  J.  Filiere  was 
appointed  the  first  resident  pastor  of  Defiance,  in  November,  1850, 
with  the  above  mentioned  additional  charge.     In  March,  1854,  he 
was  transferred  to  Providence,  Lucas  county,  and  Defiance  was 
then    assigned  to  the    Sanguinist    Fathers  of  Minster,    Auglaize 
county,  as  a  Mission,  and  attended  by  them  from  April,  1854,  to 
July,  1855.     Their  names,  as  found  in  the  parish  records  of  Defi- 
ance, are  the  Revs.   Patrick  Henneberry,  Andrew  Herbstritt,  E. 
Ruff  and  Jacob  Ringeli.     During  this  time  they  built  a  small  frame 
house  next  to  the  church  for  their  residence.     They  also  built  a 
residence  for  the  Sanguinist  Sisters  who  had  charge  of  the  school, 
which  was  organized  at  that  time.    During  Father  Filiere's  pastor- 
ate five  acres  of  land  were  secured  for  a  cemetery.     The  deed  was 
given  June  3,  1853.     The  Rev.  Francis  Westerholt  was  appointed 
to  the  pastorate  of  Defiance  in  July,  1855,  thus  relieving  the  San- 
guinists.     In  September  of  that  year  he  secured  additional  lots  for 
a  prospective  church,  which  soon  became  a  necessity,  owing  to  the 
increase   of  Catholic   population   in    Defiance   and   its  immediate 
vicinity.     In  the  summer  of  1856  Father  Westerholt  had  the  new 


368  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

brick  church  (34  x  75  feet)  under  way  and  enclosed  in  the  fall  of 
that  year.  Although  its  interior  for  lack  of  means  was  not  finished 
until  some  time  later,  necessity  compelled  Father  Westerholt  to 
use  it  in  its  unfinished  condition,  as  the  old  church  had  become 
overcrowded.  This  was  also  changed  at  once  into  a  parish  school, 
much  to  the  joy  of  the  children,  whose  number  had  outgrown  the 
cramped  quarters  in  the  old  school.  Besides  attending  to  St. 
John's,  Defiance,  Father  Westerholt  had  charge  of  many  stations 
and  missions  in  the  county  of  Defiance  and  neighboring  counties, 
until  his  appointment  to  the  pastorate  of  Delphos,  in  July,  1858. 
The  Rev.  Aloysius  I.  HoefTel  was  at  that  time  also  appointed  his 
successor  at  Defiance,  with  charge  of  the  above  mentioned  stations 
and  missions.  These  he  attended  alone  about  one  year,  when  he 
received  assistance,  in  July,  1859,  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  James 
P.  Molony,  whom  Bishop  Rappe  sent  to  Father  Hoeffel  as  his 
co-laborer,  thus  enabling  him  to  give  more  time  and  attention  to 
his  parish  work  at  Defiance.  Father  Molony  was  succeeded  by  the 
Revs.  A.  Magenhann  (1861);  J.  P.  Carroll  (1862-63);  John  Han- 
nan  (1865-66)  and  Daniel  O'Keefe  (1866-69).  Father  Hoefifel 
finished  the  interior  of  the  church  begun  by  Father  Westerholt. 
He  secured  a  pipe  organ  at  a  cost  of  $1,000,  purchased  eight  acres 
of  land  for  a  cemetery,  and  the  lot  on  which  the  present  pastoral 
residence  stands.  After  ten  years  of  hard  labor  Father  Hoefifel  was 
appointed  to  the  important  pastorate  of  St.  John's,  Delphos,  thus 
again  succeeding  Father  Westerholt,  who  was  transferred  to 
St.  Peter's  Church,  Cleveland,  in  January,  1868.  The  Rev.  G. 
Rudolph  succeeded  Father  Hoeft'el  at  Defiance.  He  remained 
from  May,  1868,  to  August,  1869,  when  the  Rev.  C.  Viere  was 
appointed  resident  pastor.  He  in  turn  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  John  B.  Jung,  in  October,  1878.  During  Father  Viere's 
pastorate  the  parish  of  Our  Lady  of  Perpetual  Help  was  organized 
in  1873,  by  the  separation  from  St.  John's  of  its  English-speaking 
members.  This  now  made  St.  John's  an  exclusively  German 
parish.  To  give  the  new  parish  a  start,  St.  John's  gave  the  sum  of 
$5,000,  and  retained  for  their  own  use  all  the  church  property, 
excepting  the  cemetery,  which  remained  in  common.  During  the 
same  year  St.  John's  built  a  neat  brick  pastoral  residence.  It  cost 
$4,000,  and  was  then  considered  one  of  the  best  in  the  diocese. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  369 

The  new  parish  used  St.  John's  Church,  and  had  separate  services 
in  it.  until  1876.  They  then  took  possession  of  their  own  church, 
which  was  brought  almost  to  completion  during  that  year.  In 
spite  of  the  separation  above  mentioned,  St.  John's  Church  again 
became  too  small  to  accommodate  its  rapidly  increasing  member- 
ship ;  hence  it  was  enlarged  in  1880.  At  that  time  the  parish  num- 
bered 130  families.  Father  Jung's  pastorate  ended  in  October, 
1891,  when  ill  health  forced  him  to  resign  his  charge.  He  returned 
to  his  native  Switzerland  and  died  there  two  months  later,  Decem- 
ber 30,  1891.  His  death  was  mourned  by  his  people  and  by  all 
who  knew  him,  as  that  of  a  good  and  faithful  priest.  His  successor 
is  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Joseph  P.  Gloden,  who  took  charge 
of  St.  John's  on  November  1,  1891.  He  at  once  set  to  work  to  pay 
ofif  the  parish  debt.  It  was  cancelled  in  1892.  He  then  started  a 
subscription  for  a  much  needed  larger  and  better  church,  the  old 
structure  having  again  become  too  small ;  it  was  also  in  poor  condi- 
tion ;  in  fact,  unsafe.  A  building  fund  was  commenced  in  1892,  and 
within  two  years  had  grown  to  generous  proportions.  In  the  fall 
of  1894  the  foundation  for  the  new  church  (55  x  135  feet ;  transept, 
65  feet)  was  commenced  on  the  lots  that  served  as  a  site  for  the 
parish  hall,  which  had  been  removed  in  the  spring  of  that  year. 
On  May  25,  1895,  Bishop  Horstmann  laid  the  cornerstone,  and  the 
following  day  he  also  blessed  two  large  bells  intended  for  the  new 
church,  both  of  which,  as  well  as  the  fine  tower  clock,  were  special 
donations.  On  this  occasion  the  parish  also  celebrated  the  fiftieth 
anniversary  of  its  establishment,  and  the  twenty-fifth  of  Father 
Gloden's  ordination  to  the  priesthood.  The  double  festivity 
marked  a  memorable  epoch  in  the  history  of  the  parish. 

During  the  summer  of  1895  the  new  church  was  enclosed,  and 
its  beautiful  interior  was  brought  to  completion  by  August  of  the 
following  year.  Its  fine  array  of  artistic  statuary  and  all  its  other 
furnishings  were  donated — some  by  individual  members  of  the 
congregation  and  some  by  the  parish  societies.  Father  Gloden 
donated  the  splendid  set  of  Stations.  They  cost  over  $1,000,  and 
are  works  of  art.  On  September  13,  1896,  the  beautiful  new  brick 
church,  of  Roman  architecture,  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Horst- 
mann. It  was  a  day  of  supreme  joy  for  the  zealous  pastor  and  his 
devoted  people,  who  now  had  a  church  worthy  to  be  ranked  with 


370  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

the  best  equipped  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  Its  total  cost  was 
about  $25,000.  A  debt  of  $8,000  was  due  on  the  church,  the  day 
it  was  dedicated,  but  in  December,  1900,  it  had  been  reduced  to 
$4,400;  this  comparatively  small  balance  Father  Gloden  confi- 
dently hopes  will  be  cancelled  within  the  next  two  years. 

As  above  stated  the  parish  school  was  established  about  the 
year  1854  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  then  in  charge  of  St.  John's. 
It  has  been  supported  without  interruption  since  that  time.  It  was 
taught  by  lay  teachers  until  1870,  when  it  was  entrusted  to  the 
Sisters  of  St.  Agnes,  of  Fond-du-Lac,  Wis.  They  have  conducted 
it  ever  since  with  results  gratifying  to  the  various  pastors  and 
beneficial  to  their  pupils.  At  present  three  of  the  Sisters  have 
charge  of  the  school,  which  has  an  enrollment  of  150  pupils.  The 
parish  numbers  145  families  according  to  the  last  diocesan  census, 
and  is  in  excellent  condition,  financially  and  spiritually. 


DEFIANCE,  DEFIANCE  COUNTY. 

OUR  LADY  OF  PERPETUAL  HELP  CHURCH. 

The  original  members  of  the  congregation  of  Our  Lady  of 
Perpetual  Help  belonged  to  St.  John's.  The  formal  organization 
of  the  new  parish,  composed  of  the  Enghsh-speaking  members  of 
St.  John's,  including  also  many  German-Americans,  took  place 
during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  C.  Viere  on  January  1,  1873.  The 
separation  was  the  result  of  a  vote,  whether  to  replace  St.  John's 
by  a  church  large  enough  to  accommodate  all  the  members,  or  to 
divide  its  membership  and  establish  an  exclusively  English-speak- 
ing congregation.  The  latter  proposition  prevailed,  and  received 
Bishop  Gilmour's  approval.  At  the  same  time  the  new  parish  was 
voted  the  sum  of  $5,000  and  given  the  right  to  have  its  own  ser- 
vices in  St.  John's  for  three  years,  until  the  completion  of  its 
church,  as  stated  in  the  preceding  sketch.  A  large  lot,  228  x  356 
feet,  located  at  the  corner  of  Jefferson  and  Arabella  streets,  was 
secured  for  a  church  site,  in  April,  1873,  the  purchase  price  being 
$3,800.  As  no  pastor  could  then  be  appointed  for  the  new  parish, 
owing  to  a  lack  of  priests,  a  building  committee  attended  to  all  the 
details  of  providing  plans  for  the  new  church,  excavating  for  foun- 
dation, raising  funds,  etc.     Finally,  in  March,  1875,  Bishop  Gil- 


IN    THE    DIOCESE  OF    CLEVELAND.  371 

mour  sent  the  Rev.  Peter  P.  Maziiret,  as  the  first  resident  pastor  of 
the  congregation  of  Our  Lady  of  Perpetual  Help.  Under  his 
direction  the  work  on  the  new  church  was  continued.  The  corner- 
stone was  laid  in  June,  1875,  and  services  were  held  for  the  first 
time  in  the  new  but  interiorly  unfinished  church,  in  January,  1876. 
Father  Mazuret  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Michael  P.  Kin- 
kead  on  January  4,  1877.  He  had  the  interior  brought  to 
completion  within  the  following  two  years.  On  Sunday,  Novem- 
ber, 20,  1878,  Bishop  Gilmour  dedicated  the  new  church.  It 
is  of  Gothic  architecture,  and  its  size  is  55  x  130  feet.  It  cost 
over  $30,000,  and  is  an  ornament  to  the  city  of  Defiance  and  the 
diocese  of  Cleveland.  It  has  rich  stained  glass  windows,  and  its 
furnishings  are  among  the  best.  In  1892  Father  Kinkead  had  the 
graceful  spire  erected  at  a  cost  of  nearly  $3,000,  and  a  $2,000  pipe 
organ  placed  in  the  church.  In  1807  he  provided  three  new  altars 
for  the  church,  had  it  beautifully  frescoed  and  decorated,  and  fitted 
out  with  a  steam  heating  apparatus — all  at  a  cost  of  about  $5,500. 
The  interior  is  very  neat,  attractive  and  devotional. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  in  1886.  The  brick  school 
building  and  a  residence  for  the  Sisters  were  erected  during  that 
year,  both  costing  about  $8,000.  The  school  has  been  in  charge 
of  three  Dominican  Sisters  since  its  establishment.  Although  the 
church  debt  is  considerable,  it  is  being  steadily  reduced.  The 
parish  numbers  about  180  families.  The  Rev.  F.  B.  Doherty  is  the 
present  pastor.     He  succeeded  Father  Kinkead  in  August,  1899. 


DELAWARE  BEND,  DEFIANCE  COUNTY. 
ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe  was  the  first  priest  who  visited  the 
few  Catholic  families  living  at  or  near  Delaware  Bend,  in  1846. 
He  repeated  his  visits  from  Toledo  several  times  during  that  year 
and  said  Mass  in  private  houses.  In  1847  the  Rev.  Louis  De  Goes- 
briand,  also  of  Toledo,  took  charge,  and  after  him,  from  1848  to 
1850,  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  residing  at  Glandorf.  Between  1850 
and  1888  Delaware  Bend  was  attended  from  Defiance  (1850-73), 
and  Antwerp  (1873-88),  first  as  a  Station  and  later  as  a 
Mission.     In  1856  Father  Westerholt  had  a  log  chapel  built.     It 


372  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

served  its  sacred  purpose  until  1880.  The  Rev.  F.  Rupert,  resident 
pastor  of  Antwerp,  attended  Delaware  Bend  from  July,  1879,  to 
April,  1881.  Early  in  the  spring  of  ISSO  he  bought  an  acre  of 
ground  and  soon  after  began  the  erection  of  the  present  frame 
church  (38  x  70  feet) ;  it  cost  about  $3,800.  The  members  of  the 
mission,  mostly  farmers,  furnished  and  hauled  the  greater  part  of 
the  lumber  without  charge,  thus  greatly  reducing  the  cost  of  the 
building.  The  neat  edifice,  handsomely  furnished,  was  dedicated 
by  Father  Rupert,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate,  on  November  28,  1880. 
When  he  left  Delaware  Bend,  in  April,  1881,  the  debt  had  been 
reduced  to  $400.  In  August,  1888,  the  Rev.  Lawrence  Heiland 
was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor,  with  charge  of  several  mis- 
sions. In  the  following  year  he  had  the  present  neat  frame  pastoral 
residence  built,  at  a  cost  of  $1,300.  In  1890  he  also  opened  a 
parochial  school  in  a  one-story  frame  building,  which  had  been 
donated  by  a  parishioner  in  1889.  Owing,  however,  to  lack  of 
means  and  small  attendance,  the  school  was  closed  in  1891  and 
has  not  been  reopened  since.  The  present  cemetery  is  Father 
Heiland's  donation;  the  deed  was  given  in  1900.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded, in  June,  1900,  by  the  Rev.  H.  E.  Boesken.  He,  however, 
remained  only  about  one  month,  when  he  was  transferred  to 
Loudonville,  and  succeeded  by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev. 
Nicholas  Espen.  At  once  a  number  of  improvements  were  made 
by  him  in  and  about  the  church,  which  has  now  a  neat  and  tidy 
appearance. 

DELPHOS,  ALLEN  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOHN  THE  EVANGELIST'S  CHURCH. 
The  large  and  flourishing  parish  of  St.  John's  and  the  enter- 
prising town  of  Delphos,  located  on  the  border  line  of  Allen  and 
Van  Wert  counties,  owe  their  origin  to  a  Catholic  priest — the  Rev. 
John  Otto  Bredeick.  In  October,  1844.  he  came  from  his  native 
Westphalia  to  that  part  of  Ohio  when  it  was  a  dense  forest,  cover- 
ing a  very  large  area  of  land,  then  known  as  "Ten-Mile  Woods." 
His  brother  Frederick  had  preceded  him  in  1836,  for  the  purpose 
of  founding  a  Catholic  German  colony  in  Northern  Ohio,  but  did 
not  purchase  land  in  that  locality  until  1844.  He  secured  a  ninety- 
two-acre  tract  of  government  land,  immediately  east  of  the  Miami 


ST.    JOHN'S    CHURCH,    DELPHOS. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  373 

and  Erie  Canal,  which  is  the  dividing  hne  between  Allen  and 
Van  Wert  counties.  The  canal  was  opened  to  traffic  in  1845,  at 
which  time  the  town  of  Delphos  was  also  platted.  Until  1851  the 
different  portions  of  Delphos  were  known  as  Section  Ten,  Howard, 
East  Bredeick  and  West  Bredeick.  In  February,  1851,  the  town 
w^as  incorporated  by  act  of  Legislature,  and  at  the  suggestion  of 
Father  Bredeick  it  was  given  the  name  of  Delphos. 

In  October,  1842,  the  first  colony  of  Catholic  settlers  came 
from  Germany  to  the  Ten-Mile  Woods,  under  the  leadership  of 
Theodore  Wrocklage,  who  had  returned  to  Europe  from  Ohio  for 
the  purpose  of  inducing  his  countrymen  to  seek  their  fortune  in 
the  new  world.     The  colony,  composed  of  42  persons,  was  met  at 
Defiance  and  brought  to  the  present  site  of  Delphos  by  Frederick 
Bredeick.     The  hardships  these  sturdy  pioneers  had  to  endure  on 
their  long  and  tedious  journey,  by  water,  wagon,  and  afoot,  were 
eclipsed   soon  after  by  the  privations  they  had  to  sufifer  in  the 
wilderness  of  Northwestern  Ohio.     Two  years  later,  in  October, 
1844,  they  were  rejoiced  to  have  in  the  midst  of  them,  both  as 
pastor  and  counselor,  the  Rev.  J.  O.  Bredeick,  who  brought  with 
him  a  number  of  sturdy  Catholics  from  Osnabrueck,  Germany,  to 
add  to  the  strength  of  the  little  colony,  some  of  whose  members 
had  been  his  parishioners  in  their  native  village.     Father  Bredeick 
brought  with  him  also  considerable  means  from  his  patrimony,  and 
with  it  bought  another  tract  of  government  land  adjacent  to  that 
which  had  been  secured  for  him  by  his  brother  Frederick,  a  short 
time  previous.    Part  of  this  land  Father  Bredeick  had  plaitted  into 
lots  and  streets,  that  now  form  the  best  and  most  valuable  portion 
of  the  present  town  of  Delphos.    In  1845  he  also  set  aside  as  a  gift 
for  the  use  of  the  Catholics  of  "Section  Ten"  (Delphos)  a  large 
tract,  comprising  many  choice  lots,  as  a  site  for  the  future  church, 
school  and  pastoral  residence.     Even  now  the  church  property  of 
Delphos  is  not  equalled  in  size  and  location  by  any  other  in  the 
diocese  of  Cleveland.     Father  Bredeick,  shortly  after  his  arrival, 
had  a  log  house  (18  x  24  feet)  erected  at  his  own  expense,  to  serve 
as  a  chapel  for  his  faithful  colony.     It  soon  proved  too  small  for 
their  accommodation,  and  hence  was  enlarged  in  1846  by  a  frame 
addition,  27  feet  wide  and  37  feet  long.    The  addition  was  intended 
only  as  a  makeshift,  as  Father  Bredeick  saw  the  necessity  of  at 


374  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

once  providing  larger  and  nuich  l)ctter  clinrch  facilities.  Part 
of  the  addition  was  used  as  a  school,  and  served  as  such  for  some 
years. 

In  the  latter  part  of  1846  Father  Bredeick  began  the  erection 
of  a  new  church.     It  was  built  of  hewn  timbers;  its  size  was 
60  X  107  feet.     Considering  the  poverty  of  his  people  (only  one 
family  was  possessed  of  means)  it  was  a  grave  undertaking  for  the 
good  pastor,  who  gave  most  liberally  out  of  his  own  purse  to  meet 
the  cost  of  the  church.    But  all  the  parishioners  contributed,  either 
of  their  limited  means,  or  gave  generously  of  their  time  in  the  way 
of  labor,  teaming,  etc.    The  cutting  and  hauling  of  the  heavy  tim- 
bers took  almost  two  years,  as  the  work  had  to  be  done  when  labor 
and  teams  could  be  had.    After  this  the  framing  of  the  timbers  and 
the  erection  also  took  considerable  time.     But  the  result  was  a 
firmly  built  church  of  hewn  logs,  the  interstices  being  filled  with 
mortar,  and  the  whole  exterior  covered  with  shingles.     Solidity, 
rather  than  architectural  beauty,  was  its  chief  mark.     The  large 
and  clumsy-looking  structure  was  used  for  the  first  time  on  All 
Saints'  Day,  1853,  when  to  the  great  joy  of  his  faithful  fiock,  now 
numbering  85  families,  Father  Bredeick  offered  up  the  Holy  Sacri- 
fice within  the  unfinished  enclosure.     The  people  of  Delphos,  at 
that  time,  had  no  idea  of  the  science  needed  in  the  construction  of 
a  building  of  this  kind,  and  therefore  employed  no  architect.    They 
calculated  strength  and  durability  by  bulk ;  hence  the  more  timber 
they  used,  and  the  more  massive  the  structure,  the  stronger  and 
more  durable  it  seemed  to  them.     It  is  remarkable,  that,  wanting 
as  the  builders  were  in  the  most  elementary  knowledge  of  the  art 
of  construction,  they  should  have  been  able  to  stay  the  huge  pile 
so  firmly  that  it  remained  intact  for  nearly  thirty  years,  and  finally 
had  to  be  taken  down.    No  practical  builder  directed  the  work,  as 
no  one  was  then  to  be  had  in  or  near  Delphos.     The  task  was  en- 
trusted to  J.  M.  Heitz,  a  cabinet  maker,  who  never,  before  or  after, 
built  a  house,  or  even  a  stable.    In  1855  the  exterior  of  the  church 
was  completed.     It  was  painted  white,  which  gave  the  shingle- 
covered  sides  a  unique  appearance.     Between  1856  and  1857  the 
main  altar  and  most  of  the  pews  were  made  and  placed  in  position. 
Father  Bredeick   labored   incessantly  for  the  welfare  of  his 
parish  which  had  doubled  in  size  within  less  than  ten  years,  in  spite 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  375 

of  the  ravages  of  the  cholera  epidemic  of  1854  and  1855,  which 
claimed  many  victims.  The  hardships  of  pioneer  life,  and  the 
countless  difficulties  that  beset  him  in  his  varied  pastoral  duties, 
gradually  undermined  his  health.  Though  his  indomitable  spirit 
was  ever  ready  to  cope  with  difficulties,  his  physical  strength  was 
by  no  means  equal  to  the  task,  and  gradually  it  gave  way  to  the 
inevitable.  Before  the  interior  of  the  church  was  completed  the 
stamp  of  death  was  imprinted  on  his  brow.  In  April,  1858,  Father 
Bredeick  became  seriously  ill  after  preaching  his  first  sermon  from 
the  new  pulpit.  He  rallied  somewhat,  but  was  never  again  able  to 
fully  discharge  his  pastoral  duties.  The  Rev.  Francis  Westerholt, 
at  the  time  pastor  of  St.  John's,  Defiance,  was  therefore  appointed 
in  July,  1858,  to  assist  him.  About  six  weeks  later,  August  19, 
Father  Bredeick  passed  to  his  eternal  reward,  sincerely  mourned 
by  his  parishioners  and  by  his  fellow  citizens,  the  former  losing  in 
his  death  a  devoted  pastor  and  the  latter  a  public  benefactor.  For 
a  more  detailed  account  of  this  worthy  priest's  life  the  reader  is 
referred  to  his  biographical  sketch  in  the  second  volume  of  this 
work. 

Father  Westerholt  was  now  given  full  charge  of  the  parish, 
and  well  did  he  acquit  himself  of  the  responsibility.  He  soon 
gained  the  confidence  and  affection  of  his  people,  and  with  their 
generous  co-operation  continued  the  work  of  his  predecessor.  His 
first  efforts  were  directed  towards  finishing  the  interior  of  the 
church.  He  had  two  side  altars  placed  in  the  sanctuary,  secured  a 
$1,000  pipe  organ  and  added  a  number  of  pews  to  those  already  in 
place.  In  1862,  the  spire,  150  feet  in  height,  was  built,  and  shortly 
after  two  bells — the  larger  weighing  1,800  pounds — were  placed 
in  position.  The  steadily  increasing  membership  of  the  congrega- 
tion required  more  church  accommodations,  hence  an  additional 
gallery  was  built  in  1865.  In  the  following  year  the  parish,  com- 
posed in  large  part  of  farmers,  was  dismembered  by  the  formation 
of  a  second,  whose  place  of  worship  was  located  at  Landeck,  five 
miles  from  Delphos.  About  this  time  three  Sisters  of  St.  Francis, 
of  La  Crosse,  Wis.,  took  charge  of  the  girls'  department  in  the 
parish  school.  In  accordance  with  one  of  Father  Bredeick's  be- 
quests they  were  given  possession  of  the  property  w^hich  had  been 
used  as  a  pastoral  residence.    Thus  Father  Westerholt  was  obliged 


376  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

to  build  another  residence  for  himself,  which  he  did  in  1867.  It  is 
a  commodious  two-story  brick  building,  cost  $6,500,  and  still 
serves  its  purpose  well. 

In  January,  1868,  Father  Westerholt  was  called  by  Bishop 
Rappe  to  take  charge  of  St.  Peter's  parish.  Cleveland,  and  was  also 
appointed  one  of  his  Vicars  General.  Although  a  distinct  pro- 
motion for  the  pastor,  his  people  deeply  regretted  to  part  with 
him.  By  his  energy,  force  of  character  and  honesty  of  purpose  he 
had  won  their  confidence  and  respect,  and  the  separation  was  pain- 
ful to  them.  His  successor  is  the  present  worthy  incumbent,  the 
Rev.  Aloysius  I.  HoefTel,  who  received  his  appointment  at  the 
same  time  Father  Westerholt  received  his  for  Cleveland.  At  this 
time  about  250  families  made  up  the  parish. 

Father  HoefTel  found  it  necessary  to  provide  more  adequate 
school  facilities  at  once.  He  raised  the  needed  funds  by  voluntary 
subscription,  and  after  exchanging  a  portion  of  the  Father 
Bredeick  estate  for  two  lots  south  of  the  church,  he  erected  on  these 
the  present  school  building  in  1869  and  1870.  It  is  three  stories 
high  and  contains  four  large  school  rooms.  The  third  story,  for- 
merly a  parish  hall,  has  been  changed  recently  into  society  rooms, 
which  are  used  by  the  Young  Men's  Sodality. 

No  sooner  had  the  new  school  building  been  occupied  than  it 
became  necessary  also  to  build  a  new  residence  for  the  Sisters. 
The  house,  a  brick  structure,  was  built  in  1872,  and  paid  for  in  pa^rt 
out  of  the  estate  of  Father  Bredeick  and  in  part  out  of  the  parish 
treasury.  Scarcely  had  the  above  mentioned  buildings  been  com- 
pleted when  they  were  threatened  with  destruction.  In  May,  1873, 
a  great  conflagration  consumed  nearly  one-half  of  the  town  oi 
Delphos,  the  flames  carrying  devastation  with  them  in  ever}-  direc- 
tion. Thrice  the  church  began  to  burn  and  the  fire  was  as  often 
extinguished.  Once  also  the  school  caught  fire  and  very  narrowly 
escaped  the  fate  of  so  many  other  buildings  in  the  town.  It  was 
then  that  the  pioneer  log  chapel,  the  frame  school  and  Sisters' 
house — the  one  occupied  by  them  at  the  time — were  destroyed. 
In  September,  1874,  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis  were  succeeded  by 
the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  as  teachers  in  the  parish  school,  and 
have  remained  in  charge  of  the  girls'  department  ever  since. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  377 

In  1875  the  present  organ  was  bought  for  $2,800.  By  this 
time  the  log  church,  begun  by  Father  Bredeick  and  brought  to 
completion  by  his  successors,  had  become  not  only  antiquated  but 
also  much  too  small  to  accommodate  the  steadily  increasing  con- 
gregation. When  Father  Hoeffel  first  proposed  to  his  flock  the 
subject  of  building  another  church,  adequate  to  their  wants  and  in 
keeping  with  their  means,  he  met  with  considerable  opposition, 
quite  a  number  of  the  opponents  insisting  on  a  division  of  the 
parish  and  a  second  church,  to  be  built  in  the  western  portion  of 
the  town.  After  considerable  delay  and  discussion  the  first  propo- 
sition finally  prevailed — to  build  a  brick  church  on  the  site  of  the 
old  one,  large  enough  to  accommodate  all.  The  building  project 
took  form  in  1878,  when  plans  for  the  present  edifice  were 
adopted.  The  execution  of  the  design  was  committed,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1878,  to  Francis  Heitz,  a  practical  builder,  the  son  of 
John  H.  Heitz,  mentioned  before  in  this  sketch  as  having  built 
the  first  church  for  St.  John's  parish.  The  various  contracts  w^ere 
sublet  to  responsible  parties,  and  all  gave  perfect  satisfaction.  The 
old  church  was  torn  down  to  make  way  for  the  new,  and  a  frame 
building,  56  x  110  feet,  was  erected  to  serve  as  a  temporary  place 
of  worship  till  the  completion  of  the  new  church.  The  building 
was  used  for  the  first  time  on  Palm  Sunday,  1879.  On 
June  15  of  the  same  year  the  cornerstone  of  the  new  church  was 
laid  by  Bishop  Gilmour.  Work  was  then  pushed  without  inter- 
mission for  one  year  and  eight  months,  under  the  watchful  eye  of 
Father  Hoefifel  and  the  superintendent,  Mr.  F.  Heitz,  and  brought 
to  completion  in  the  fall  of  1880.  The  splendid  edifice  was  dedi- 
cated by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  Sunday,  January  16,  1881.  Although 
the  ceremony  took  place  on  a  midwinter  day,  it  made  the  partici- 
pants— pastor  and  people — aglow  with  keenest  ioy.  It  was  "the 
day  the  Lord  had  made"  for  their  special  happiness,  for  it  brought 
to  a  successful  close  the  grand  work  w^hich  had  taxed  the  prudence 
and  care  of  those  directly  connected  with  it,  and  which  tested  the 
generosity  of  all.  St.  John's  could  now  point  with  just  pride  and 
satisfaction  to  a  church  that  was  without  question  at  that  time  the 
largest  and  finest  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  a  distinction  it  held 
for  fully  ten  years. 

St.  John's  Church  has  a  seating  capacity  of  1,800,  and  stands 
on  a  plot  of  ground  280  feet  square.     It  is  193  feet  long.  TOO  feet 


378  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

across  the  transept  and  78  feet  wide  in  the  nave;  its  architecture  is 
Romanesque.  It  is  built  of  brick,  with  a  generous  amount  of 
artistic  stone  trimming.  The  cruciform  broken  lines,  the  numerous 
graceful  turrets  and  the  general  harmony  of  the  details  give  grace 
and  unity  to  the  imposing  edifice.  It  is  surmounted  by  a  beautiful 
spire,  which,  with  the  resplendent  cross,  reaches  a  height  of  222 
feet.  The  tower  clock  cost  $2,000.  The  contracts  were  let  at  a 
time  when  building  materials,  etc.,  were  the  lowest,  yet  the  build- 
ing cost  $60,000,  exclusive  of  gratuitous  labor  and  material,  which 
at  a  fair  estimate  would  bring  the  cost  of  the  church — not  taking 
into  account  the  altars,  pews,  etc., — up  to  $100,000. 

The  interior  of  the  church  is  grand.  The  groined  ceiling,  58 
feet  from  the  floor  at  the  highest  point,  is  divided  into  arches, 
which  are  supported  by  ten  fluted  and  foliated  columns.  The 
sanctuary  is  octagonal  in  form,  and  richly  adorned  with  beautiful 
altars,  paintings  and  statuary,  the  last  being  special  gifts  from 
parishioners.  The  canopy  over  the  main  altar  adds  much  to  its 
beauty,  as  does  also  the  splendid  oil  painting  of  the  Last  Supper, 
on  the  front  of  the  altar  table.  The  canopy  and  carved  communion 
railing  together  cost  over  $2,000.  The  church  itself  is  also  fres- 
coed and  ornamented  in  excellent  taste.  The  artistic  stained  glass 
windows  and  Stations  are  all  gifts  from  members  of  the  parish. 

After  the  completion  of  the  church  Father  Hoefifel  turned  his 
attention  to  the  wants  of  the  parish  school.  The  steady  increase  of 
school  enrollment  forced  the  erection  of  another  building.  Work 
was  therefore  begun  on  it  in  1887,  in  spite  of  strong  opposition 
regarding  the  question  of  site,  and  finished  by  September  of  the 
following  year.  The  well  arranged  brick  building  cost  about 
$12,000.  Six  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  besides  four  lay  teachers, 
have  charge  of  the  schools.  The  latter  are  paid  out  of  the  District 
School  or  public  fund. 

On  January  3,  1889,  St.  John's  parish  was  made  a  rectorate, 
with  Father  Hoefifel  as  its  first  irremovable  rector — a  well  merited 
distinction.  On  September  12,  1894,  the  parish  celebrated  with 
great  eclat  the  50th  anniversary  of  its  foundation  by  Father 
Bredeick.  On  this  occasion  Father  HoefTel  informed  his  congrega- 
tion that  he  donated  three  bells  in  memory  of  the  three  pastors  of 
Delphos,  and  paid  for  the  recasting  of  a  fourth  bell,  in  order  to 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  379 

bring  its  tone  into  harmony  with  the  chime  of  five  bells  now  be- 
longing to  the  church.  Fifty  years  before,  the  CathoHc  pioneers 
of  Delphos  had  but  a  small  log  chapel  in  the  almost  unbroken 
forest,  with  poverty  and  privation  for  their  lot;  now  the  remaining 
few,  and  their  successors,  can  boast  of  a  magnificently  equipped 
church  and  other  parish  buildings,  second  to  none  in  the  diocese; 
a  flourishing  parish,  and  an  enterprising,  well-to-do  growing  com- 
munity.   What  a  change  brought  about  in  half  a  century ! 

The  following  priests  were  attached  to  St.  John's  parish  as 
curates:  The  Revs.  Elias  Maesfrancx.  1867-68;  P.  O'Mara,  1886- 
88;  A.  Heuchemer,  1891-92;  M.  Philippart,  August,  1892,  to 
December,  1899;  Joseph  B.  Alten,  December,  1899,  to  June,  1900; 
and  since  July,  1900,  the  Rev.  Frederick  A.  Houck.  The  parish 
now  numbers  about  500  families. 


DESHLER,  HENRY  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Deshler  was  first  attended  from  Providence,  Wood  County, 
as  a  Station  in  1871  by  the  Rev.  Henry  D.  Best,  who  said  Mass  in 
private  houses  for  the  few  Catholics  then  living  in  the  village.  In 
1875  he  donated  two  lots,  and  on  one  of  them  built  a  small  frame 
church.  It  was  then  thought  that,  with  a  church  located  at 
Deshler,  Catholics  would  be  induced  to  settle  there.  But  the  con- 
trary proved  to  be  the  case,  as  the  few  Catholics  who  then  lived 
there,  and  whose  main  support  depended  on  a  local  barrel  factory, 
were  obliged  to  seek  a  livelihood  elsewhere,  owing  to  a  collapse  of 
that  concern  in  1877.  For  some  years  the  prospects  for  Catholicity 
in  Deshler  looked  gloomy  indeed,  the  mission  having  lost  about 
one-half  its  Catholic  population.  This  was  at  the  time  the  Rev.  H. 
Kolopp,  resident  pastor  of  Providence,  had  charge  of  the  Mission 
(April,  1877,  to  August,  1883).  Deshler  was  then  assigned  to 
Custar  as  a  Mission  and  so  remained  until  January,  1893.  Since 
that  time  it  has  been  attended  from  North  Baltimore.  In  1896  the 
Rev.  Joseph  B.  Alten  took  up  a  subscription  for  a  new  church  and 
site.  The  latter  (three  lots)  was  secured  in  June,  1897.  In 
September  of  the  same  year  the  Rev.  John  P.  Haupert  took  charge 
of  the  Mission  and  during  the  fall  of  1898  built  the  present  brick 


380  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

church  (30  x  55  feet)  at  a  cost  of  about  $3,500.  Its  cornerstone 
was  laid  by  Mgr.  BofT,  V.  G.,  on  September  11,  1898.  The  dedica- 
tor}' ceremony  was  performed  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  Thanks- 
giving day,  November  30,  1899.  Since  the  completion  of  the 
attractive  church,  the  Mission  of  Deshler  has  improved  and  is 
steadily  growing.  The  following  priests  have  had  charge  of  the 
Mission:  The  Revs.  H.  D.  Best,  H.  Kolopp,  H.  Doerner.  J. 
Sproll,  M.  Vollmayer,  J.  J.  Wonderly,  J.  B.  Alten,  and,  since 
September,  1897,  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Haupert. 


DOYLESTOWN,  WAYNE  COUNTY. 

STS.    PETER   AND    PAUL'S    CHURCH. 

The  origin  of  the  present  flourishing  congregation  at  Doyles- 
town  dates  back  to  the  year  1827,  when  a  number  of  Catholic 
families,  originally  from  Maryland,  settled  in  Chippewa  Township, 
Wayne  county.  Among  them  was  the  family  of  George  Whitman, 
who  had  come  to  Ohio  in  1826,  and  rented  a  farm  near  Canton. 
In  a  short  time  a  Catholic  settlement  was  formed  which  for  many 
years  was  known  as  Chippewa.  It  was  located  about  one  mile 
southwest  of  Doylestown.  Chippewa  was  attended  for  the  first 
time  in  1827,  and  then  only  for  a  short  period,  by  the  Rev.  Francis 
Marshall ;  he  came  to  visit  his  brother,  Peter,  who  had  settled  there 
in  the  early  spring  of  the  same  year.  During  his  visit  Father 
Marshall  said  Mass  in  the  log  cabin  of  George  Whitman.  For 
nearly  one  year  after  his  departure  the  pioneer  Catholics  of  Chip- 
pewa were  without  spiritual  attendance.  The  Rev.  John  A.  Hill, 
of  Canton,  was  then  commissioned  by  Bishop  Fenwick  to  attend 
Chippewa,  which  he  did  until  his  death,  in  September,  1828. 
Under  his  direction  a  log  chapel,  or  church,  28  x  40  feet  in  size, 
was  erected  on  a  plot  of  land  donated  by  Peter  Marshall  and  two 
sons  of  George  Whitman.  The  chapel  served  its  purpose  over 
twenty  years.  Father  Hill's  successors  in  the  attendance  of  Chip- 
pewa, until  1837,  were  the  Revs.  T.  H.  Martin,  J.  M.  Henni,  V. 
De  Raymacher,  P.  O'Bairne  and  F.  S.  Hoffmann — all  of  Canton. 
In  June,  1837,  the  Rev.  Basil  Schorb  was  appointed  the  first  resi- 
dent pastor  of  Chippewa,  with  charge  of  many  missions  in  Stark, 
Portage,  Summit  and  Richland  counties.    He  lived  with  the  family 


IN   THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  381 

of  Peter  Marshall  for  about  one  year,  when  a  two-story  log  house 
was  built  for  him  near  the  above  mentioned  log  church,  which  was 
located  four  miles  from  the  Marshall  home.  Father  Schorb  re- 
signed his  charge  in  1842,  and  returned  to  his  native  Pennsylvania. 
Chippewa  then  became  a  Mission,  and  as  such  was  successively 
attended  from  Akron,  MassiHon,  Canton  and  Wooster.  In  1849, 
whilst  the  Rev,  A,  Campion  attended  the  Mission  from  Wooster, 
it  was  resolved,  on  the  urgent  advice  of  Bishop  Rappe,  to  build  a 
brick  church  in  the  village  of  Doylestown,  and  on  its  completion 
to  abandon  the  log  chapel  at  Chippewa,  as  most  of  the  twenty-two 
families  composing  the  Mission  lived  near  the  former  place.  The 
site  chosen  comprised  five  acres  of  land,  secured  to  serve  all 
parish  purposes.  The  cornerstone  of  the  church,  36  x  60  feet,  was 
laid  on  July  8,  1849,  and  the  edifice  itself  was  dedicated  just  one 
year  later.  It  cost  about  $4,000.  In  February,  1854,  the  Rev. 
N.  Ponchell  was  appointed  resident  pastor,  and  remained  till 
January,  1855.  Then  Doylestown  was  again  made  a  Mission  for  a 
short  time,  from  March  until  June,  1855,  when  it  was  attended 
from  Navarre  (Bethlehem)  by  the  Rev.  Peter  Kohler.  In  July, 
1855,  the  Rev.  E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith  was  sent  to  Doylestown  as 
resident  pastor;  it  was  his  first  charge.  From  Doylestown  he  also 
attended  a  number  of  missions  in  Wayne  and  Stark  counties.  He 
was  succeeded  in  February,  1858,  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  Lais,  who 
remained  at  Doylestown  as  resident  pastor  until  1862.  He  was 
then  transferred  to  Canal  Fulton,  whence  he  attended  Doylestown 
as  a  Mission,  till  June,  1866.  Then  the  Rev.  Peter  Kolopp  was 
appointed  resident  pastor  of  Doylestown — June,  1866,  to  August, 
1870.  His  successors  were  the  following  priests :  The  Revs. 
Nicholas  Flammang.  August,  1870,  to  September,  1871 ;  Charles 
Seltzer,  September,  1871,  to  June,  1881;  Michael  Becker,  June, 

1881,  to  December,  1882;  Charles  Seltzer  (second  time)  January, 

1882,  to  June,  1893.  The  Rev.  Michael  Becker  had  temporary 
charge  from  August  till  November,  1893,  when  the  present  pastor, 
the  Rev.  E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith.  received  his  appointment. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Seltzer  a  larger  church  be- 
came a  necessity,  as  the  one  built  in  1849  had  become  too  small 
and  quite  "antiquated."  Some  opposition  was  shown  at  first,  but 
it  was  soon  overcome,  as  by  far  the  larger  number  of  parishioners 


382  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

favored  the  project.  The  new  church  was  built  on  the  site  of  the 
old  one,  which  was  torn  down;  during  the  process  of  building, 
services  were  held  in  the  school  house.  The  cornerstone  of  the 
new  church  was  blessed  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  Sunday,  September 
30,  1877.  The  beautiful  Gothic  structure.  5G  x  110  feet  in  size, 
was  finished  in  June,  1879,  but  was  not  dedicated  until  October  22, 
1880,  Bishop  Gilmour  performing  the  ceremony.  The  church, 
with  its  furnishings,  cost  about  $13,000.  The  various  branches  of 
the  Whitman  family,  and  the  Marshall  family,  always  special  bene- 
factors of  the  parish,  contributed  over  $3,000  towards  the  building 
fund.  It  was  the  third  church  they  helped  to  build — the  first  at 
Chippewa,  the  second  and  third  at  Doylestown. 

A  parish  school  was  established  during  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Lais.  It  had  a  fitful  existence,  and  was  finally  closed,  as  the 
small  number  of  children  that  could  attend — most  of  the  families 
living  in  the  country — did  not  warrant  the  expense  of  engaging  a 
teacher. 

The  parish  has  long  since  been  out  of  debt,  and  owns  as  finely 
situated  church  property  as  any  parish  of  its  size  in  the  diocese.  It 
now  numbers  about  85  families. 


DUNGANNON,  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY. 
ST.  PHILIP'S  CHURCH. 
The  congregation  of  Dungannon  was  the  first  organized 
within  the  present  limits  of  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  Its  history 
dates  back  to  the  year  1817,  when  the  Rev.  Edward  Fenwick,  a 
Dominican  Father,  known  as  "The  Apostle  of  Ohio,"  paid  his  first 
visit  to  the  Catholic  settlers  in  Columbiana  county.  In  fact  the 
congregation  antedates  the  village  qf  Dungannon,  and  was  gener- 
ally known  to  the  early  missionaries,  who  visited  that  part  of 
Northern  Ohio,  as  "the  Catholic  settlement  near  Lisbon,"  which 
was  then  as  it  is  now,  the  county  seat  of  Columbiana  county.  The 
settlement  was  so  called,  regardless  of  the  fact  that  its  first  place  of 
worship — a  log  cabin — was  located  nearly  seven  miles  from  Lis- 
bon. To  avoid  a  repetition  of  its  early  history  here,  the  reader  is 
referred  to  Chapters  IP  and  IIP  of  this  volume. 


(1)  p.  9. 

(2)  Pp.   25,  30.   48.      See  also   '-Church   in  Northern  Ohio,"  pp.  263,  266,  269,  292,  303. 


ST.    PHILIP    NERI'S    CHURCH    AND    PASTORAL    RESIDENCE,    DUNGANNON. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  383 

For  nearly  three  years  the  log  cabin  above  referred  to — the 
home  of  Daniel  McAllister — served  as  a  place  of  worship.  Within 
this  humble  enclosure  the  early  Catholic  settlers  of  and  near  Dun- 
gannon  assembled  to  hear  Mass,  and  to  receive  the  Sacraments  at 
the  hands  of  Fathers  Fenwick  and  N.  D.  Young,  the  latter  visiting 
the  settlement  at  regular  intervals  for  nearly  three  years.  In  1820 
the  Catholic  settlement  was  composed  of  about  fifteen  families. 
Among  them,  besides  that  of  D.  McAllister,  were  also  those  of 
P.  Fitzpatrick,  John  and  James  Brennan,  James  McMullon, 
William  and  John  Stewart  and  Peter  Tiernan.  About  1824  a 
number  of  German  families,  from  Western  Pennsylvania,  settled  at 
Dungannon,  viz.,  the  families  of  Messrs.  Wiss,  Meister,  Hoffman, 
Gasser,  and  of  U.  Walsen,  M.  D.,  the  maternal  grandfather  of  the 
Rev.  E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith,  present  pastor  of  Doylestown.  In  1820 
a  brick  church,  30  x  40  feet,  was  built  under  the  direction  of  Father 
Fenwick.  It  was  the  first  Catholic  church  erected  in  Northern 
Ohio,  since  1751,  when  the  Jesuit  Father  De  la  Richardie  had  a  log 
chapel,  or  church,  built  for  the  Wyandot  Indians  located  in  the 
vicinity  of  Fort  Sandusky.*  Its  design  was  the  plainest,  its  floor  of 
brick,  and  its  outfit  the  simplest.  With  the  increasing  number  of 
families  it  soon  proved  too  small,  hence  about  the  year  1827  its  seat- 
ing capacity  was  considerably  enlarged.  This  was  done  under  the 
direction  of  the  Rev.  T.  H.  Martin,  O.  P.  (who  succeeded  Father 
Young),  by  building  a  gallery  around  three  sides  of  the  interior, 
the  walls  having  been  raised  about  ten  feet.  The  church  was  dedi- 
cated to  the  Apostle  St.  Paul.  The  Dominican  Father,  John  H.  M. 
McGrady,  had  charge  of  the  Mission  from  November,  1830,  until 
February,  1834,  when  Dungannon  was  attended  for  some  months, 
in  1834  and  1835,  by  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Henni,  of  Canton,  and  a  few 
times  by  the  Rev.  E.  T.  Collins,  of  Cincinnati ;  and  then  from 
Somerset,  Perry  county,  by  the  Dominican  Fathers,  among  whom 
were  the  Revs.  V.  De  Raymacher,  J.  S.  Alemany,  T.  H.  Martin  and 
A.  Fahey.  Their  attendance  ceased  in  August,  1835,  with  the 
appointment  of  the  Rev.  James  Conlon  as  pastor  of  Steubenville, 
with  charge  of  Dungannon,  which  he  visited  monthly.  In  1842 
he  was  appointed  resident  pastor  of  Dungannon,  and  filled  that 
position  until  1849,  when  he  was  called  to  Cleveland,  to  assist  in 


(*)  p.  2,  this  volume. 


384  A    HISTORY   OF    CATHOLICITY 

pastoral  work  at  the  Cathedral.  During  Father  Conlan's  time  St. 
Paul's  church  again  became  too  small  to  accommodate  the  growing 
congregation.  The  village  of  Dungannon  was  platted  in  1833, 
about  one  mile  west  of  St.  Paul's  church.  The  congregation  having 
determined  to  build  a  new  and  larger  church,  a  site  was  chosen  on 
an  elevation  in  the  village.  Philip  Ehrhart  donated  the  land  for 
that  purpose ;  it  comprised  one  acre.  The  church  was  commenced 
in  1846,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Luhr,  of  Canton,  laying  its  cornerstone  on 
August  15.  Before  the  building  was  completed  Father  Conlan 
was  removed  to  Cleveland,  in  1849,  as  above  stated.  For  nearly 
one  year  (1847-48)  the  Rev.  J.  Vincent  Conlan  assisted  his  cousin, 
Father  James  Conlan,  in  attending  Dungannon  and  its  missions. 
In  1849  the  Rev.  James  Monahan  succeeded  Father  Conlan  in  the 
pastorate  of  Dungannon.  He  brought  the  church  to  completion 
the  following  spring,  when  it  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Rappe,  who 
placed  it  under  the  patronage  of  St.  Philip  Neri.  At  that  time  the 
Rev.  Jacob  Ringeli,  a  Sanguinist  Father,  attended  to  the  spiritual 
wants  of  the  German  families  of  the  parish  for  some  months.  He 
came  for  that  purpose  from  Randolph.  It  was  he  also  who  sang 
the  first  Mass  in  the  new  church — on  Christmas,  1849. 

As  before  stated,  the  first  church  (St.  Paul's)  was  built  in  1820. 
It  was  located  on  a  two-acre  plot  of  land,  donated  by  Daniel 
McAllister.  Sr.  The  cemetery  was  laid  out  in  the  rear  of  the 
church,  near  which  the  first  pastoral  residence  also  stood.  Daniel 
McAllister  was  the  most  prominent  among  the  first  Catholic 
settlers  in  Columbiana  county.  He  came  from  Ireland  in  1812, 
resided  for  about  three  years  at  Pittsburg  and  then  located  in  the 
wilds  of  Columbiana  county,  on  land  he  had  bought  from  the  Gov- 
ernment, near  the  village  of  Dungannon.  For  years  his  log  cabin 
was  the  stopping  place  for  the  priests  who  attended  Dungannon, 
and  even  for  some  time  after  his  death.  He  died  January  7,  1823, 
aged  75  years.  The  same  hospitality  was  extended  for  many  years 
by  his  son,  Daniel,  whose  home  was  also  a  log  cabin;  under  its 
humble  roof  Bishops  Fenwick  and  Purcell  were  frequently  lodged. 
Mr.  McAllister  contributed  generously  at  all  times  towards  the 
parish  church.     He  died  August  26,  1863. 

Father  James  Conlan's  pastorate  covered  a  period  of  about 
fourteen  years,  exceeding  in  duration  that  of  any  other  resident 
pastor  of  Dungannon.    It  began  at  a  time  when  there  was  consider- 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  385 

able  disorder  in  the  parish,  owing  to  much  intemperance  on  the 
part  of  many  of  the  Catholic  laborers  engaged  in  digging  the  Sandy 
and  Beaver  Canal  through  that  part  of  Columbiana  county. 
Although  they  increased  the  numerical  strength  of  the  parish 
considerably,  3^et  they  added  not  a  little  to  the  trials  and  sorrows 
of  their  pastor,  by  their  excesses  as  well,  so  that  their  advent  was 
not  altogether  an  unmixed  blessing.  Father  Conlan's  zeal  and 
earnestness,  however,  induced  many  of  these  victims  of  intem- 
perance to  take  the  total  abstinence  pledge,  and  thus  saved  them 
from  spiritual  and  temporal  ruin.  He  was  the  "Father  Mathew" 
of  his  missions  and  his  memory  was  blessed  for  his  good  deeds  and 
kindness  of  heart  long  after  he  had  departed  from  his  once 
turbulent  charge. 

With  the  opening  of  the  new  church  the  use  of  St.  Paul's 
ceased.  The  actual  cost  of  the  church,  a  brick  structure,  was  only 
about  $2,500.  This  was  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  teaming  and 
much  of  the  building  material  had  been  furnished  without  charge 
by  members  of  the  parish.  For  a  few  months  in  1852.  Father 
Monahan  had  the  Rev.  Michael  Kennedy  as  his  assistant  in  attend- 
ing the  missions  attached  to  Dungannon,  viz.,  Summitville,  East 
Liverpool,  Youngstown,  etc.  Father  Monahan  was  transferred  to 
another  charge  in  October,  1852,  and  Father  Kennedy  became  his 
successor.  In  December,  1853,  the  Rev.  William  O'Connor  suc- 
ceeded Father  Kennedy  and  shortly  after  received  as  his  assistant 
the  Rev.  Francis  Stroker,  who  attended  the  above  mentioned 
missions.  In  July,  1855,  the  Rev.  Philip  Flum  was  appointed  their 
successor.  During  his  pastorate,  which  lasted  until  February, 
3  858  (when  ill  health  forced  him  to  resign),  a  house  was  bought  in 
the  village  of  Dungannon,  near  the  church,  to  serve  as  the  priest's 
residence;  the  purchase  was  made  in  1856.  Previous  to  this  time 
the  pastors  of  Dungannon  resided  in  a  frame  house  which  was 
built  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Conlan,  and  was  located  at 
the  rear  of  the  old  church  site.  The  Rev.  W.  Fehlings  was  the 
next  resident  pastor.  His  stay  was  very  short — from  February  till 
May,  1858.  Following  is  a  list  of  resident  pastors  from  that  time 
to  the  present:  The  Revs.  Peter  Kreusch,  June,  1858,  to  April, 
1859;  Nicholas  Moes,  April,  1859,  to  July,  1861;  G.  Peter.  July, 
1861,  to  June,  1864;  F.  C.  Ludwig,  October,  1864,  to  February, 
1867;  G.  A.  Spierings,  April,  1867,  to  September,  1869;  Edward 


386  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

J.  Vattmann,  September,  1869.  to  October,  1877;  J.  G.  Vogt, 
October,  1877,  to  January.  1888;  A.  Langevin,  February,  1888; 
Edmund  F.  Rohan.  March.  1888.  to  February,  ISSl);  J.  P.  O'Con- 
nor. February  to  August,  1891;  E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith.*  August, 
1891.  to  November,  1893;  John  Baumgartner.  November,  1893, 
to  August.  1898.  The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Albert  Andlauer, 
succeeded  Father  Baumgartner  immediately  on  the  latter's  depar- 
ture. During  the  intervals,  as  above  noted,  when  Dungannon  had 
no  resident  pastor,  it  was  attended  from  Summitville  as  a  Mission. 
A  parochial  school  was  established  during  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Flum.  He  taught  it  himself  in  an  abandoned  shoe  shop 
(a  small  frame  building)  which  stood  on  the  pastoral  residence 
lot.  When  he  left,  the  school  was  closed  and  was  not  re-opened 
until  the  advent  of  Father  Moes.  For  the  purpose  of  using  the 
brick  of  the  old  church  for  a  school  building  he  had  the  venerable 
relic — the  first  church  in  Northern  Ohio — torn  down  in  1859,  as 
it  had  not  been  used  since  the  completion  of  the  new  church,  in 
1849.  However,  as  the  bricks  were  not  covered  the  following 
winter's  frosts  rendered  them  useless;  hence  the  proposed  brick 
school  house  was  not  built  by  Father  Moes.  His  successor.  Father 
Peter,  built  a  frame  school  house  in  the  rear  of  the  present  church, 
and  filled  the  post  of  schoolmaster.  It  served  as  the  parish  school 
building  until  1877,  when  for  lack  of  means  and  because  of  the 
small  number  of  children  that  could  attend,  it  had  to  be  closed,  and 
has  never  since  been  re-opened.  During  Father  Vogt's  pastorate 
many  improvements  were  made  on  the  church  property  and  paid 
for.  They  included  repairs  on  the  church  itself,  which  had  been 
struck  by  lightning  in  June,  1879,  entailing  a  loss  of  about  $600. 
The  interior  of  the  church  was  completely  and  very  tastily 
remodeled,  in  1886,  at  an  expense  of  $2,500,  on  plans  submitted 
by  Architect  Ginther.  The  entire  cost  was  paid  by  special  dona- 
tions, subscriptions  and  a  church  fair,  shortly  after  the  work  was 
finished.  The  handsome  stained  glass  windows,  the  artistic 
statuary,  frescoing,  three  new  altars  and  the  communion  railing 
comprised  the  improvements  and  made  the  interior  very  attractive. 


♦Father  Lindesmith  is  a  native  of  Columbiana  county,  was  admitted  to  his  First  Com- 
munion and  received  Confirmation  in  St.  Paul's  Church  near  Dungannon.  The  writer  is  in- 
debted to  him  for  much  of  the  early  history  contained  in  the  parish  sketch  of  Dungannon, 
as  also  for  the  outlines  of  its  first  church,  from  which  the  artist  was  enabled  to  produce 
its  picture,  which  appears  in  this  volume. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  387 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Lindesmith  the  church  and  pastoral 
residence  were  re-roofed  with  slate  and  the  residence  lot  enclosed 
by  a  neat  iron  fence.  He  also  made  a  number  of  generous  dona- 
tions to  the  church  of  his  native  parish,  including  several  beautiful 
pieces  of  statuary.  The  present  pews  were  bought  during  the 
pastorate  of  Father  Baumgartner.  They  cost  $450  and  were  paid 
for  by  the  sale  of  the  school,  built  by  Father  Peter,  and  by  dona- 
tions from  Mrs.  Ehrhart  and  Mrs.  Sweeney.  At  an  expense  of 
about  $1,500  the  present  pastor,  Father  Andlauer,  had  the  exterior 
of  the  church  completed  by  the  addition  of  a  graceful  spire,  120  feet 
high.  The  church  has  three  bells ;  the  largest  of  them  was  donated 
by  Father  Lindesmith  ;  the  next  in  size  was  presented  by  Mr.  E.  R. 
Woods,  of  Pittsburg,  and  the  third  is  the  one  in  use  since  the 
church  was  built — the  three  making  a  sweet-toned  chime.  At 
present  the  congregation  numbers  about  50  families — all  farmers. 
Among  the  parishioners  of  the  past,  who  deserve  special  recogni- 
tion for  services  rendered  to  the  church,  are  George  Divel,  Philip 
Haessly,  Sr.,  and  James  Hagan,  Sr.  They  filled  for  many  terms 
the  ofifice  of  councilman  and  in  a  manner  most  acceptable  to  the 
respective  pastors. 

In  spite  of  many  drawbacks,  a  number  of  apostasies,  and  some 
scandal  in  its  past  long  history,  a  healthy  Catholic  spirit  pervades 
the  parish,  which  is  composed  now  of  the  second  and  third  genera- 
tion of  good  old  Irish  and  German  ancestry ;  who  are  "Catholics 
first  and  Americans  next." 


EAST  LIVERPOOL,  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY. 
ST.  ALOYSIUS'  CHURCH. 
The  Rev.  James  Conlan  was  the  first  priest  to  look  after  the 
spiritual  interests  of  the  Catholics  located  at  East  Liverpool.  His 
first  visit  was  made  in  the  fall  of  1835,  at  which  time  he  was  sta- 
tioned at  Steubenville — now  in  the  diocese  of  Columbus.  He 
found  about  ten  Catholic  families  in  what  was  then  the  village  of 
East  Liverpool.  Mr.  J.  S.  Blakely,  a  prominent  citizen  and  gen- 
erous Catholic,  kindly  offered  him  the  use  of  the  largest  room  in 
his  spacious  house  as  a  place  for  the  celebration  of  the  Holy  Sacri- 
fice. The  offer  was  gratefully  accepted  and  for  nearly  sixteen 
years,  until  the  completion  of  the  first  church,  the  Blakely  home 


388  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

was  the  center  of  Catholicity  in  East  Liverpool.  Father  Conlan 
encouraged  the  Mission,  though  small  and  poor,  to  erect  a  brick 
church.  It  was  begun  in  1837,  but  remained  in  an  unfinished  state 
for  over  four  years,  owing  to  lack  of  means.  By  July,  1841,  the 
sum  of  $3,000  had  been  expended  on  the  edifice,  with  a  debt  of 
$1,000  to  be  met.  With  the  permission  of  Bishop  Purcell  an 
appeal  for  financial  assistance  was  addressed  "To  the  Catholic 
Congregations  of  Ohio"  and  signed  in  the  name  of  the  Mission  by 
three  of  its  most  prominent  members,  viz.,  John  J.  Murphy,  Josiah 
Bagley  and  John  S.  Blakely.  The  appeal  was  published  in  the 
Cincinnati  Catholic  Telegraph  of  July  10,  1841.*  The  following 
passages  are  quoted  from  the  appeal: 

"Our  church  was  commenced  in  the  spring  of  1837,  under  the 
most  favorable  auspices;  being  encouraged  by  the  promising  state 
of  the  times,  and  the  prospect  of  a  considerable  increase  of  our 
numbers,  from  a  public  work  then  under  contract,  we  were  induced 
to  lay  out  our  church  on  a  larger  scale    than    would    have    been 
advisable  had   such  a  change  been   contemplated  as  took  place 
shortly  after  that  period.     The  building  having  progressed,  how- 
ever, to  that  extent  that  rendered  any  alteration  impossible,  we  had 
no  alternative  left  but  to  abandon  the  work  entirely  and  lose  what 
had  already  been  expended,  or  make  another  effort  to  finish  the 
building  on  the  plan  already  begun.    The  latter  course  was  deter- 
mined on,  and  by  the  most  extraordinary  exertions,  considering 
our  numbers,  we  have  succeeded  in  raising  a  beautiful  and  sub- 
stantial edifice  (40  x  70  feet,  of  brick),  one  that  will  be  an  ornament 
to  our  town  and  a  credit  to  our  Faith.     It  is  in  an  unfinished  state, 
it  is  true,  but  notwithstanding,  it  will  and  does  answer  for  public 
worship,  until  a  change  in  the  times  will  enable  us  to  complete  it. 
To  effect  what  has  been  done  we  have  expended  $3,000,  and  unfor- 
tunately we  have  a  debt  of  $1,000,  for  the  payment  of  which  the 
hammer  of  the  sheriff  is  now  battering  at  the  door.    It  is  to  prevent 
so  deplorable  a  consequence  that  this  appeal  is  made.      *      *      * 
"A  church,  on  which  has  been  expended  upwards  of  $3,000,  is 
about  to  be  sacrificed  for  a  small  remaining  debt.     This  of  itself 
should  be  an  important  consideration.     But  still  this  would  be 
nothing  when  compared  with  the  disgrace  which  must  be  con- 
sequent on  such  an  event,  a  consequence  which  we  confidently  feel 

(*)    The  Church  in  Northern  Ohio,  p.  283;  pp.  34,  37,  this  volume. 


ST.    ANTHONY'S    SCHOOL.    TOLEDO. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  389 

yon  will  readily  assist  us  to  avert.  A  small  pittance  from  each 
individual  who  will  be  called  on  would  raise  the  sum  required.  We 
do  hope  our  appeal  will  not  be  in  vain.  *  *  *  The  different 
congregations  of  the  diocese  will  be  waited  on  by  our  pastor,  Rev. 
James  Conlan  in  a  few  weeks.  We  hope  none  will  send  him  away 
without  contributing  something." 

This  public  appeal,  which  Father  Conlan  also  made  in  person, 
in  many  places,  met  with  a  generous  response.  Hardly  had  he 
finished  the  church,  however,  when  it  was  destroyed  by  fire,  on 
Passion  Sunday,  1845,  The  general  supposition  was  that  the  fire 
was  the  work  of  an  incendiary.  Father  Conlan  and  his  people  were 
much  discouraged  as  they  were  now  without  a  church  and  with- 
out means  to  rebuild.  Mr.  Blakely's  house  was  again  offered  by 
him,  and  used  as  before,  as  a  place  for  divine  worship  till  the  com- 
pletion of  the  second  church — a  frame  structure,  30  x  50  feet — 
which  was  built  in  1851,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  James 
Monahan.  The  site  covered  two  lots,  one  of  which  was  donated 
by  Mr.  Blakely.  All  the  timber  for  the  church  was  framed  at  Pitts- 
burg, and  then  floated  down  the  Ohio  river  on  a  raft  to  East  Liver- 
pool, where  it  was  put  together.  The  church  cost  $1,000 — no 
small  sum  to  be  paid  by  the  few  Catholics  that  even  then  composed 
the  Mission.  During  the  first  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  P.  J.  McGuire, 
an  addition  of  25  feet  was  built  at  an  expense  of  $800,  thus  to 
accommodate  the  increased  membership. 

East  Liverpool  was  one  of  the  many  Missions  of  the  Rev. 
James  Conlan,  who  attended  it  from  Steubenville,  from  1835  to 
1842,  and  from  Dungannon,  until  1849.  It  was  then  made  a 
monthly  Mission  of  the  resident  pastors  of  Dungannon,  from  1849 
to  1856;  and  of  Summitville,  from  1856  to  1874,  when  it  was 
attended  by  the  Rev.  James  Cullen  for  a  few  months,  from  Wells- 
ville.  Following  are  the  names  of  the  priests  who  had  charge  of 
the  Mission  of  East  Liverpool  after  Father  Conlan,  viz.:  The 
Revs.  James  Monahan,  1849-52;  Michael  Kennedy,  July  to  Decem- 
ber, 1852;  WiUiam  O'Connor  and  Francis  Stroker,  December, 
1852,  to  June,  1855;  Philip  Flum,  June,  1855,  to  April,  1856; 
Michael  Prendergast,  1856-58;  Thomas  J.  Walsh,  1858-59;  Denis 
Tighe,  1859-64;  Patrick  J.  McGuire,  September,  1864,  to  Septem- 
ber,   1874.      In    November,    1874,   the    Rev.   James   Cullen   was 


390  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

appointed  first  resident  pastor,  and  lived  in  a  rented  house  till  his 
removal  in  February,  1876.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  P.  J. 
McGuire,  who,  as  above  stated,  had  attended  East  Liverpool  as  a 
Mission.  In  the  summer  of  1876  he  had  a  neat  and  comfortable 
brick  residence  built  on  two  lots,  at  a  cost  of  $4,000.  Father 
McGuire  paid  $1,600  for  the  lots.  His  pastorate  lasted  until  July, 
1879,  when  he  was  transferred  to  St.  John's  Church,  Canton — his 
present  position.  Until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Carroll 
as  Father  McGuire's  successor,  in  November,  1870,  the  Rev.  E.  J. 
Murphy,  then  of  Summitville,  attended  East  Liverpool  from  July 
to  September,  and  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Cahill,  from  September  to 
November,  1879.  During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Carroll  the 
present  church,  (the  third  in  the  history  of  the  parish),  an  attractive 
brick  structure  was  built  on  the  site  of  the  old  church,  which  was 
moved  back  some  distance.  It  was  commenced  in  1887  and 
through  necessity  used  before  its  completion,  in  November,  1889, 
because  the  old  church  had  become  quite  dilapidated.  From 
that  time  forward  services  were  held  regularly  in  the  new  church. 
It  was  dedicated  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on  Sunday,  October 
5,  1890.  It  is  of  Roman  architecture,  is  52  feet  wide  and  118  feet 
long.  Including  its  furnishings  it  cost  about  $30,000.  In  July, 
1883,  four  and  a  half  acres  of  land  were  bought  for  a  cemetery. 
The  present  pastoral  residence  was  also  built  during  this  time,  the 
former  residence  having  been  remodeled  into  a  school.  Owing  to 
ill  health  Father  Carroll  resigned  his  charge  in  March,  1893.  He 
died  at  Charity  Hospital  on  February  6,  1894.  His  successor  was 
the  Rev.  J.  C.  Desmond,  whose  pastorate  was  of  brief  duration, 
from  March  to  December  5,  1893,  when  he  died.  The  present 
incumbent  is  the  Rev.  Thomas  M.  Smyth,  whose  appointment 
dates  from  December,  1893.  Besides  making  and  paying  for  many 
needed  improvements  Father  Smyth's  generous  people  also  paid 
the  church  debt,  which  was  considerable  at  the  time  he  took  charge 
of  the  parish. 

A  school  was  begun  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Tighe, 
but  shortly  after  it  had  to  be  closed  for  want  of  support.  It  was 
reopened  by  Father  Carroll,  and  has  never  been  discontinued  since. 
It  is  now  in  charge  of  five  Sisters  of  Charity,  of  Nazareth,  Ky.,  and 
has  an  enrollment  of  nearly  300  children.     The  parish  numbers  at 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  391 

present  about  350  families  and  has  a  steady  growth,  owing  to  the 
large  potteries  which  employ  many  Catholics. 

The  names  of  John  S.  Blakely,  P.  McGinley,  G.  Btichheit, 
G.  Margraf.  Patrick  and  John  McNicoU,  George  Darragh,  Martin 
Hilbert,  Thomas  Plunkett,  H.  Kefifer  and  M.  Holzmann  are  held  in 
grateful  remembrance  as  men  who,  in  the  pioneer  days  of  the 
parish,  when  it  was  struggling  for  existence,  gave  liberally  of 
their  time  and  money  to  further  its  interests. 


EAST  PALESTINE,  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY. 

OUR  LADY  OF  LOURDES'  CHURCH. 

East  Palestine  is  a  town  of  about  3,000  inhabitants,  near  the 
Pennsylvania  State  line.  Coal  mining,  sewer  tile  and  pottery 
works  are  the  chief  industries.  In  July,  18S0,  the  Catholics  of  the 
place,  then  numbering  about  twenty-five  families,  mostly  poor, 
were  organized  as  a  congregation  by  the  Rev.  Clement  H.  Treiber. 
Previous  to  July,  1880,  they  were  identified  with  the  parish  of 
St.  Rose's,  at  Cannelton,  five  miles  distant,  in  the  diocese  of  Pitts- 
burg. From  1872  until  1880  the  Rev.  E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith 
attended  East  Palestine  from  Leetonia  on  week  days,  and  said 
Mass  in  private  houses.  In  August,  1880,  Mr.  T.  Chamberlain 
donated  a  lot  to  the  parish  at  the  corner  of  W,  Walnut  and  Clarke 
streets.  In  September  of  the  same  year  the  erection  of  a  frame 
church,  32  x  60  feet,  was  begun  on  it  under  the  direction  of  Father 
Treiber.  When  finished  (in  1882)  it  cost  $3,500.  Father  Treiber 
said  Mass  in  it  for  the  first  time  on  January  23,  1881.  Neatly 
frescoed,  and  tastily  furnished  with  altar,  pews,  and  stained  glass 
windows,  the  church  is  a  credit  to  its  builder  and  to  the  parish ;  it 
was  dedicated  to  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes,  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  on 
June  10,  1883.  East  Palestine  was  attended  from  Salem  by  Father 
Treiber  from  September,  1881,  until  June,  1887.  In  January,  of 
the  same  year,  he  secured  a  two-acre  tract  of  land  about  two  miles 
from  the  church  for  cemetery  purposes.  Father  Treiber  was  suc- 
ceeded at  East  Palestine  and  Salem  by  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Finucan, 
whose  pastorate,  owing  to  ill  health,  was  of  short  duration,  from 
June  to  December,  1887.  In  January,  1888,  he  was  succeeded  by 
the  Rev.  Francis  Senner,  who  attended  East  Palestine  at  first  semi- 
monthly, and  later  monthly,  on  Sundays,  until  his  transfer  to  Louis- 


392  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

ville,  Stark  county,  in  1897.  He  left  the  Mission  in  a  flourishing 
condition  as  to  temporals  and  spirituals,  and  without  debt.  The 
Rev.  G.  C.  Schoenemann,  of  Salem,  next  had  charge  of  the 
Mission,  giving  it  the  same  attendance  as  it  had  before,  until  June, 
1898,  when  the  Rev.  Joseph  J.  Clarke  was  appointed  first  resident 
pastor  of  East  Palestine.  He  remained  till  January,  1899,  when 
the  Rev.  Edward  Reagan  was  appointed  his  successor.  One  of 
Father  Reagan's  first  acts  was  the  purchase  of  a  new  site  for  the 
church  and  a  proposed  pastoral  residence,  in  a  more  eligible  loca- 
tion. The  ground,  situate  on  Main  street,  with  a  frontage  of  120 
feet  and  a  depth  of  190  feet,  was  bought  in  the  summer  of  1899, 
for  $1,250,  and  paid  for  in  a  few  months.  Father  Reagan's 
health  failing,  he  was  obliged  to  pass  the  following  winter  in  a 
milder  climate.  The  Rev.  D.  Shunk,  C.  PP.  S.,  supplied  his  place 
till  his  return  in  the  latter  part  of  March,  1900,  with  health  unim- 
proved. He  died  on  April  11,  less  than  a  fortnight  later.  The 
remains  of  the  good  priest  were  taken  to  his  former  home  in  Phila- 
delphia for  interment.  Until  the  appointment  of  his  successor,  the 
Rev.  John  J.  Boyle,  in  June,  1900,  East  Palestine  was  again 
attended  from  Salem.  Father  Boyle's  stay  was  short — until  his 
death,  December  5,  1900.  His  successor  is  the  present  incumbent, 
the  Rev.  Joseph  Barth.  The  parish  now  numbers  about  50  families. 
It  has  been  found  impossible  thus  far  to  establish  a  parish  school 
owing  to  the  fact  that  most  of  the  children  live  too  far  distant,  in 
the  surrounding  country. 

Mr.  H.  A.  Gray,  a  convert  and  a  prominent  citizen,  is  the 
leading  spirit  in  all  movements  for  promoting  Catholic  interests 
in  East  Palestine. 


EDGERTON,  WILLIAMS  COUNTY. 

ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

The  history  of  Catholicity  at  Edgerton  begins  with  the  year 
1865,  when  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Kirch,  at  the  time  resident  pastor  of 
Stryker,  was  appointed  to  take  pastoral  charge  of  the  few  Catholic 
families  then  residing  there.  Previous  to  that  time  they  were 
identified  with  Clarksville,  two  miles  distant,  and  attended  from 
Defiance  by  the  Revs.  A.  I.  Hoffel  and  A.  Magenhann.    With  the 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  393 

organization  of  the  Mission  of  Edgerton  that  of  Clarksville  ceased, 
as  both  were  united  into  one  Mission.  Under  the  direction  of 
Father  Kirch  the  present  frame  church  (40  x  60  feet)  was  com- 
menced in  1865  and  finished  the  following  year.  It  was  built  on 
lots  donated  for  a  church  site.  During  the  pastorate  of  Father 
Kirch  considerable  trouble  arose  between  him  and  the  councilmen 
in  regard  to  the  transfer  of  title  to  the  Bishop.  In  consequence 
of  this  trouble  Father  Kirch,  who  had  been  gravely  insulted  by 
the  "trustees,"  was  removed  by  Bishop  Rappe.     In  December, 

1867,  the  Rev.  Peter  Becker  was  appointed  his  successor  and  first 
resident  pastor.  He  also  had  to  face  the  same  trouble  as  did  Father 
Kirch.  But  as  he  insisted  on  compliance  with  the  diocesan  law 
regarding  the  title  to  church  property,  and  threatened  to  ask  for 
his  removal  unless  the  opponents,  and  so-called  "trustees,"  yielded, 
they  finally  gave  Bishop  Rappe  the  required  deed,  in  September, 

1868.  The  church  was  not  dedicated  however  until  June  12,  1881, 
Bishop  Gilmour  performing  the  ceremony.  In  1868  Father  Becker 
secured  a  two  acre  tract  of  land  for  a  cemetery,  which  is  still  in 
use.  In  1869  the  present  pastoral  residence,  also  a  frame  building, 
was  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,800.  Owing  to  insubordination 
on  the  part  of  a  number  of  parishioners,  the  church  was  closed  in 
1878,  for  nearly  two  months.  Since  that  time  peace  and  harmony 
have  prevailed  in  the  parish. 

In  1893,  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Pfyl,  the  church  was 
enlarged,  entirely  remodeled,  and  made  quite  attractive  in  appear- 
ance, at  a  cost  of  about  $1,600.  On  October  28,  of  the  same  year, 
it  was  re-dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann. 

St.  Mary's  congregation  is  composed  mostly  of  farmers,  and 
has  never  been  of  sufficient  numerical  strength  to  support  a  parish 
school. 

The  following  priests  had  pastoral  charge  of  Edgerton :  The 
Revs.  N.  Kirch  (from  Stryker),  1865-67 ;  P.  Becker,  first  resident 
pastor,  December,  1867,  till  March,  1869 ;  J.  Eyler  (from  Stryker), 
March.  1869,  to  February,  1870;  C.  Braschler,  resident  pastor, 
from  1870-73;  J.  G.  Vogt,  1873-75;  G.  Peter,  1875-79;  A  Mertes, 
1879-83;  J.  H.  Kleekamp,  1883-87;  T.  S.  Major,  1887-92;  F.  J. 
Pfyl.  1892-97;  A.  B.  Stuber,  1897-98;  F.  J.  Pfyl,  a  second  time, 
from  June,  1898,  to  January,  1899.  The  present  pastor,  the  Rev. 
P.  A.  Schritz,  has  had  charge  since  January,  1899. 


394  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

ELMORE,  OTTAWA  COUNTY. 

ST.  PATRICK'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
The  Catholics  at  Elmore  were  attended  from  Toledo  for  some 
years  prior  to  1872,  and  Mass  was  celebrated  in  the  house  of  P. 
Higgins.  There  is  however  no  record  of  the  names  of  the  priests, 
or  when  first  they  attended  Elmore  as  a  Station.  The  first  resident 
pastor  was  the  Rev.  F.  Davy,  who  had  charge  of  Elmore  and 
several  Missions,  from  April  to  August,  1872,  when  he  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Rev.  William  McMahon,  present  pastor  of  St. 
Bridget's,  Cleveland.  In  April,  1873,  Father  McMahon  bought  a 
fine  corner  lot  on  which  stood  two  frame  buildings  that  had  been 
used  for  public  school  purposes.  The  larger  of  these  buildings  was 
transformed  into  a  church  and  the  other  into  a  comfortable 
parochial  residence.  The  property  and  necessary  changes  in  the 
buildings  cost  $2,800.  All  but  $200  of  this  sum  was  paid  during 
the  pastorate  of  Father  McMahon.  He  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  H.  Kolopp  in  August,  1874,  and  he  in  turn  by  the  Rev.  J. 
Klute,  in  January,  1876.  Aided  by  the  generous  Protestants  of 
the  village  and  by  his  own  small  parish  Father  Klute  paid  ofif  the 
balance  of  the  church  debt.  In  July,  1880,  the  Rev.  Gustave  H. 
Rieken  succeeded  Father  Klute.  His  successors,  as  resident 
pastors  of  Elmore,  were  the  following  priests :  The  Revs.  Joseph  J. 
Clarke,  October,  1885,  to  June,  1886;  John  W.  Malecha,  August, 
1886,  to  September,  1888;  W.  J.  Smith,  September,  1888,  to  Janu- 
ary, 1889;  J.  P.  O'Connor,  from  February  to  August,  1899,  when 
Genoa  became  the  residence  of  the  priest  attending  Elmore.  It 
continued  to  be  a  Mission  of  that  place  until  May,  1896,  when  it 
was  attached  to  Gibsonburg  as  a  Mission,  and  since  then  has  so 
remained.  Elmore  was  attended  from  Genoa  by  the  Rev.  W.  S. 
Kress  from  July,  1891,  till  January,  1892.  For  nearly  two  years 
Elmore  had  no  priest.  It  was  then  attended  from  Toledo  for  a  few 
months  by  the  Rev.  T.  F.  McGuire  and  later  by  the  Jesuit  Fathers, 
G.  Burkard  and  A.  StefTen,  until  May,  1896.  The  Mission  was 
next  attached  to  Gibsonburg,  as  above  stated,  and  placed  in  charge 
of  the  Rev.  P.  A.  Schritz.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  present 
pastor,  the  Rev.  Leo  L.  Broens,  in  January,  1899.  Owing  to  the 
much  reduced  Mission,  Elmore  is  now  attended  monthly  on  week 
days. 


ST.    MARY'S   CHURCH    (1st   and   2nd),    BLYRIA. 


IN    THE   DIOCESE    OF   CLEVELAND.  395. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Malecha  the  church  was 
destroyed  by  fire,  on  May  20,  1888.  Father  Smith,  his  successor, 
rebuilt  the  church,  which  is  now  in  use.  It  is  a  small  but  very  neat 
edifice  (24  x  42  feet),  of  old  English  architecture,  and  cost  nearly 
$1,700.  Father  Kress  supplied  it  with  pews  which  were  used  in  old 
St.  Ann's  church,  Fremont,  and  donated  to  the  Mission  of  Elmore, 
which  at  present  numbers  only  seven  families.  It  is  a  question  of 
only  a  short  time  when  the  Mission  will  have  to  be  abandoned,  as 
Elmore  offers  no  inducement  for  an  increase  of  its  Catholic  popula- 
tion. 


ELYRIA,   LORAIN   COUNTY. 

ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

Elyria,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  towns  in  Northern  Ohio,  and 
noted  for  its  charming  river  scenery,  was  founded  by  Heman  Ely, 
a  native  of  Massachusetts.  With  his  family  and  some  servants  he 
settled  in  that  part  of  Lorain  county  in  1817;  it  was  then  an  un- 
broken forest.  In  a  short  time  other  New  Englanders  cast  their  lot 
with  these  pioneers,  bringing  with  them  not  only  their  Yankee 
shrewdness  but  also  their  bigotry  against  Catholics.  This  un- 
American  spirit  remained  among  them  and  their  descendants  for 
many  years,  and  showed  itself  in  a  marked  degree  when  Catholics 
began  to  settle  in  Elyria  and  its  vicinity.  This  was  about  the  year 
1845,  when  the  first  Catholic  Irish  and  German  families  established 
homes  there.  Although  this  Puritanic  opposition  of  the  Protest- 
ants of  the  village  was  annoying  to  the  Catholics  at  first,  later  it 
spurned  them  on  all  the  more  to  live  up  to  their  Faith,  for  the  pro- 
fession of  which  they  suffered  "refined  persecution."  In  1845  Bishop 
Purcell  visited  a  number  of  missions  in  Northern  Ohio,  among 
them  also  Laporte,  near  Elyria.  His  fame  as  a  pulpit  orator  and 
lecturer  was  widespread,  even  at  that  early  day.  Hence  on  the 
occasion  of  that  visit  he  was  invited  by  Mr.  L.  C.  Boynton,  a 
Protestant  and  the  deputy  sheriff  of  Lorain  county,  to  lecture 
in  the  court  house  at  Elyria  on  any  Catholic  subject  he  might 
choose.  At  the  same  time  he  was  informed  of  the  sad  condition 
of  the  small  and  despised  Catholic  population  of  that  town.  He 
gladly  accepted  the  invitation,  and  his  lecture  pleased  his  non- 


396  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Catholic  audience  so  much  that  a  Baptist  deacon  invited  the  Bishop 
to  lecture  in  the  Baptist  meeting-house  at  Elyria.  This  aroused  a 
storm  of  indignation  among  the  Protestant  element  of  the  town, 
but  the  lecture  was  delivered  and  had  a  salutary  effect  on  his 
audience.  The  Bishop  then  arranged  to  have  a  priest  look  after 
the  spiritual  interests  of  the  Catholics  at  Elyria,  by  sending  them 
the  Rev.  Peter  McLaughlin,  at  that  time  stationed  at  Cleveland, 
25  miles  distant.  In  1846  he  was  replaced  by  the  Rev.  Maurice 
Howard,  who  attended  Elyria  as  a  Station  until  1849,  when  the 
Very  Rev.  Vicar  General  DeGoesbriand  succeeded  him.  Follow- 
ing the  custom  of  his  predecessors,  he  visited  Elyria  once  a  month 
on  week  days,  and  said  Mass  in  private  houses.  At  this  time  there 
were  about  fifteen  Catholic  families  in  Elyria.  From  November, 
1851,  until  May,  1853,  the  Rev.  William  O'Connor,  Father  De 
Goesbriand's  successor,  attended  Elyria  as  a  Station,  from  Cleve- 
land. During  this  period  the  Rev.  Jacob  Ringeli,  a  Sanguinist 
Father,  also  looked  after  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  Germans  who 
formed  a  considerable  part  of  the  growing  Catholic  population. 
In  May,  1853,  the  Rev.  Michael  Healy  was  sent  to  Elyria  as  the 
first  resident  pastor,  with  charge  of  a  number  of  missions  and  sta- 
tions in  Lorain  and  Huron  counties.  In  May,  1854,  he  secured  a 
plot  of  land,  4  x  12  rods,  at  the  corner  of  Middle  avenue  and 
Fourth  street,  which  has  long  since  developed  into  a  very  attrac- 
tive part  of  the  town.  In  spite  of  bigotry  which  still  displayed 
itself  from  time  to  time,  he  built  on  the  above  mentioned  land  a 
small  frame  church,  or  chapel.  Upon  its  completion,  in  the 
summer  of  1854,  the  use  of  private  houses  for  Mass  ceased.  Father 
Healy  was  succeeded  in  March,  1859,  by  the  Rev.  Robert  A.  Sidley 
in  the  pastorate  of  Elyria.  He  was  obliged  to  enlarge  the  church, 
as  the  congregation  had  outgrown  its  place  of  worship.  He  made 
the  addition  spacious  enough  to  provide  for  a  school  room  in  the 
rear  of  the  building.  The  school  was  placed  in  charge  of  a  lay 
teacher.  In  the  summer  of  1859  Father  Sidley  built  the  pastoral 
residence,  a  frame  structure,  which,  though  since  considerably 
remodeled,  still  serves  its  purpose.  Father  Sidley  was  transferred 
to  Sandusky,  in  April,  1863,  and  Elyria  was  left  without  a  resident 
pastor  until  the  following  July,  the  parish  being  attended  mean- 
while from  the  Cathedral.  The  Rev.  Francis  A.  Sullivan  was  then 
appointed  Father  Sidley's  successor.     He  was  in  poor  health  and 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  397 

death  cut  short  his  pastorate  less  than  eight  months  after  he 
arrived  in  Elyria.  He  died  of  tuberculosis  on  February  3,  1864. 
With  Father  Sullivan's  demise,  the  parish  was  again  without  a 
resident  pastor — this  time  for  one  year.  Meanwhile  it  was  attended 
from  the  Cathedral  and  Seminary  at  Cleveland,  till  the  following 
July,  and  from  Norwalk,  by  the  Rev.  T.  F.  Halley,  till  January, 
1865.  In  February.  1865,  the  Rev.  Charles  Griss  was  appointed 
to  Elyria,  but  remained  only  until  the  following  September,  when 
he  returned  to  Perrysburg,  his  former  pastorate.  His  successor 
was  the  Rev.  Louis  Molon,  who  had  charge  of  the  parish  from 
September,  1865,  until  April,  1880.  During  his  stay  in  Elyria  he 
added  to  the  church  property,  by  the  purchase  of  two  fine  lots, 
located  diagonally  from  the  church.  He  also  enlarged  the  church 
considerably,  making  its  length  110  feet,  about  thrice  its  original 
size,  when  built  in  1854.  He  secured  a  large  bell  and  an  organ; 
also  the  old  Town  Hall,  which  he  had  moved  on  one  of  the  vacant 
church  lots  and  remodeled  it  so  as  to  serve  as  a  school  building. 
In  March.  1880,  he  was  stricken  with  paralysis  and  thus  became 
disabled  for  further  pastoral  work.  He  died  at  Elyria,  November 
16,  1880.  His  successor,  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  John  T. 
Schafifeld,  took  charge  of  the  parish  on  May  13,  1880.  During  the 
intervening  six  weeks  the  Rev.  G.  F.  Houck  attended  Elyria  from 
Cleveland. 

When  Father  SchafYeld  had  the  parish  affairs  fully  in  hand  he 
felt  that  the  old  church  had  outlived  its  sacred  use,  and  that  a  new, 
larger,  and  better  edifice  was  a  necessity.  After  some  dil^culty  he 
convinced  his  parishioners  of  that  fact  and  soon  received  generous 
subscriptions.  He  chose  for  the  site  of  the  new  church  the  lots 
Father  Molon  had  bought  for  that  purpose  in  1867.  Work  on  the 
new  church  was  begun  in  the  spring  of  1883,  and  on  Sunday,  July 
22,  of  the  same  year.  Bishop  Gilmour  laid  the  comer-stone.  The 
edifice  was  completed  three  years  later.  Bishop  Gilmour  dedicated 
the  beautiful  brick  structure  on  Sunday,  June  13,  1886.  The 
church  faces  Middle  avenue,  is  126  feet  long,  50  feet  wide,  and 
62  feet  in  the  transept.  It  is  tastily  frescoed,  furnished  with 
fine  altars,  pews,  has  artistic  stained  glass  windows,  and  cost 
about  $35,000.  On  the  day  of  its  dedication  a  debt  of  only 
$5,000  remained,  which  was  cancelled  by  the  end  of  the  year  1890. 
Father  Schafifeld  secured  the  property  lying  in  the  rear  of  the 


398  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

church,  the  purchase  price  hein^  $2, GOO.  The  house  on  it  was 
made  the  Sisters'  residence.  He  also  bought  a  large  bell  weighing- 
nearly  3,000  pounds,  had  the  church  organ  enlarged,  and  the  old 
church  remodeled  so  as  to  serve  as  a  school.  He  is  at  present 
raising  a  subscription  for  a  $15,000  brick  school  to  be  commenced 
in  1901. 

Until  1886  the  parish  school  was  conducted  by  lay  teachers. 
In  September  of  that  year  it  was  given  in  charge  of  Sisters  of  St. 
Joseph,  assisted  by  one  lay  teacher.  In  September,  1897,  they  were 
succeeded  by  four  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  who  are  still  in  charge. 
The  enrollment  is  now  about  200  children. 

The  parish  is  in  excellent  condition,  spiritually  and  financially. 
One  of  the  most  prominent  members,  one  who  deserves  recogni- 
tion as  well  for  his  generosity  as  for  valuable  aid  which  he  rendered 
in  the  temporal  affairs  of  the  parish,  was  Mr.  Jacob  Waldeck,  who 
•died  a  few  years  ago.  Mr.  Severin  Ott  also  deserves  recognition, 
for  like  reasons. 


EUCLID,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 

ST.  PAUL'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

About  the  year  1855  a  number  of  Catholic  laborers  who  were 
employed  in  the  construction  of  the  Cleveland,  Painesville  and 
Ashtabula  Railway — now  a  part  of  the  great  "Lake  Shore"  system 
— settled  in  the  village  of  Euclid,  in  Euclid  Township,  so  as  to  be 
near  their  work.  These,  together  with  a  few  small  farmers,  were 
obliged  to  go  to  Cleveland,  ten  miles  distant,  to  fulfil  their  religious 
obligations.  In  1860  they  petitioned  Bishop  Rappe  to  send  them 
a  priest  to  look  after  their  spiritual  wants.  He  sent  them  the  Rev. 
Edward  Hannin,  then  a  curate  at  the  Cathedral.  For  a  short  time 
Father  Hannin  said  Mass  in  private  houses.  In -1861  he  secured 
a  one-acre  lot  on  the  outskirts  of  the  village,  although  the  deed 
was  not  given  until  November,  1862.  During  the  summer  of  that 
year,  he  built  on  it  a  neat  frame  church,  34x60  feet,  and  the  Apostle 
St.  Paul  was  chosen  as  its  patron  saint.  The  church  cost  about 
$1,200  and,  humble  though  it  was  in  appearance,  it  was  looked 
upon  at  that  time  as  a  great  effort  on  the  part  of  the  Catholics  of 
Euclid,  who  were  few  in  number  and  in  reduced  circumstances. 


IxN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  399 

Mass  was  celebrated  by  Father  Ilannin  in  the  church  for  the  first 
time,  in  November,  18()L  In  April,  1862,  he  was  succeeded  in  the 
charge  of  the  Mission  by  the  Rev.  F.  Salaun,  at  that  time  rector  of 
the  Diocesan  Seminary.  He  visited  Euclid  every  second  Sunday 
for  two  years — until  August,  1864,  when  ill  health  obliged  him  to 
resign  the  Mission,  as  well  as  the  rectorate  of  the  Seminary.  The 
Rev.  Anthony  T.  Martin,  one  of  the  Seminary  professors  was  then 
given  charge  of  Euclid  as  a  Mission.  One  year  later  (August, 
1865),  he  w^as  appointed  resident  pastor  of  the  place,  and  held  that 
position  until  his  death,  November  24,  1899.  During  this  long 
period  of  service  Father  Martin  discharged  his  pastoral  duties  most 
faithfully,  and  that  very  often  under  the  most  trying  circumstances. 
Besides  attending  to  Euclid  he  had  also  the  care  of  many  Missions 
and  Stations,  the  more  prominent  among  the  former  being  Collin- 
wood,  Willoughby  and  Mentor.  After  taking  charge  of  Euclid  his 
first  efTort  was  directed  towards  securing  a  pastoral  residence,  and 
to  purchase  land  for  a  cemetery.  The  residence,  a  plain  frame 
building,  cost  about  $1,000.  The  plot  of  land  upon  which  it  stood 
wdien  bought,  as  also  the  cemetery,  cost  the  same  sum.  The  land 
then  comprised  about  seven  acres,  part  of  which  was  sold  later. 
It  was  deeded  to  the  church  on  August  1,  1865.  After  Father 
Martin  had  paid  for  the  cemetery  and  the  pastoral  residence  he 
built  a  frame  school,  in  1866,  at  a  cost  of  $650.  The  school  was 
opened  on  January  6,  1867,  and  was  supported  for  twenty-six  years 
when,  for  lack  of  sufificient  attendance  and  means,  it  had  to  be 
closed  in  1893. 

In  the  summer  of  1888  the  church  was  moved  from  its  original 
location  to  its  present  one.  An  addition  was  then  built  to  the 
church  making  its  width  34  feet,  and  its  length  85  feet,  with  a 
transept  of  45  feet.  The  old  church  lot  was  sold  in  May,  1888.  In 
1893  the  present  pipe  organ  was  bought,  and  in  the  following 
year  a  public  vault  was  erected  in  the  neatly  kept  cemetery.  All 
the  above  mentioned  improvements  were  paid  for  shortly  after 
they  were  made. 

The  Rev.  John  W.  Bell  succeeded  Father  Martin  in  January, 
1900.  Owing  to  the  steady  decrease  of  the  congregation,  and  the 
growing  importance  of  Collinwood,  Euclid  was  made  a  Mission  of 
the  latter  place  at  the  close  of  the  year  1900.  It  is  now^  attended 
as  such  by  Father  Bell  every  Sunday  and  Holyday  of  obligation. 


400  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

FATRPORT,  LAKE  COUNTY. 

ST.  ANTHONY'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
Although  Fairport  is  one  of  the  oldest  harbors  on  the  southern 
shore  of  Lake  Erie,  its  Catholic  history  dates  back  only  to  about 
the  year  1887.  By  that  time  the  works  on  the  docks  and  the  ship- 
ping interests  had  induced  a  number  of  Irish-Americans,  Slovaks, 
Hungarians  and  United  Greeks  to  settle  there.  In  1887  Fairport 
was  assigned  to  Painesville,  three  miles  distant,  as  a  Station  and 
Mass  was  said  occasionally  in  private  houses.  In  the  same  year 
permission  was  granted  by  Bishop  Gilmour  to  purchase  a  lot  for  a 
church  site,  as  it  was  then  supposed  the  Catholics  at  Fairport  were 
able  to  build  and  support  a  place  of  worship.  The  project  however 
ended  in  failure.  Those  who  attended  to  their  religious  duties  at 
all,  and  they  were  few,  did  so  by  going  to  Painesville  or  Cleveland. 
In  June,  1898,  the  Rev.  G.  I.  Bergan,  resident  pastor  of  Wil- 
loughby,  was  commissioned  to  take  charge  of  Fairport,  which  now 
had  a  polyglot  Catholic  population  of  the  above  mentioned  nation- 
alities, amounting  to  about  eighty-five  families.  Of  the  Slavic  race 
and  its  branches  there  were  about  seventy  families,  the  others  being 
Irish  or  of  Irish  descent.  By  December,  1808,  they  had  collected 
about  $700  for  the  purchase  of  an  acre  of  land,  located  in  a  desir- 
able part  of  the  pretty  village.  The  land  was  bought  in  January, 
1899.  It  is  located  on  Fifth  street  and  covers  the  block  bounded 
east  and  west  by  Eagle  and  Plain  streets.  Meanwhile  Mass  was 
said  by  Father  Bergan  in  the  only  available  place  in  Fairport — a 
public  hall,  owned  by  a  saloon-keeper.  The  majority  of  the  faithful 
did  not  approve  the  use  of  the  hall,  and  therefore  urged  the  erection 
of  a  church  on  the  site  already  secured.  More  funds  were  accord- 
ingly raised  for  the  purpose.  The  building  was  commenced  late 
in  the  fall  of  1S99.  Bishop  Horstmann  blessed  its  foundation  on 
November  12,  of  the  same  year.  The  church,  dedicated  on  July 
15,  1900,  by  the  same  Prelate,  is  a  very  neat  frame  structure,  of 
Gothic  architecture.  It  is  40  teet  wide  by  80  feet  long,  and  cost 
about  $5,000,  It  has  pretty  stained  glass  windows,  two  of  which 
were  donated  by  Bishop  Horstmann,  and  that  over  the  main  altar, 
by  the  pastor.  The  Revs.  Charles  Boehm  and  J.  Brunkala,  of 
Cleveland,  attend  the  Slavic  portion  of  the  Mission.  It  has  not 
been  found  possible  thus  far  to  establish  a  parish  school. 


ST.   MICHAEL'S  CHURCH,   FINDLAY. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  401 

FINDLAY,  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 
ST.    MICHAEL'S    CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  McNamee,  pastor  of  St.  Mary's  Church, 
Tiffin,  was  the  first  priest  to  attend  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the 
Catholics  of  Findlay,  which  at  that  time — 1839 — was  a  small 
village,  although,  then  as  now,  the  county  seat  of  Hancock  county. 
Bishop  Purcell  makes  mention  of  his  first  visit  to  Findlay.  in  a 
communication  published  in  the  Catholic  Telegraph,  of  December 
12,  1840.  He  says  that  he  and  the  Rev.  Father  Henni  "were 
agreeably  surprised  to  find  more  Catholics  than  they  believed  to 
reside  there.  'Church'  was  held  at  Mr.  Engelmann's  house,  a 
friendly  Protestant,  married  to  a  Catholic  lady  from  Emmits- 
burg."* 

Father  McNamee  was  succeeded  by  the  following  priests 
who  attended  Findlay  as  a  Station :  The  Rev.  P.  A.  Capeder,  and 
other  Sanguinists  residing  at  New  Riegel  (Wolf's  Creek),  1844- 
1848;  the  resident  pastors  of  St.  Mary's,  Tiffin,  Rev.  Maurice 
Howard,  1848-1850;  Louis  Molon,  1851-1852;  Michael  O'Sulli- 
van,  1852-1859.  The  Rev.  Joseph  L.  Bihn,  of  St.  Joseph's  Church, 
Tiffin,  alternated  with  Father  O'Sullivan  in  attending  Findlay 
semi-monthly,  from  July,  1856,  until  February,  1859,  and  from 
that  time  till  November,  1859,  he  had  sole  charge  and  made 
monthly  visits.  Mass  was  said  in  the  homes  of  John  Engelmann 
and  John  Julien,  where  there  was  always  a  welcome  for  visiting 
priests.  In  1856  Father  O'Sullivan  built  the  first  church — a  small 
frame  structure,  20  x  40  feet.  It  stood  on  a  lot  fronting  on  Hardin 
street.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Michael  the  Archangel,  on  October 
2,  I860,  by  Vicar  General  Luhr.  In  November,  1859,  the  Mission 
of  Findlay  received  its  first  resident  pastor  in  the  person  of  the 
Rev.  John  M.  Rotzer,  who  in  1861  built  an  addition  to  the  front 
of  the  church,  to  be  used  exclusively  for  divine  worship,  and  an 
addition  to  the  rear,  to  serve  as  a  school.  He  then  fitted  up  the 
old  church  as  a  pastoral  residence.  However,  the  remodeled 
building,  serving  a  triple  purpose,  was  destined  to  stand  but  for  a 
short  time ;  for,  hardly  had  it  been  paid  for,  when,  on  February  14, 
1866,  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Dechant.  it  caught  fire  from  a 

*About  twenty  years  later  Mr.  E.  was  received  into  the  Church  by  Bishop  Rappe, 
and  till  his  death,  a  few  years  ago,  was  a  faithful  member  of  the  parish.  Two  of  his 
daughters  are  Sisters  of   Charity,    in    Cleveland. 


402  A   HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

defective  flue  in  the  school  room  and  was  burned  to  the  p^round.* 
In  March,  1862.  the  Rev.  Henry  Behrens  succeeded  Father  Rotzer, 
and  the  Rev.  Michael  Dechant  succeeded  Father  Behrens  in  July, 
1863.  The  destruction  of  their  parish  buildings  was  a  severe  blow 
to  the  small  and  struggling  congregation — a  blow  from  which 
they  did  not  recover  for  many  years.  Father  Dechant  then 
engaged  what  was  known  as  Schwab's  Hall,  to  hold  divine  services 
there  for  a  time ;  it  was  used  until  November,  1868.     In  March, 

1865,  two  acres  of  land  were  deeded  to  Bishop  Rappe  for  a 
cemetery ;  it  had  been  in  use  for  some  years  prior  to  that  time, 
and  still  serves  as  such.  Shortly  after  the  above  mentioned  fire 
Father  Dechant  bought  two  lots  in  a  more  desirable  part  of  the 
town,  at  the  intersection  of  Main-Cross  street  and  Western  avenue. 
The  deeds  for  the  lots  were  not  given  however  until  April,  1868. 
The  foundation  for  the  new  church  was  begun  in  the  summer  of 

1866.  The  cornerstone  was  blessed  by  Bishop  Rappe  in  Septem- 
ber, of  the  same  year,  but  before  the  superstructure  was  com- 
menced. Father  Dechant  was  transferred  to  Navarre,  in  June,  1867, 
and  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Vattmann  was  appointed  his  successor.  Father 
Vattmann  had  the  exterior  of  the  church  finished,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  tower  and  cornice.  It  is  the  edifice  now  in  use.  Its 
dimensions  were  45  feet  in  width  and  90  feet  in  length.  At  the 
time  it  was  first  used,  November,  1868,  (unfinished,  interiorly)  it 
cost  about  $6,000.  Father  Vattmann  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
Nicholas  Flammang,  who  had  pastoral  charge  from  September, 
1869,  until  August,  1870,  when  Findlay  was  made  a  Mission  of 
Fostoria.  The  Rev.  John  B.  Jung  was  appointed  resident  pastor 
of  Findlay  in  March,  1871.  Shortly  after  his  arrival  he  raised 
means  for  the  erection  of  a  pastoral  residence,  rented  houses  hav- 
ing served  as  such  since  the  destruction  of  the  former  residence, 
by  fire,  in  1866.  The  building,  a  plain  brick  structure,  was  finished 
shortly  before  his  departure,  in  October,  1878,  when  Findlay  was 
again  attached  to  Fostoria  as  a  Mission,  in  charge  of  the  Rev.  M. 
Arnoldi.  In  March,  1879,  the  Rev.  G.  Rudolph  was  sent  to  Find- 
lay as  resident  pastor.  He  w^as  removed  and  suspended  in  March, 
1881.  On  his  removal  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Henry  Dorner, 
was  appointed  to  succeed  him.  During  the  following  seven  years 
no  improvements  were  made  on  the  church  property.    About  1888 

*  The  Catholic  Telegraph,  February  10,  18t)9. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  403 

Findlay's  population  began  to  increase  very  rapidly,  owing  to  the 
discovery  of  natural  gas  in  and  near  the  town,  which  offered 
inducements  to  many  branches  of  industry,  such  as  glass  works, 
etc.,  to  locate  there.  Of  this  increase  St.  Michael's  Church,  of 
Findlay,  got  its  fair  share.  For  some  strange  and  unexplained 
reason,  St.  Michael's  was  then,  as  it  is  now,  the  only  Catholic 
church  within  the  limits  of  Hancock  county.  This  can  be  said 
of  no  other  county  of  the  thirty-six,  within  the  diocese  of  Cleve- 
land. 

Between  1881  and  1889  the  parish  had  more  than  doubled  in 
size.  This  necessitated  enlarging  the  church,  which  was  done  in 
1889,  by  building  an  addition  of  45  feet  to  the  rear.  At  the  same 
time  the  interior  was  entirely  remodeled  and  tastily  ornamented. 
The  old  windows  were  replaced  by  new  ones  of  artistic  stained 
glass;  ten  graceful  columns  were  placed  in  position  to  support  the 
arched  ceiling;  the  walls  were  neatly  frescoed — all  at  a  cost  of 
nearly  $11,000,  and  paid  for  within  a  few  years  after  the  completion 
of  the  improvements.  The  enlarged  and  remodeled  church  was 
rededicated  by  Mgr.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on  Sunday,  August  10,  1890. 

The  parish  school  now  also  needed  greater  and  better  facili- 
ties to  properly  accommodate  the  increased  attendance.  This  was 
accomplished  in  1894.  when  at  an  outlay  of  about  $9,000  a  hand- 
some brick  school  building  was  erected  on  lots  located  at  the  inter- 
section of  Adams  street  and  Western  avenue.  The  school  was  in 
charge  of  lay  teachers  from  its  opening,  during  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Rotzer,  till  the  completion  of  the  new  building,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1895.  It  was  then  placed  under  the  direction  of  four  Sisters 
of  Charity,  of  Cincinnati;  the  number  is  now  (December,  1900,) 
increased  to  seven.  The  school  is  in  excellent  condition  and  has  at 
present  an  enrollment  of  about  200  children. 

In  1895  Father  Dorner  bought  a  house  and  lot  for  $2,200, 
and  had  the  house  remodeled  to  some  extent  to  serve  as  his  own 
residence.  It  is  located  immediately  east  of  the  school.  The 
Sisters  now  occupy  the  former  pastoral  residence  which  is  in  close 
proximity  to  the  church,  on  Main-Cross  street.  It  was  enlarged 
and  remodeled  in  1896. 

The  parish  numbers  nearly  200  families.  It  has  excellent 
church  property  and  is  without  incumbrance. 


404  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

FLORENCE,  WILLIAMS  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

In  186-i  eight  Catholic  families  living  in  Florence  Township 
obtained  permission  from  Bishop  Rappe  to  build  a  church  for 
themselves.  Prior  to  ISfU  they  were  identified  with  the  con- 
gregation at  Edgerton.  For  a  short  time  they  attended  Mass  in 
the  village  of  Clarksville,  which  for  a  number  of  years  was  in 
charge  of  the  pastors  of  St.  John's,  Defiance,  as  a  Station,  but 
has  long  since  ceased  to  exist  as  such.  The  church,  a  frame  struc- 
ture, was  built  in  18G5,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  N.  Kirch, 
resident  pastor  of  Stryker ;  it  cost  about  $2,000.  The  two-acre  plot 
of  ground  on  which  it  stood  was  a  donation  of  Charles  Frey.  The 
title  was  held  by  "trustees"  until  June  11,  1868,  when  it  was 
transferred  to  Bishop  Rappe,  as  required  by  diocesan  law. 

Florence  (also  known  as  Blakeslee)  has  been  a  Mission  of 
Edgerton,  since  December,  1867,  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
months — from  June,  1898,  to  January,  1899,  when  it  had  its  first 
and  only  resident  pastor  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  F.  J.  Pfyl. 

In  March,  1881,  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  A.  Mertes, 
the  church  was  set  on  fire  by  an  incendiary  and  totally  destroyed. 
As  the  insurance  had  just  expired  the  congregation  had  to  bear  the 
loss.  An  addition  was  built  to  the  frame  school  house,  which  thus 
served  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship.  Under  the  direction  of 
the  Rev.  J.  H.  Kleekamp,  who  succeeded  Father  Mertes,  in 
August,  1883,  the  present  neat  brick  church  was  built.  It  is  40  by 
80  feet  in  size,  of  Romanesque  architecture,  and  has  all  the  neces- 
sary adornments  and  furnishings  to  make  it  attractive,  both  with- 
out and  within.  It  cost  $5,000,  and  was  fully  paid  for  on  the  day» 
of  its  dedication  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  May  27,  1887.  This  grati- 
fying result  was  due  to  the  prudent  management  of  the  pastor  and 
the  generous  assistance  of  his  small  but  spirited  congregation, 
composed  of  about  50  families — all  German  farmers.  During  the 
pastorate  of  Father  Pfyl  the  present  beautiful  high  altar  was 
bought  and  paid  for. 

A  few  years  ago  the  parish  school,  organized  in  1874,  had  to 
be  closed  because  the  small  attendance  of  children — owing  to 
distance — did  not  warrant  the  expense  of  engaging  a  teacher  any 
longer. 


'«  ^  «l 


SI'.     .l()Si:iMlS     ('lll'}i(Ml     AM)     PASTORAL    RESIDENCE,     FT.     JENNINGS. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  405 

The  Rev.  Philip  A.  Schritz  has  had  charge  of  the  Mission 
since  January,  1899,  and  attends  it  every  Sunday,  from  Edgerton, 
six  miles  distant. 


FORT  JENNINGS,  PUTNAM  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

The  village  of  Fort  Jennings  received  its  name  from  a 
stockade  erected  there  by  Col.  Jennings  in  1812.  Its  location  on 
the  north  bank  of  the  Auglaize  river  is  indeed  beautiful.  The 
first  Catholic  family  which  settled  within  the  limits  of  the  present 
village  was  that  of  J.  F.  Wellmann.  Mr.  Wellmann  came  to  Fort 
Jennings  from  his  native  Germany,  in  1830,  for  the  purpose  of 
founding  a  Catholic  German  colony.  He  bought  several  sections 
of  Government  land,  which  he  had  surveyed  into  smaller  portions. 
These  he  sold  on  easy  terms  to  a  number  of  his  countrymen  whom 
he  induced  to  locate  in  that  part  of  the  unbroken  forests  of  North- 
western Ohio.  As  the  soil  proved  most  productive,  other  sturdy 
and  thrifty  German  farmers,  chiefly  from  the  Grand  Duchy  of 
Oldenburg,  bought  land  and  settled  in  the  immediate  neighbor- 
hood of  the  village.  Among  these  early  settlers  were  Henry  J. 
Bohmer,  Ferdinand  H.  Gerking,  and  Ferdinand  Von  der  Embse. 
These  became  prominent  in  Catholic  affairs  later  on  and  were 
generous  benefactors  of  the  Church.  The  Rev.  William  Horst- 
mann,  resident  pastor  of  Glandorf,  18  miles  distant,  attended  to 
the  spiritual  wants  of  the  people  of  Fort  Jennings,  from  1834  to 
1840,  holding  services  in  private  houses  during  that  period.  In 
1840  the  Catholics  and  Protestants  of  Fort  Jennings  built  a  log 
house,  to  serve  for  church  and  school  purposes.  It  was  agreed 
that  the  former  should  have  its  use  for  church  services  in  the 
forenoon,  on  Sundays,  and  the  latter,  in  the  afternoon ;  the  school 
was  to  be  used  jointly.  This  very  unusual  arrangement,  made  with 
the  sanction  of  Father  Horstmann,  remained  in  effect  for  about 
fourteen  years.  In  1840  the  Rev.  Henry  Herzog  was  appointed 
the  first  resident  pastor  of  Fort  Jennings,  but  remained  less  than 
one  year.  Father  Horstmann  therefore  took  charge  of  his  former 
Mission  again,  and  attended  it  till  his  death,  in  February,  1843. 
His  successor  at  Glandorf,  the  Rev.  George  Bohne,  also  attended 


406  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

Fort  Jennings,  from  February,  1843,  until  1848,  when  he  was 
appointed  resident  pastor  of  the  place.  This  position  he  held  till 
he  died,  September  20,  1860.  Fort  Jennings  was  then  attached  to 
Delphos  as  a  Mission,  and  attended  by  the  Rev.  F.  Westerholt 
from  October,  1860,  until  March,  1861,  when  the  Rev.  Joseph 
Goebbels  was  appointed  resident  pastor;  he  remained  until  1864. 
His  successors  were  the  following  priests :  The  Revs.  H.  E. 
Hamers  (1864-66);  C.  Viere  (1866-67);  M.  Muller  (attended  from 
Ottoville,  1867-70);  L.  Zumbiihl  (1870-73);  C.  Barbier  (Septem- 
ber, 1873,  until  his  death,  August  23,  1876);  J.  A.  Michenfelder 
(August,  1873,  to  May,  1879);  G.  Peter  (May,  1879,  to  June, 
1881) ;  J.  Heidegger  (June,  1881,  to  November,  1888) ;  C.  Brasch- 
ler  (November,  1888,  to  May,  1899) ;  and  the  present  incumbent, 
M.  Arnoldi,  since  May,  1899, 

Bishop  Purcell  visited  Fort  Jennings  for  the  first  time  in 
1845.  He  saw  that  the  above  mentioned  log  house  was  little 
adapted  for  divine  service  and  so  urged  the  erection  of  a  suitable 
church.  Father  Bohne,  then  in  charge,  was  most  desirous  of 
building  the  much  needed  church  at  once,  but  was  not  seconded  by 
his  people.  In  1852  he  finally  succeeded  in  raising  enough  money 
to  begin  and  pay  for  the  foundation  of  a  brick  church,  40  x  60 
feet.  Two  years  later  it  was  completed  at  a  cost  of  about  $2,000. 
It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Joseph,  on  December  24,  1854.  Although 
plain,  and  without  any  architectural  adornment,  it  served  its 
purpose  till  the  erection  of  the  present  beautiful  brick  church. 
This  was  begun  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Heidegger,  in  the 
fall  of  1882,  and  was  dedicated  on  May  4,  1884,  by  Bishop  Gilmour. 
It  cost  about  $21,000.  Its  dimensions  are :  length,  132  feet ;  width, 
55  feet.  Its  architecture  is  Gothic,  and  the  furnishings  are  all  of 
white  oak.  The  church  site — six  lots,  bought  in  1881 — is  the 
most  prominent  in  the  village.  The  building  fronts  on  Main 
street. 

During  the  year  1899  the  present  neat  pastoral  residence  was 
built  of  brick.  It  cost  about  $4,000,  and  fronts  on  Water  street, 
back  of  the  new  church. 

Adjoining  the  church  to  the  west  is  the  school,  which  was 
formerly  the  church,  built  in  1854.  It  was  remodeled  for  that 
purpose    under    the    direction    of    Father    Heidegger.      The    lay 


ST.     WENDELIN'S  CHURCH,   FOSTORIA. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  407 

teachers,  of  whom  four  are  now  employed,  are  paid  out  of  the 
Public  school  fund,  as  almost  the  entire  population  of  Fort  Jen- 
nings is  Catholic. 

At  present  the  parish  numbers  about  115  families. 


FOSTORIA,  SENECA  COUNTY. 

ST.  WENDELIN'S  CHURCH. 

About  the  year  1843  a  few  Catholic  families  emigrated  from 
their  native  Germany  and  settled  in  arid  near  the  little  village  of 
Rome,  in  Seneca  county,  later  named  Fostoria,  for  Charles  W. 
Foster  (father  of  ex-Governor  Foster),  then  its  most  prominent 
citizen.  About  1844  the  Rev.  Joseph  McNamee,  of  St.  Mary's, 
Tiffin,  was  commissioned  to  attend  the  Catholics  of  the  place, 
which,  with  his  knowledge  of  German,  he  could  and  did  faithfully 
and  well.  He  said  Mass  in  the  log  cabin  of  James  McDonald,  who 
was  the  first  Catholic  settler  in  the  village  of  Rome.  He  lived  on 
West  Tiffin  street,  near  Main  street.  Father  McNamee  was  suc- 
ceeded, in  1847,  by  Sanguinist  Fathers,  who  for  twelve  years 
attended  Rome  from  New  Riegel,  then  known  as  Wolf's  Creek. 
They  were  the  Revs.  F.  X.  Obermiiller  and  Nicholas  Gales.  They 
held  services  in  the  house  of  Nicholas  Portz,  Sr.,  until  1851. 
Charles  W.  Foster  donated  to  the  Catholics  of  the  village  one  acre 
of  land,  by  deed,  dated  August  3,  1847.  It  is  the  same  property 
on  which  the  present  church,  school  and  pastoral  residence  stand. 
On  the  rear  portion  of  the  land  the  first  parish  cemetery  was 
located.  During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Gales,  in  1849,  the  first 
church  was  commenced.  It  was  a  very  unpretentious  frame  struc- 
ture, 30  by  40  feet,  and  stood  on  the  south  end  of  the  above 
mentioned  land.  Owing  to  the  poverty  of  the  people  it  was  not 
completed  until  1851.  St.  Wendelin  was  chosen  the  patron  saint 
of  the  little  church.  The  altar  was  of  the  simplest  pattern,  and  the 
pews  were  poplar  planks  with  wooden  pegs  for  supports.  All  else 
in  and  about  the  church  was  primitive  in  appearance.  But,  withal, 
the  faithful  attendants  were  glad  to  have  their  own  church,  even 
though  it  lacked  architectural  finish,  or  ornamentation  of  every 
kind.     Within  its  enclosure,  considerably  enlarged  and  improved 


408  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

later  on  by  Father  Dechant,  they  worsliipped  for  nearly  twenty- 
eight  years.  The  improvements  cost  in  the  neighborhood  of 
$1,500. 

In  November,  1859,  the  Mission  was  attached  to  Findlay,  and 
so  remained  until  April,  1869.  The  following  priests  had  charge : 
The  Revs.  J.  H.  Rotzer,  to  March,  1863;  H.  Behrens,  to  July, 
1863;  M.  Dechant,  to  June,  1867;  E.  J.  Vattmann,  to  April,  1869. 
The  Rev.  Michael  Putz  was  then  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of 
Rome,  then  re-named  Fostoria,  as  above  stated.  Father  Piitz 
remained  till  October,  1870,  when  he  was  transferred  to  Napoleon. 
Fostoria  was  then  again  made  a  Mission  of  Findlay.  In  July,  1875, 
with  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  M.  Arnoldi,  as  resident  pastor, 
it  ceased  to  be  a  Mission,  and  has  continued  so  ever  since.  Father 
Arnoldi  remained  at  Fostoria  until  May,  1886.  His  successors 
were  the  following  priests :  The  Revs.  Joseph  P.  Gloden.  May. 
1886,  to  March,  1891;  Charles  Griss,  March,  1891,  till  his  death, 
October  13,  1899;  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  John  H.  Klee- 
kamp,  who  was  appointed  in  December,  1899. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Piitz  the  present  frame 
parochial  residence  was  built ;  it  cost  about  $1,500.  The  present 
brick  church  was  erected  under  the  supervision  of  Father  Arnoldi. 
Bishop  Gilmour  laid  its  cornerstone  July  6,  1879,  and  in  less  than 
six  months  it  was  under  roof.  Owing  to  the  dilapidated  condition 
of  the  old  church,  which  had  long  since  ceased  to  be  "proof  against 
wind  and  weather,"  the  new  building  had  to  be  used  before  its 
interior  was  completed.  Mass  was  said  in  it  for  the  first  time  on 
December  21,  1879.  On  Sunday,  July  2,  1882,  Bishop  Gilmour 
dedicated  the  handsome  edifice.  It  was  a  day  of  supreme  joy 
for  the  pastor  and  his  people.  The  church  (46  by  101  feet)  cost 
about  $10,000,  exclusive  of  altars,  pews  and  stained  glass  windows. 

In  the  early  spring  of  1886  the  foundation  of  the  present 
brick  school  was  laid  under  the  direction  of  Father  Arnoldi,  but 
before  the  work  proceeded  any  farther  he  was  removed  to  Ber- 
wick. His  successor — appointed  in  the  latter  part  of  May,  1886 — 
was  the  Rev.  Joseph  P.  Gloden,  who  brought  the  building  to 
completion  in  September  of  the  same  year.  It  cost  $3,000  and 
replaced  a  small  frame  structure  that  had  served  as  a  school  house 
since  1873,  when  the  parish  school  was  opened.     Until  September, 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  409 

1887,  the  school  had  been  in  charge  of  lay  teachers,  but  since 
then  it  has  been  conducted  by  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame.  At 
present  (December,  1900,)  nearly  200  children  are  in  attendance. 

About  1888  natural  gas  was  discovered  in  the  immediate 
neighborhood  of  Fostoria.  It  gave  a  new  impetus  to  the  town. 
Owners  of  extensive  factories,  and  various  industries  with  their 
many  employees,  were  induced  by  the  town  authorities  to  locate 
there,  the  attraction  being  natural  gas,  as  fuel,  at  a  nominal  cost. 
In  consequence  of  this  the  population  of  Fostoria  was  increased 
within  two  years  from  about  3,000  to  nearly  triple  that  number. 
The  Catholic  population  was  also  correspondingly  increased,  which 
fact  necessitated  the  enlargement  of  the  church.  This  was  done 
during  the  summer  of  1890,  by  adding  a  spacious  sanctuary,  thus 
affording  considerably  more  seating  capacity  by  vacating  that  part 
of  the  church  which  had  been  used  formerly  as  a  sanctuary.  At  the 
same  time  Father  Gloden  had  the  interior  of  the  church  entirely 
remodeled  and  frescoed  in  excellent  taste,  thus  making  it  very 
attractive.  These  improvements  cost  about  $3,000.  To  the  great 
regret  of  his  parishioners  Father  Gloden  was  transferred  to  another 
charge,  in  March,  1891,  he  having  been  appointed  pastor  of  Ran- 
dolph, a  large  German  parish.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  Charles 
Griss,  who  in  the  following  year  had  a  fine  pipe  organ  placed  in  the 
church;  it  cost  about  $2,500.  In  June,  1897,  Father  Griss,  at  an 
outlay  of  $1,500,  secured  a  five-acre  tract  of  land  just  oppo- 
site the  city  cemetery,  and  had  it  neatly  laid  out  for  a  parish 
cemetery,  according  to  the  modern  ideas  governing  places  of  inter- 
ment. The  old  cemetery,  in  use  since  1858,  was  abandoned  in 
1899. 

Father  Griss,  in  addition,  had  the  pastoral  residence,  and  that 
of  the  Sisters,  enlarged  and  improved  at  an  expense  of  nearly 
$1,200,  making  both  (frame)  buildings  meet  all  modern  require- 
ments. 

After  an  illness  of  some  months  Father  Griss  died,  October  13, 
1899.  Between  the  time  of  his  death  and  the  appointment  of  his 
successor,  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Kleekamp,  the  parish 
was  attended  by  the  Rev.  D.  Shunk,  a  Sanguinist.  Upon  his 
appointment,  Father  Kleekamp  at  once  called  on  his  people  to  aid 
him  in  paying  off  the  parish  debt,  then  amounting  to  about  $2,000. 


410  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

At  the  end  of  the  year  1JK>0  less  than  half  of  it  remained;  the 
balance,  it  is  confidently  hoped  by  the  pastor,  will  be  paid  by 
June,  1901. 

In  a  short  time  the  church  will  undergo  some  needed  improve- 
ments. They  will  include  an  entire  new  front,  two  towers,  and 
interior  decorations,  all  of  which,  according  to  plans  submitted, 
will  involve  an  expense  of  about  $10,000. 

Catholicity  in  Fostoria  had  its  cloudy  days  in  the  past.  With 
poverty  in  the  early  days,  and  indifference,  added  to  want  of 
harmony,  in  later  years,  the  parish  had  an  unenviable  reputation. 
Now  the  change  for  the  better  is  complete,  and  St.  Wendelin's,  at 
present  composed  of  about  250  families,  can  be  truthfully  classed 
with  any  parish  of  its  size  in  the  diocese,  in  point  of  lively  faith, 
order  and  generosity. 

In  concluding  this  sketch  due  recognition  must  be  given  the 
pioneers  of  the  Faith  in  Fostoria — who,  "in  season  and  out  of 
season,"  were  always  helpful  to  their  respective  pastors  in  pro- 
moting the  cause  of  religion,  and  the  best  interests  of  the  parish. 
Among  them  the  following  deserve  special  mention:  John  and 
Theobald  Omlor,  Michael  John,  George  John,  Nicholas  Portz,  Sr., 
John  Portz,  Sr.,  James  McDonald,  Martin  Kingseed  and  Nicholas 
Portz,  Jr.  The  last  two  served  for  many  years  as  parish  council- 
men. 


FREMONT,  SANDUSKY  COUNTY, 

ST.   ANN'S  CHURCH. 

The  history  of  Fremont  (formerly  known  as  Lower 
Sandusky),  figured  largely  in  Indian  tradition,  and  in  the  bloody 
strifes  that  were  of  such  frequent  occurrence  between  the  several 
Indian  tribes  occupying  both  sides  of  the  Sandusky  river,  and  the 
military  forces  under  General  Anthony  Wayne,  who  defeated  them 
in  1794.  It  w^as  at  Lower  Sandusky  the  grand  councils  of  the 
Wyandots  were  held  to  exterminate  the  white  man,  whenever 
found  north  or  west  of  the  Ohio  river;  where  also  their  captives 
were  subjected  to  that  inhuman  treatment  so  peculiar  to  Indian 
cruelty.  Up  to  1813  it  was  not  safe  for  the  white  man  to  come  to 
Lower  Sandusky.     But  Indian  ferocity  was  brought  to  an  end  by 


ST.    ANN'S    CHURCH    AND    SCHOOL,    FREMONT. 


IN   THE  DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  411 

the  decisive  victory  won  on  August  2d,  of  that  year,  by  the  heroism 
of  the  young  and  gallant  Col.  Croghan.  With  a  detachment  of 
only  160  soldiers  he  not  only  held  Fort  Stephenson,  his  military 
post,  against  a  force  of  500  British  regulars,  aided  by  500  Indians, 
but  he  put  them  completely  to  rout.  After  Croghan's  victory 
white  settlers  found  this  stronghold  of  the  Indian  Reserve  a  desir- 
able place  to  live,  because  of  its  natural  beauty  and  the  advantages 
it  offered  for  carrying  on  the  fur  trade.  Three  years  later  (1816) 
Lower  Sandusky  (Fremont)  had  a  population  of  about  200  whites. 
Among  these  were  three  brothers — Joseph,  Anthony  and  Peter 
Momenay — French  Catholics  who  had  fled  from  Detroit,  Mich., 
to  escape  the  cruelty  of  the  Indians.  After  an  absence  of  seven 
years  these  young  Frenchmen  returned  to  Detroit  and  induced 
John  B.  Beaugrand,  an  enterprising  merchant  of  that  place,  to 
come  to  Lower  Sandusky,  and  by  his  business  tact  encourage  the 
white  settlers.  In  consequence  of  this  invitation  he  came  in  1822, 
and  so  pleased  was  he  with  his  new  venture  that  about  January  of 
the  following  year  he  also  brought  his  family,  consisting  of  his 
wife  and  seven  children,  to  Lower  Sandusky. 

With  the  coming  of  the  Beaugrand  family  the  history  of 
Catholicity  in  Fremont  began.  Mr.  Beaugrand  was  not  only  an 
enterprising  citizen  but  also  a  practical  Catholic.  Shortly  after  he 
had  settled  in  his  new  home  he  invited  his  late  pastor,  the  Rev. 
Gabriel  Richard,  of  St.  Ann's  Church,  Detroit,  to  pay  him  a  visit 
and  bless  his  house,  a  two  story  building,  located  a  short  distance 
east  of  the  present  Wheeling  &  Lake  Erie  railway  station.  In  the 
latter  part  of  March,  1823,  Father  Richard  came  as  requested,  and 
in  the  Beaugrand  home  said  the  first  Mass  ever  celebrated  in  the 
village  of  Lower  Sandusky.  His  stay  was  for  only  a  few  days 
during  which  he  also  visited  a  few  French  families  at  La  Prairie, 
eight  miles  from  Lower  Sandusky.  After  Father  Richard's 
departure  no  priest  visited  the  village  for  some  years.  On  his  way 
to  Michigan,  Bishop  Fenwick  stopped  over  at  Lower  Sandusky 
two  or  three  times,  between  1826  and  1831,  and  looked  after  the 
spiritual  wants  of  his  neglected  little  flock.  On  one  of  his  visits  he 
was  accompanied  and  assisted  by  the  Rev.  S.  T.  Badin.  The  Rev. 
Edmund  Quinn,  pastor  of  St.  Mary's,  Tif^n,  visited  Lower 
Sandusky  a  few  times  in  1831.     After  another  lapse  of  time,  the 


412  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

Redeniptorist  Father,  F.  X.  Tschenhcns  attended  Lower  Sandusky 
from  Peru,  as  a  Station,  from  1834  to  1837.  During  part  of  this 
time  (1835-36)  the  Rev.  E.  Thienpont,  from  Tiftni.  also  visited 
Lower  Sandusky  occasionally. 

In  July.  1834.  Bishop  Purcell,  accompanied  by  the  Revs.  J.  M. 
Henni,  of  Canton,  and  F.  X.  Tschenhens.  of  Peru,  paid  his  first 
episcopal  visit  to  Lower  Sandusky ;  and  his  second,  in  September, 
1836.  when  the  Revs.  S.  T.  Badin  and  II.  I),  luncker  assisted  him 
on  his  missionary  tour  through  Northern  (  )hio. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  McNamee,  of  St.  Mary's,  Tiffin,  paid  a  few 
pastoral  visits  to  Lower  Sandusky,  between  September  and 
November,  1839,  when  the  Rev.  P.  J.  Machebeuf,  stationed  at 
Tiffin  from  November,  1839,  to  December,  1840,  was  commis- 
sioned by  Bishop  Purcell  to  look  after  many  missions  and  stations 
in  Northwestern  Ohio.  Lower  Sandusky  was  included  among 
these ;  he  attended  it  about  once  a  month,  at  first  from  Tiffin, 
beginning  in  November,  1839,  and  after  that  (January,  1841-45), 
from  Sandusky. 

Mass  was  celebrated  in  Mr.  Beaugrand's  house  by  all  the 
visiting  bishops  and  priests  until  1838,  and  during  the  following, 
year  in  Joseph  Hunsinger's  residence.  Pease's  Hall  was  then 
rented  as  a  place  of  worship,  as  the  Catholic  population  of  the  town 
and  vicinity  had  become  too  large  to  find  sufficient  accommoda- 
tion in  private  houses.  This  hall  was  used  until  1843,  when  John 
Christian's  turner  shop  was  rented  by  Father  Machebeuf  and  fittedi 
up  as  a  place  of  worship.  Generously  aided  by  two  Protestant 
gentlemen,  Messrs.  L.  Q.  Rawson  and  A.  Dickinson,  sons-in-law 
of  J.  B.  Beaugrand,  the  pioneer  of  Catholicity  in  Lower  Sandusky, 
Father  Machebeuf  meanwhile  raised  a  subscription  for  a  church. 
A  site  was  purchased  on  State  street,  for  $200,  from  L.  Brush, 
who  gave  the  deed  on  December  13,  1841.  The  church  was  com- 
menced in  the  fall  of  1843 ;  it  was  a  plain  frame  structure, 
30  X  40  feet,  and  cost  about  $2,500.  Father  Machebeuf  said 
Mass  in  it  for  the  first  time  in  May,  1844,  although  the  interior 
was  yet  unfinished.  At  that  time  the  Mission  comprised 
about  thirty  families,  nearly  half  of  them  living  on  farms  in 
the  neighborhood.  Most  of  them  were  in  very  moderate  circum- 
stances, and  hence  found  it  difficult  to  give  much  financial  assis- 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  415 

tance  towards  building  the  church.  From  1845  until  January, 
1846,  the  Rev.  P.  Peudeprat,  Father  Machebeuf's  assistant  at 
Sandusky,  had  charge  of  a  number  of  his  Missions.  Among  these 
was  Lower  Sandusky,  which  he  attended  monthly,  as  Father 
Machebeuf  had  done  for  some  time  before.  Father  Peudeprat  was 
succeeded  in  February,  1846,  by  the  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe,  then 
stationed  at  Toledo.  He  at  once  had  the  interior  of  the  church 
finished.  It  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Purcell,  to  St.  Ann,  on 
June  8,  1846,  the  Rev.  Fathers  Machebeuf,  McNamee  and  Rappe 
assisting  at  the  ceremony.  Needless  to  say,  the  occasion  was  one 
of  great  joy  for  the  Mission  and  its  pastor.  Father  Rappe  had  as 
his  assistant,  in  the  attendance  of  his  vast  missionary  field  in 
Northwestern  Ohio,  the  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand,  who  visited 
Lower  Sandusky  from  the  latter  part  of  1846  until  his  transfer  to 
Cleveland,  in  1848.  The  Rev.  Maurice  Howard,  of  Tififin,  was 
then  in  charge  for  a  few  months,  until  August,  1848,  when  the 
Rev.  William  L.  Nightingale  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of 
St.  Ann's  church,  at  Lower  Sandusky,  about  that  time  re-named 
Fremont.  During  his  pastorate,  which  lasted  until  the  early  part 
of  1850,  a  frame  house,  located  at  the  corner  of  Croghan  and 
Wood  streets,  was  bought  for  his  residence ;  the  purchase  price 
was  $700.  About  1841)  the  grade  of  State  street  was  lowered  con- 
siderably, in  consequence  of  which  it  was  difficult  to  reach  the 
church  which  had  been  built  on  an  eminence.  This  necessitated 
also  the  lowering  of  the  lot  on  which  the  church  stood,  to  suit  the 
new  grade. 

In  1850  the  Rev.  A.  Carabin  succeeded  Father  Nightingale, 
and  remained  in  charge  until  July,  1852,  when,  stricken  with- 
paralysis,  he  was  obliged  to  give  up  all  pastoral  work.  His  suc- 
cessor was  the  Rev.  Thomas  J.  Walsh,  who  remained  till  June, 
1856,  when  he  was  replaced  in  the  following  month  by  the  Rev. 
John  Roos.  About  this  time  the  German  members  of  St.  Ann's- 
asked  Bishop  Rappe's  permission  to  organize  a  separate  parish. 
His  refusal  to  grant  their  petition  caused  much  ill  feeling.  Finally, 
about  April,  1857,  it  led  to  open  opposition  against  the  Bishop,  in 
consequence  of  which  he  withdrew  Father  Roos  from  St.  Ann's 
the  following  April,  leaving  the  parish  without  a  pastor.  Mean- 
while the  Germans  organized,  collected  funds,  bought  lots  and 


414  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

built  a  brick'  church,  at  a  cost  of  about  $7,000.  makin.i^  the  new 
property  far  more  valuable  than  the  old.  After  nearly  six  months 
Bishop  Rappe  found  the  soceders  from  St.  Ann's  still  determined  to 
have  a  German  parish — to  be  known  as  St.  Joseph's.  He  finally 
yielded  to  their  wish  and  sanctioned  their  orj^anization  in  Decem- 
ber, 1857,  by  appointing-  a  pastor  for  them,  in  the  person  of  the 
Rev.  Louis  Molon,  who  at  the  same  time  was  charjE^ed  with  St. 
Ann's  as  a  Mission.  The  Rev.  George  Peter  was  appointed  Father 
Molon's  assistant  in  July.  isni).  and  besides  aiding  him  in  the  pas- 
torate of  St.  Ann's,  also  attended  a  number  of  neighboring  missions. 
Father  Molon's  stay  at  St.  Joseph's  was  not  peaceful ;  hence,  weary 
of  strife,  he  severed  his  connection  with  St.  Joseph's  in  March, 
1861.  Bishop  Rappe  then  assigned  to  him  the  pastorate  of  St. 
Ann's.  This  position  he  held  until  July  of  the  same  year,  when  the 
Rev.  Michael  O'Neill  was  appointed  his  successor.  Father  O'Neill 
remained  in  charge  until  May,  1865.  From  that  time  to  the 
present,  the  following  priests  were  resident  pastors  of  St.  Ann's, 
Fremont :  The  Revs.  Joseph  Voisard,  1865-66 ;  Louis  F.  D'Arcy, 
April,  1866,  to  July,  1867;  John  Quinn,  to  August,  1868;  John  P. 
Carroll,  to  July,  1872;  E.  M.  O'Callaghan.  to  August,  1877;  J.  V. 
Conlan,  to  January,  1883 ;  A.  Hamelin.  pro  tem..  February  to 
April,  1883;  J.  D.  Bowles,  till  his  death,  July  4,  1887;  H.  D.  Best, 
as  assistant,  during  the  illness  of  Father  Bowles,  from  May,  1887, 
and  then  temporary  pastor,  from  July  to  August,  of  the  same  year; 
T.  P.  McCarthy,  to  March,  1890;  Alfred  E.  Manning,  to  Novem- 
ber, 1893;  Patrick  O'Brien,  to  September,  1897;  Charles  V. 
Chevraux,  to  November,  1900;  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev. 
James  P.  McCloskey.  since  November,  1900. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  O'Neill  the  church  was 
enlarged  by  an  addition  of  30  feet,  thus  making  its  dimensions  35 
feet  wide  and  70  feet  long.  In  August,  1864,  Father  O'Neill  also 
bought  a  tract  of  land  covering  nearly  15  acres,  for  a  cemetery,  St. 
Joseph's  parish  taking  the  north  half  of  it.  The  purchase  price, 
$1,400,  was  met  by  both  parishes. 

Dissensions  again  disturbed  the  peace  of  the  parish,  during 
the  pastorate  of  Father  Voisard.  in  consequence  of  which  he 
resigned,  in  April,  1866.  Since  that  time  perfect  harmony  has 
prevailed  between  the  people  of  St.  Ann's  and  its  long  line  of 
resident  pastors. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  415 

In  May,  1872,  Father  Carroll  bought  three  lots  fronting  on 
State  street,  at  the  intersection  of  Rawson  avenue,  for  the  purpose 
of  building  a  new  church  thereon  eventually.  A  two-story  frame 
house  on  one  of  the  lots  was  fitted  up  and  occupied  as  a  pastoral 
residence.  The  old  residence,  bought  by  Father  Nightingale,  was 
sold,  to  help  defray  the  expense  of  the  new  purchase.  During 
Father  O'Callaghan's  pastorate  the  present  and  first  school,  a  two- 
story  brick  building,  30  x  40  feet,  was  erected  in  1875,  at  a  cost  of 
nearly  $3,000. 

In  August,  1877,  Father  O'Callaghan  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  J.  V.  Conlan,  who  at  once  had  the  church  repaired,  frescoed 
and  tidied  up — improvements  much  needed  at  the  time. 

In  November,  1883,  Father  Bowles  bought  three  lots  adjoin- 
ing those  bought  by  Father  Carroll,  on  the  west.  On  one  of  the 
lots  there  stood  a  very  comfortable  frame  house  which  he  had 
changed  and  remodeled  so  as  to  meet  the  requirements  of  a 
parochial  residence,  which  purpose  it  still  serves.  He  also  gave  up 
his  frame  residence  to  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  who  since  1883 
have  had  charge  of  the  parish  school. 

With  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  T.  P.  McCarthy,  in  August, 
1887,  a  new  era  began  in  the  history  of  St.  Ann's  parish.  On 
taking  charge  he  announced  to  his  people  his  intention  of  taking 
steps  at  once  towards  the  erection  of  a  much  needed  church  to 
replace  the  old  weatherstained  building,  which  he  found  much 
too  small  and  very  inconveniently  located.  A  building  committee 
was  appointed,  and  plans  drawn  by  a  local  architect  for  a  Gothic 
brick  structure,  to  be  erected  at  the  corner  of  State  street  and 
Rawson  avenue.  Bishop  Gilmour  approved  the  plans  and  the 
foundation  was  begun  in  the  fall  of  1888.  The  Bishop  laid  the 
cornerstone,  June  9,  1889.  The  church,  which  is  55  feet  wide,  and 
120  feet  long,  was  enclosed,  and  the  neat  spire  finished  by  Novem- 
ber of  the  same  year.  The  Rev.  A.  E.  Manning  succeeded  Father 
McCarthy  in  March,  1890.  He  continued  and  brought  to  com- 
pletion the  grand  work  commenced  by  his  predecessor.  The 
beautiful  church  was  dedicated  on  Sunday,  July  26,  1891,  by  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Bofif,  at  the  time  administrator  of  the  diocese. 

The  exterior  and  interior  of  the  sacred  edifice  are  very  attrac- 
tive, and  the  frescoing  and  stained  glass  windows  show  excellent 


416  A    1I1S1()K\'    Ol-    CATHOLICITY 

taste.  The  church,  with  its  furnishing,  all  of  antique  oak,  cost 
about  $30,000. 

On  Sunday,  July  19,  1891,  Mass  was  celebrated  in  old  St. 
Ann's  for  the  last  time.  It  was  torn  down  in  April,  1893,  thus 
passing  into  history  as  one  of  the  oldest  churches  in  Northwestern 
Ohio. 

Among  the  pioneer  members  of  St.  Ann's  the  following 
deserve  to  have  their  names  placed  here  on  record :  Jacob  Gabel, 
Joseph  Andrews,  Denis  Lane,  Michael  Gleason  (first  four  coun- 
cilmen),  Joseph  Hunsinger,  Joseph  Baumgartner,  George  Rim- 
melspacher,  John  Kenney,  Denis  Doran.  Bait,  Kiefer.  John 
Powers.  Gabriel  La  Pointe,  the  Momenay  brothers,  Peter  Beau- 
grand,  M.  D.,  Patrick  Hayes  and  Caspar  Hodes. 

Father  Manning's  successor  was  the  Rev.  Patrick  O'Brien, 
who  made  many  improvements  in  and  about  the  church,  school 
and  pastoral  residence.  At  a  considerable  expense  he  also  pur- 
chased a  complete  and  ornate  outfit  of  vestments  that  vie  with 
the  best. 

The  Rev.  C.  V.  Chevraux  succeeded  Father  O'Brien  in  Sep- 
tember, 1897.  His  efforts,  like  those  of  his  three  immediate  prede- 
cessorSj  were  directed  towards  reducing  the  parish  debt  (then 
$2^000),  besides  making  needed  improvements.  When  he  left  St. 
Ann's,  in  November.  1900.  the  debt  amounted  to  only  about  $800, 
which  has  since  been  cancelled  by  his  successor,  the  Rev.  J,  P. 
McCloskey,  the  present  pastor. 

The  flourishing  parish  of  St.  Ann's  numbers  now  (December, 
1900)  about  165  families,  and  the  school  has  an  enrollment  of  150 
children,  taught  by  three  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph. 


FREMONT,  SANDUSKY  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 
Until  the  year  1856  St.  Ann's  was  the  only  Catholic  Church 
in  Fremont,  and  the  Catholics  of  the  town  and  its  environs,  regard- 
less of  their  nativity,  worshiped  at  its  altar.  Acting  upon  the 
advice  of  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Weninger,  a  celebrated  missionary  of  the 
Society  of  Jesus,  who  gave  a  mission  at  St.  Ann's,  in  the  year 


ST.     JOSEPH'S    CHURCH,     FREMONT. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  417 

1856,  the  German  portion  of  the  congregation  took  preliminary 
measures  to  organize  a  second  congregation  for  Germans  ex- 
clusively. 

The  matter  was  submitted  to  Bishop  Rappe,  who  refused  to 
sanction  the  separation ;  he  set  the  seal  of  his  disapproval  upon 
the  movement  at  once.  This  led  to  disappointment  and  chagrin 
on  the  part  of  those  who  desired  the  new  church,  and  finally  to 
open  insubordination,  resulting  at  last  in  the  withdrawal  of  the 
pastor  of  St.  Ann's,  the  Rev.  John  Roos,  by  the  Bishop,  and  the 
placing  of  the  church  under  a  sort  of  interdict  for  a  short  time — 
from  June  to  December,  1857. 

Despite  the  censure  of  their  Bishop  these  people  were 
determined  to  continue  along  the  lines  they  had  begun.  They 
organized,  collected  funds,  purchased  land  and  built  a  church — 
a  substantial  brick  edifice,  48  x  100  feet  in  size — at  a  cost  of  about 
$7,000.  It  showed  their  determination,  and  the  good  Bishop 
thought  it  wise  to  accede  to  their  wishes,  which  he  did  in  time. 
Another  difficulty  then  arose;  they  refused  to  transfer  the  title 
of  the  church  property  to  the  Bishop,  but  the  affair  was  finally 
adjusted  to  the  satisfaction  of  all.  The  property  was  deeded  to 
the  Bishop,  and  on  the  8th  of  December,  1857,  St.  Joseph's  con- 
gregation, Fremont,  was  recognized  as  a  parish  and  assigned 
a  pastor  in  the  person  of  the  Rev.  L.  Molon.  who  likewise  attended 
St.  Ann's. 

Among  the  names  prominent  in  the  organization  of  the  parish 
we  find  those  of  Andres,  Buchmann,  Baumgartner,  Binsack, 
Duerr,  Gabel,  Giebel,  Gompert,  Geschwind,  Haberstroh,  Heim, 
Haser,  Ochs,  Reineck,  Rimmelspacher,  Stuber,  Schmidt,  Schwarz, 
Toeppe  and  Wilhelm.  And  of  them  to  Joseph  Stuber  is  due  in 
great  measure  the  founding  of  St.  Joseph's  parish,  of  which  he 
may  rightfully  be  called  the  father.  Another  name  worthy  of 
praise  is  that  of  Godfrey  Buchmann,  an  exemplary  Christian, 
always  at  the  head  and  front  of  every  movement  calculated  to 
promote  the  interests  of  St.  Joseph's. 

In  the  year  1859  the  church  was  provided  with  a  bell  and  a 
very  fine  organ;  a  parish  school — an  indispensable  adjunct  to  the 
church — was  built  the  same  year,  humble  in  its  beginning,  but  yet 
the  nursery  of  faith  and  virtue  for  the  youth  of  the  parish. 


418  A    IllS'l'om     Ol-    CA'IIIOI.ICI  lA' 

Not  without  regret  does  the  writer  chronicle  a  sad  episode  in 
the  history  of  this  congregation.  It  grew  out  of  the  original 
trouble  that  arose  between  the  people  of  the  parish  and  tiieir 
Bishop  when  they  formed  themselves  into  a  separate  congregation 
against  his  wishes.  As  has  been  stated,  the  Jesuit,  Father  Wenin- 
ger,  first  suggested  the  idea  of  separation  to  the  people  and  fos- 
tered it  against  the  wish  of  the  Bishop.  The  Bishop's  turn  had 
come,  and  he  made  use  of  the  opportunity  to  show  his  disapproval 
of  the  missioner's  meddling  in  the  affairs  of  his  diocese.  Father 
Weninger  was  to  open  a  mission  in  St.  Joseph's  Church  on  the 
17th  of  May,  18G0,  and  that  fact  was  very  generally  known  and 
attracted  many  to  the  church.  He  had  the  Bishop's  permission; 
if  it  was  withdrawn,  he  had  no  knowledge  of  the  withdrawal. 
Bishop  Rappe  came  to  Fremont  to  administer  Confirmation  at  St. 
Joseph's  on  the  very  day  the  mission  was  to  open,  and  positively 
forbade  Father  Weninger  to  give  the  mission.  The  Bishop's  action 
caused  general  dissatisfaction  among  the  people  of  the  parish,  who 
were  strongly  attached  to  Father  Weninger,  and,  whether  rightly 
or  not,  was  interpreted  to  be  an  attempt  to  discountenance  what 
the  Catholic  Germans  considered  their  unqualified  right,  viz.,  to 
have  churches  of  their  own  wherein  the  German  language  should 
be  the  vernacular.  The  end  of  Father  Weninger's  missionary 
career  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland  dates  from  this  untoward  event. 

Weary  of  his  vexatious  charge,  in  which  he  had  labored 
faithfully.  Father  Molon  resigned  the  pastorate  of  St.  Joseph's 
in  March,  1801.  The  Rev.  George  Peter  took  charge  of  the  con- 
gregation for  the  next  few  months,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  Nicholas  Moes,  whose  pastorate  covered  little  over  one  year. 
His  mild  and  judicious  management  of  affairs  served  to  allay  the 
bitterness  and  resentment  that  had  possession  of  the  people's 
minds.  This  good  priest's  name  is  held  in  benediction  by  the 
people  of  Fremont  to  this  day. 

The  present  rector  of  St.  Joseph's,  the  Rev.  Seraphin  Bauer, 
D.  D.,  was  appointed  pastor  of  the  congregation,  September  21, 
1862 — more  than  thirty-eight  years  ago. 

He  found  the  parish  encumbered  with  considerable  debt, 
and  set  to  work  at  once  to  liquidate  it.  He  also  bought  some 
property  the  first  year  of  his  administration,  at  a  cost  of  $800. 


ST.     JOSEPH'S    CHURCH     (KXTERIOR),     FREMONT. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  419 

In  the  summer  of  18G4  about  thirteen  famiHes,  living  in  and 
near  the  village  of  Hessville  (now  known  as  Lindsey)  and  attended 
from  St.  Joseph's,  Fremont,  up  to  that  time,  determined  to  build 
a  church  for  themselves.  They  neither  asked  nor  obtained  permis- 
sion from  their  Bishop  or  pastor.  The  brick  church,  40  x  70  feet, 
was  enclosed  and  had  already  received  the  second  coat  of  plaster 
when  it  was  destroyed  by  a  cyclone,  on  October  4,  18G4.  No 
attempt  was  made  to  rebuild  the  ruined  church.  Some  of  the 
families  then  became  identified  with  the  parish  of  Greensburg  (now 
Millersville),  others  apostatized,  and  many  moved  away.* 

In  1864  the  present  pastoral  residence  was  built  and  the  land 
for  a  parish  cemetery  purchased — a  tract  of  six  acres  in  a  very 
desirable  location,  at  a  cost  of  $700.  In  1897  the  cemetery  was 
enlarged  by  the  purchase  of  about  two  and  one-half  acres  more, 
at  a  cost  of  $700.  Many  beautiful  statues  were  purchased  from 
time  to  time.  The  church  was  illuminated  by  gas  and  two  addi- 
tional bells  were  procured  in  1807,  and  on  Easter  Sunday  of  that 
year  they  pealed  forth  their  merry  chimes  for  the  first  time.  A 
fourth  bell  was  added  to  the  number  in  1870. 

The  school,  which  was  opened  contemporary  with  the  church, 
continued  its  good  work  and  kept  pace  with  the  growth  of  the 
parish  in  providing  for  the  intellectual  and  moral  needs  of  the 
young.  Additional  room  was  provided  as  the  needs  of  the  congre- 
gation required  it,  and  nothing  was  ever  left  undone  to  make  St. 
Joseph's  school  the  peer  of  any  in  the  city.  The  Notre  Dame 
Sisters  of  Cleveland  supplanted  the  lay  teachers  in  the  schools  in 
1876,  and  have  sustained  their  well-established  reputation  as 
teachers  ever  since.  (An  unusual  feature  in  St.  Joseph's  school 
is  the  class  in  fine  needlework  for  girls — a  womanly  art,  sadly 
neglected  in  our  times). 

While  the  material  growth  of  the  parish  was  so  carefully 
fostered,  the  spiritual  side,  by  far  the  most  important,  was  in  no 
wise  neglected.  Altars  and  bells  and  beautiful  statuary  and  fine 
windows  and  golden  copes  and  smoking  thuribles  are  very  desir- 
able indeed;  they  help  to  give  honor  and  glory  to  God,  but  they 
are  only  means  to  an  end,  and  that  end  is  to  draw  hearts  to  Him. 
And  to  draw  them  nothing  was  left  undone  by  the  pastor  of  St. 

*At   the   time  the  church  was  destroyed,  Hessville    belonged    to   the   jurisdiction    of   the 
pastor   of    Greensburg — the   Rev.    F.    Ankly. 


420  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOIJCITY 

Joseph's.  Religious  societies  and  confraternities  were  established 
to  satisfy  the  needs  of  all.  The  children  were  provided  for  by  the 
Society  of  the  Holy  Infancy,  established  in  1878,  and  the  Court  of 
Mary  for  young  girls,  established  in  1881.  A  sodality  for  young 
ladies  was  organized  in  1871,  and  for  young  men  in  1872.  A 
society  for  young  men  and  boys,  from  twelve  to  twenty  years  of 
asre,  the  St.  Stanislas'  Union,  was  formed  in  1889.  The  Confra- 
ternity  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament  for  married  women  and  w-idows, 
established  in  1873,  by  its  prayers  and  devotion  to  our  Divine 
Lord  in  the  Sacrament  of  His  Love  has  been  the  occasion  of 
countless  blessings  to  the  people  of  St.  Joseph's.  The  oldest  and, 
in  many  respects,  the  principal  society  of  the  parish  is  St.  Joseph's 
Society,  for  men  of  mature  years.  It  was  organized  in  1867,  ex- 
clusively for  the  spiritual  benefit  of  its  members,  and  has  flourished 
from  the  beginning — the  noble  guard  of  the  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's. 
It  became  affiliated  with  the  Roman  Society,  for  Catholic  interests, 
in  1872.  The  Confraternity  of  the  Living  Rosary  was  also  organ- 
ized in  the  parish  in  1867.  and  today  has  over  one  thousand 
members. 

The  Devotion  of  the  Forty  Hours  was  held  in  St.  Joseph's 
Church  for  the  first  time,  in  Holy  Week  of  the  year  1864,  and  has 
been  held  there  annually  ever  since.  Father  Bauer  was  mainly 
instrumental  in  introducing  this  devotion  into  the  diocese  in  the 
year  1863,  and  St.  Joseph's  was  privileged  to  be  among  the  very 
first  parishes  to  be  blessed  with  this  religious  exercise  now  so  com- 
mon. He  also  introduced  the  blessing  of  St.  Blase  into  the  parish 
in  1868,  a  blessing  that  has  proved  so  beneficial  to  many  troubled 
with  affections  of  the  throat,  and  which  the  faithful  are  so  eager  to 
receive.  Other  parishes  have  followed  this  laudable  and  pious 
practice,  sanctioned  by  the  Church  in  her  ritual. 

In  the  year  1870  a  beautiful  Calvary  was  constructed  in  the 
cemetery,  with  an  image  of  the  Crucified  on  His  cross  surmount- 
ing it.  Father  Bauer  blessed  it  on  the  Feast  of  All  Souls  of  the 
same  year,  surrounded  by  a  large  concourse  of  people. 

The  two  lots  on  which  the  present  church  stands  were  bought 
in  1873  for  $4,000.  A  fine  brick  house  was  erected  in  1878, 
intended  to  be  a  pastoral  residence  at  first,  but  used  as  a  school 
ever  since.     It  will  be  converted  into  a  residence  for  the  Sisters 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  421 

when  St.  Joseph's  has  its  new  school,  which  it  contemplates  build- 
ing in  the  very  near  future. 

Repairs  and  improvements  of  various  kinds  were  made  on  tht^ 
old  church  and  the  property  during  these  years — sewering,  grad- 
ing, sidewalks,  etc.  In  1874,  new  windows  were  put  in  to  replace 
the  old  ones  which  were  destroyed  by  a  hailstorm.  The  old  organ 
was  renovated  and  practically  rebuilt  in  187G,  a  new  slate  roof 
put  on  the  church  in  1878,  an  addition  to  the  Sisters'  house  was 
built  in  1880,  and  many  other  useful  improvements  that  cannot 
be  enumerated  here. 

For  years  it  was  clear  that  the  old  church  had  become  inad- 
equate to  the  wants  of  the  congregation.  While  in  its  day  it  gave 
expression  to  the  faith  and  devotion  of  a  struggling,  pioneer 
people,  it  was  no  longer  in  keeping  with  the  means  of  a  large 
and  well-established  parish ;  hence,  a  beautiful  church,  with  lofty 
and  graceful  spire,  and  fine  architectural  proportions,  to  supplant 
it,  was  the  dream  of  all.  Large  sums  of  money  were  collected 
for  that  object,  and  on  the  8th  day  of  September,  1881,  the  feast 
of  Our  Lady's  Nativity,  ground  w^as  broken  for  the  present  impos- 
ing structure  which  graces  the  spacious  grounds  of  St.  Joseph's 
congregation.  Bishop  Gilmour  blessed  the  cornerstone  of  the 
new  edifice,  April  30,  1882,  and  an  ex-President  of  the  United 
States,  the  late  R.  B.  Hayes,  set  the  stone  in  place.  The  church 
was  put  under  roof  that  year  at  a  cost  of  about  $50,000.  Year  after 
year  the  work  went  on  until  it  was  brought  to  completion.  This 
splendid  edifice  was  dedicated  to  the  service  of  God  on  July  9, 
1893,  by  Bishop  Horstmann.  Mass  had  been  said  in  the  new 
church,  however,  in  its  unfinished  condition  since  March  8,  1891, 
the  interior  of  the  old  church  having  been  destroyed  by  fire  on 
February  28,  of  the  same  year.  Complete  in  every  detail  St. 
Joseph's  Church  cost  not  less  than  $100,000.  In  solidity  and 
beauty  of  finish  it  is  second  to  none  in  the  diocese.  The  three  fine 
altars  and  pews  are  of  quartered  oak,  and  Canadian  cherry  birch. 
The  sanctuary  windows  and  the  Stations  of  the  Cross  are  choice 
types  of  Munich  and  Innsbruck  art.  The  costly  stained  glass 
windows  of  the  nave  are  from  the  Art  Glass  Co.,  of  Chicago,  and 
the  beautiful  statuary  was  imported  from  Europe,  as  were  the  vases 
for  the  altars  and  the  rich  vestments,  of  which  there  is  a  large 


422  A    lllSroKY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

su|)i)lv.  A  <;ran(l  ostensoriiim  was  imported  from  Paris  in  1S04, 
and  is  a  bcautifnl  specimen  of  ex(|uisite  workmanship.  All  the 
appointments  arc  in  ])crfcct  keeping-  with  the  structure  itself, 
which  will  remain  a  lastini^  mommu'nl  to  the  rector  and  j)eople 
of  St.  Joseph's  parish.  Its  width  is  71  feet,  and  its  length  162 
feet.  The  beautiful  and  ornate  spire  is  250  feet  high;  its  grace- 
ful outlines  are  the  pride  of  Fremont  and  are  seen  from  far  and 
wide. 

In  November.  1893.  the  old  church  was  converted  at  con- 
siderable expense  into  a  hall  for  the  use  of  societies,  and  answers 
the  purpose  admirably.  A  handsome  residence  was  built  for  the 
parish  sexton  in  1898. 

All  that  is  wanting  now  to  make  St.  Joseph's  complete  in 
every  respect  is  a  modern,  first-class  school  building,  to  take  the 
place  of  the  several  buildings  that  serve  for  that  purpose  at 
present,  and  such  a  building  will  grace  the  large,  well-kept 
grounds  before  many  summers.  The  splendid  site  for  the  pro- 
posed school  covers  three  lots,  adjoining  the  rectory  lots  and 
facing  the  present  church.  They  were  bought  in  June,  1893,  and 
cost  $8,250.  The  brick  residence,  located  on  the  corner  lot.  was 
fitted  up  in  1895  as  a  temporary  school,  to  accommodate  the 
steadily  increasing  number  of  pupils.  An  addition  was  also  built 
to  the  rectory  in  1900  at  a  cost  of  $7,000,  making  it  one  of  the 
finest  parish  houses  in  the  diocese. 

St.  Joseph's  parish  is  composed  of  about  325  families.  Its 
school  enrollment  numbers  over  300  children,  taught  by  six 
Notre  Dame  Sisters. 

St.  Joseph's  was  made  an  uTcmovable  rectorate  in  the  Dio- 
cesan Synod  of  1889,  and  Dr.  Bauer  its  first  rector.  He  was 
honored  by  the  Holy  See  in  receiving  the  Doctorate  in  Theology 
from  the  Sovereign  Pontiff  in  1895  and  was  invested  with  its 
insignia  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  February  7  of  that  year,  to  the 
great  joy  of  his  people,  who  were  sharers  in  this  exceptional 
privilege  accorded  their  pastor. 

The  parish  was  absolutely  free  from  debt  when  the  new 
church  was  dedicated,  in  1893,  and  this  has  been  its  history  for 
over  thirty  years.     It  has  been  singularly  blessed  by  Almighty 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  423 

God,  both  in  temporals  and  spirituals  in  the  past.  May  the  same 
unerring  Hand  guide  its  destinies  in  the  future  and  keep  its 
people  as  they  are  at  present,  contented  and  happy  children  of 
Mother  Church. 


FRENCH  CREEK,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE   CONCEPTION   CHURCH. 

In  1841  French  Creek  received  its  first  contingent  of  Catholic 
settlers.  For  several  years  they  were  identified  with  the  congrega- 
tion at  Avon.  From  1844.  until  1857,  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
months,  in  1850,  they  were  attended  from  Thompson,  by  the 
Sanguinist  Fathers.  Among  these  were  the  Revs.  Jacob  Ringele, 
Peter  Kreusch,  J.  Van  den  Broek  and  M.  A.  Kramer,  all  of  whom 
said  Mass  in  a  wagon-shop  which  had  been  fitted  up  in  1844  by 
Father  Ringele  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship.  In  1849  Father 
Ringele  was  appointed  a  second  time  to  take  charge  of  French 
Creek.  He  then  built  a  frame  church  (35  by  60  feet)  on  a  plot 
of  land  he  had  secured  about  that  time,  but  for  which  the  deed  was 
not  given  until  February.  1850.  The  Rev.  A.  Gelaszewski  was 
the  first  resident  pastor  of  French  Creek,  he  had  charge  from 
March  to  December,  1850,  when,  for  nearly  one  year,  it  was  again 
attended  from  Thompson  as  a  Mission.  Father  Van  den  Broek 
was  the  next  pastor — 1851-53.  He  built  the  first  pastoral  resi- 
dence, a  small  frame  structure,  in  1851.  He  was  succeeded  by  the 
Revs.  P.  Weber,  M.  Kreusch  an_d  M.  .\.  Kramer.  As  resident  pas- 
tors they  had  charge  of  French  Creek,  besides  attending  neighbor- 
ing missions,  until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  A.  Dambach,  in 
January,  1857.  The  Rev.  E.  Henzler  was  assistant  at  French 
Creek,  for  one  year,  from  June,  1859.  The  following  priests  were 
Father  Dambach's  successors :  The  Revs.  V.  Haussner,  January, 
I860,  to  August.  1861;  H.  Behrens,  September.  1861.  to  March. 
1862;  J.  M.  Rotzer,  March  to  September,  1862;  J.  Hackspiel,  to 
March,  1864;  T.  Frauenhofer,  to  January,  1867.  French  Creek 
was  then  without  a  resident  pastor  until  the  appointment,  a  second 
time,  of  the  Rev.  A.  Dambach,  in  May,  1867.  He  remained  in 
charge  until  September,  1880,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.   S.   Falk,   whose  most   successful   pastorate   ended  with   his 


424  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

edifying  death,  August  2G,  1S9*J.  His  successor  is  the  present 
incumbent,  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Vogt,  who  entered  on  his  new  charge 
in  the  following  month.  During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Hack- 
spiel  the  first  of  the  present  school  lots  was  bought  in  April,  18G2, 
and  in  June.  1879,  Father  Dambach  bought  the  lot  on  which 
the  teacher's  residence  formerly  stood.  In  June,  1881,  Father 
Falk  secured  the  lot  adjoining  the  one  bought  by  Father  Hack- 
spiel,  the  two  large  lots  affording  ample  room  not  only  for  school 
purposes,  but  also  for  an  addition  to  the  parish  cemetery  which 
adjoins  the  old  cemetery.  In  November,  1891,  Father  Falk 
bought  another  parcel  of  land  next  to  the  lot  he  had  secured  ten 
years  before,  for  the  purpose  of  enlarging  the  site  for  a  much 
needed  new  church,  commensurate  with  the  size  and  means  of  the 
parish.  But  he  felt  that  the  children  of  the  parish  had  a  prior 
claim,  as  the  school,  built  in  1854,  had  become  unfit  for  use,  and 
was  entirely  too  small.  Therefore,  in  May,  1885,  he  began  the 
erection  of  the  present  handsome  school  building.  It  was  fin- 
ished by  fall  of  the  same  year,  and  cost  nearly  $8,000.  One  of  the 
two  lay  teachers  in  charge  of  the  school  resides  in  the  rear  portion 
of  the  building.  Even  today  it  is  not  excelled  in  appearance  and 
outfit  by  the  schools  of  any  country  parish  in  the  diocese  of  Cleve- 
land, and  would  be  a  credit  to  any  city  parish.  It  may  be  stated 
here  that  the  congregation  of  French  Creek  is  composed  almost 
entirely  of  German  farmers,  most  of  whom  are  well-to-do. 

Hardly  was  the  school  paid  for,  when,  in  1892,  Father  Falk 
began  to  make  preparations  for  building  a  church  that  would  be 
a  credit  to  the  parish.  At  the  advanced  age  of  67,  this  was  no 
small  undertaking  for  him.  But  filled  as  he  was  with  indomitable 
zeal  for  God's  glory,  he  went  to  work  to  raise  a  subscription.  His 
appeal  met  with  a  generous  response,  which  greatly  encouraged 
him.  He  had  plans  drawn  for  a  brick  church,  of  Gothic  architec- 
ture. The  foundation  was  commenced  in  August,  1892.  On 
Sunday,  May  28,  1893,  the  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck,  as  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Bishop's  delegate,  laid  the  cornerstone.  By  November  of 
the  same  year  the  church  was  enclosed  and  the  handsome  spire 
completed.  During  1894  the  interior  of  the  church  was  plastered, 
frescoed  and  nearly  finished.  In  the  spring  of  1895  the  altars  and 
pews,  of  white  oak,  and  the  stained  glass  windows  were  placed  in 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  425 

position.  All  was  now  ready  for  the  solemn  dedication.  That 
impressive  ceremony  was  performed  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on 
Sunday,  August  6,  1895.  Then,  as  on  the  day  when  the  corner- 
stone was  blessed,  a  vast  multitude  of  interested  spectators  was 
present.  It  was  an  occasion  for  rejoicing  for  the  venerable  pastor 
as  well  as  for  his  people,  who  with  very  few  exceptions  contributed 
generously  and  thus  made  it  possible  to  give  to  God  on  that 
day  a  beautiful  church  that  cost  about  $25,000,  without  a  dollar 
of  debt  to  mar  the  gift.  Complete  in  every  detail,  and  provided 
with  a  steam-heating  apparatus,  the  church  is  one  of  the  best 
appointed  country  churches  in  the  diocese.  Its  dimensions  are : 
width,  50  feet;  length,  120  feet;  height  of  spire,  156  feet.  It  is  a 
monument  to  good  Father  Falk,  and  will  perpetuate  his  memory 
among  the  people  of  French  Creek  whom  he  served  so  well  and 
unselfishly. 

For  years  Father  Falk  had  been  urged  by  his  Bishop  to 
build  a  residence  for  himself,  and  his  people  would  gladly  have 
furnished  the  means,  as  they  felt  that  the  old  pastoral  residence, 
a  very  antiquated  plain  frame  building,  was  no  longer  a  fitting 
house  for  the  pastor.  It  was  only  in  the  spring  of  1899  that  he 
finally  yielded  to  their  oft  expressed  wish.  As  Father  Falk  was  a 
draughtsman  of  no  mean  ability  he  drew  the  plans  himself  for 
the  much  needed  residence,  but  before  they  could  be  materialized 
the  Angel  of  Death  summoned  him  from  his  long  years  of  ardent 
labors  to  the  eternal  reward  he  so  well  merited.  Sincerely 
mourned  by  all  who  knew  him,  he  gave  up  his  soul  to  God,  after 
a  short  illness,  on  August  26,  1899.  The  congregation  of  French 
Creek  owes  him  a  debt  of  gratitude  it  can  never  fully  repay;  for, 
during  his  pastorate  it  arose  from  comparative  insignificance  to 
importance  as  a  country  parish,  at  present  numbering  about  120 
families.  Most  of  its  splendid  property  was  the  result  of  his 
prudent  judgment  and  excellent  management;  he  made  the  best 
possible  use  of  every  dollar  contributed  by  his  people,  who  were 
thus  encouraged  to  give  liberally. 

For  a  few  weeks  after  Father  Falk's  death  the  Rev.  J.  B. 
Alten  had  temporary  charge  of  French  Creek,  until  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Vogt,  the  present  pastor.  Shortly  after 
entering  on  his  new  charge  Father  Vogt  obtained  permission  to 


42(5  A     IllSrom-    Ol-    CAH  IIOI.ICITV 

biiikl  the  pastoral  residonco.  C()nlt'ni])latc(l  hy  liis  rcxcrcd  pre- 
decessor. The  biiihhiii;"  material  lias  been  secured,  and  the  resi- 
dence will  be  completed  before  the  end  of  1 !)()].  According  to  the 
plans  ado])ted  it  will  be  an  attractive  brick  structure,  worthy  to 
be  ranked  with  the  adjoining-  beautiful  cliurch  and  handsome 
school;  its  estimated  cost  is  $7,000. 

As  a  matter  of  record  the  writer  here  states  that  for  its  size 
the  congregation  has  given  more  priests  to  the  Church  than  any 
other  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  There  are  at  present  no  fewer 
than  eight  priests  in  the  diocese,  whom  French  Creek  claims  as 
her  sons. 

The  congregation  of  French  Creek  has  also  a  chaj^ter  in 
its  long  history  that  is  not  to  its  credit.  For  a  number  of  years 
there  had  been  more  or  less  of  a  turbulent  and  non-Catholic  spirit 
in  the  parish,  fomented  by  a  few  would-be  leaders.  It  caused 
much  trouble,  and  accounts  in  part  for  the  frequent  changes  of 
pastors.  Happily  that  baneful  spirit  has  disappeared ;  peace, 
harmony  and  good  will  now  prevail. 


FRENCH  SETTLEMENT.  WAYNE  COUNTY. 

ST.  ANN'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

In  1855  a  few^  Catholic  French  families,  belonging  to  the 
Mission  of  Marshallville,  were  authorized  by  Bishop  Rappe  to 
organize  as  a  separate  Mission,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev. 
E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith.  who  at  that  time  was  pastor  of  Doylestowai. 
He  said  Mass  for  them  on  w'eekdays  in  the  log  cabin  of  Peter 
Ranch.  The  present  church,  a  very  plain  frame  building,  28  x  40 
feet,  was  not  built  however  until  the  summer  of  1858.  Bishop 
Rappe  blessed  the  foundation  on  the  feast  of  St.  x\nn,  July  26, 
of  that  year.  Francis  Petit  donated  the  half  acre  of  land  on  wdiich 
the  little  church  stands,  although  the  deed  was  not  given  by  him 
until  December,  1859.  The  Mission  is  now  composed  of  about 
12  families  (all  farmers),  and  has  no  promising  future.  Since  its 
organization  it  has  been  attended  monthly,  mostly  from  Doyles- 
town,  as  it  is  now,  with  the  exception  of  some  years,  viz.,  from 
1858  to  1866,  and  between  1881  and  1891,  when  it  was  a  Mission 
of  Canal  Fulton.     In  1886  and  1887  it  was  attended  from  Medina. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  427 


GALION.  CRAWFORD  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

The  Sangninist  Father,  Rev.  Matthias  Kreusch,  was  the  first 
priest  to  visit  the  few  CathoHc  families  settled  at  Galion.  He 
visited  them  for  the  first  time  in  1854,  while  stationed  at  Shelby 
Settlement.  Until  1855  he  held  services  in  the  house  of  Joseph 
Riidiger,  an  excellent  Catholic,  at  whose  home  the  clergy  were 
always  welcome.  In  April,  1854,  he  donated  a  lot  to  Bishop 
Rappe  for  a  church  site.  It  was  located  on  East  Main  street. 
Father  Kreusch  collected  sufificient  funds  for  the  erection  of  a  very 
plain  frame  church  on  the  lot.  Although  small  it  was  amply  large 
at  the  time  and  for  some  years  after  to  accommodate  the  Mission 
of  Galion.  Shortly  after  the  church  was  built  Father  Kreusch  was 
assigned  by  his  Provincial  to  another  field  of  labor.  The  resident 
pastors  of  Shelby  Settlement  attended  Galion  from  the  time 
Father  Kreusch  left,  until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  John  P. 
Piitz  as  first  resident  pastor,  in  July,  1865.  He  found  the  location 
of  the  church  unsuitable  and  the  building  too  small  for  his  con- 
gregation ;  hence  he  bought  several  lots  on  Union  street  and 
erected  on  them  a  combination  church  and  school,  of  brick,  and 
disposed  of  the  first  church  and  lot.  Father  Piitz  was  removed  to 
CrestHne  in  November,  18G8,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  A. 
Gerardin  who  served  the  congregation  for  nearly  ten  years — until 
April,  1878.  The  steady  growth  of  the  parish  forced  him  to  pro- 
vide for  better  and  more  ample  church  and  school  facilities.  This 
he  did  by  securing  three  fine  lots  on  Liberty  street,  at  the  inter- 
section of  Church  street,  in  exchange  for  the  property  on  Union 
street.  A  large  brick  building,  formerly  used  as  a  Public  school, 
stood  on  the  corner  lot.  He  had  the  upper  story  remodeled  as  a 
temporary  church,  and  the  lower  story  fitted  up  as  a  pastoral 
residence.  He  also  changed  the  brick  boiler  room  in  the  rear 
of  the  building  to  serve  as  a  school.  Thus,  the  church,  school 
and  pastoral  residence  were  under  one  roof. 

Father  Gerardin  was  succeeded  in  April,  1878,  by  the  Rev.  H. 
Kaempker.  St.  Joseph's  had  now  grown  strong  enough  to 
shoulder  the  burden  of  building  a  handsome  church,  worthy  of 


428  A    HISTORY    OF    CATMOFJCITY 

the  parish.  Father  Kaempker  accordingly  took  up  a  subscription 
for  that  purpose  and  was  most  generously  seconded  by  his  people. 
In  the  fall  of  1880  the  foundation  for  the  proposed  brick  church, 
47x100  feet,  was  begun.  Bishop  Gilmour  blessed  the  corner- 
stone on  July  10  of  the  following  year.  The  beautiful  edifice  was 
dedicated  by  the  same  Prelate  on  Sunday,  July  9,  1883.  The 
architecture  is  Roman,  the  exterior  and  interior  of  the  church  are 
very  pleasing  and  all  in  perfect  harmony  as  to  details.  The  church 
is  a  credit  indeed  to  Father  Kaempker,  and  to  the  parish  as  well. 
With  its  handsome  furnishings,  and  the  three  fine  bells,  bought 
in  1897.  it  cost  about  $25,000. 

As  the  parish  cemetery,  opened  in  1859,  had  become  filled 
with  interments,  Father  Kaempker  purchased,  in  August,  1888, 
a  fine  ten-acre  tract  of  land  near  the  outskirts  of  Galion,  and  had 
it  platted  for  a  cemetery,  along  modern  lines,  and  put  into  excel- 
lent condition.  It  is  known  as  Mt.  Calvary  Cemetery,  and  is  used 
by  St.  Joseph's  and  St.  Patrick's  parishes,  Galion.  It  was  blessed 
by  Mgr.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on  October  10,  1888. 

In  1890  Father  Kaempker  built  the  present  commodious  and 
very  neat  pastoral  residence  of  brick;  with  its  furnishings  it  cost 
about  $5,000. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  during  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Falk,  in  1859,  when  he  attended  St.  Joseph's  from  Shelby 
Settlement.  Until  1882  it  was  conducted  by  lay  teachers.  Since 
then  it  has  been  in  charge  of  three  Sisters  of  St.  Francis,  of  Joliet, 
111.  The  building  bought  by  Father  Gerardin,  as  above  stated, 
is  now  used  entirely  for  school  purposes,  with  apartments  in  it 
arranged  for  the  Sisters'  residence. 

The  present  pastor  is  the  Rev.  A.  H.  Schreiner,  who  suc- 
ceeded Father  Kaempker,  in  January,  1899. 

Although  in  its  early  history  St.  Joseph's  parish  manifested 
at  times  a  spirit  of  insubordination  to  lawful  authority  there  is 
now  no  trace  left  of  this,  nor  has  there  been  for  many  years  past. 
St.  Joseph's  now  numbers  about  75  families.  The  parish  property 
is  in  excellent  condition  with  but  a  very  small  debt  remaining. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  429 


GALION,  CRAWFORD  COUNTY. 

ST.  PATRICK'S  CHURCH. 

Until  about  1869  the  English  speaking  CathoHcs  of  Gahon 
were  identified  with  St.  Joseph's  church.  Owing  to  want  of 
harmony  in  the  then  "mixed"  parish,  Bishop  Rappe  allowed 
them  to  form  a  separate  congregation.  June  15,  1866,  the  Rev. 
John  P.  Puetz,  then  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's,  bought  a  lot  at 
the  corner  of  Payne  avenue  and  Washington  street,  for  $330,  on 
which  he  intended  to  build  a  church.  About  two  years  after  this 
purchase  Father  Puetz  was  transferred  to  Crestline  and  the  Rev. 
A.  Gerardin  was  appointed  his  successor — November,  1868.  But 
it  was  not  until  1871  that  the  church,  a  brick  edifice,  40  by  70 
feet,  once  begun,  was  soon  pushed  to  completion.  It  was  dedi- 
cated to  St.  Patrick  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year.  The  members  of 
the  congregation,  though  few  in  number  and  most  of  them  poor, 
contributed  generously  of  their  means  toward  building  the  church 
and  supporting  their  parochial  school,  so  that  at  the  time  Father 
Gerardin  was  transferred  to  Cleveland,  in  April,  1878,  there  were 
but  $500  due  on  church  and  school.  In  July,  1877,  a  second  lot, 
adjoining  the  first,  on  Washington  street,  was  bought  for  school 
purposes.  In  September,  1877,  ground  was  secured  for  a  ceme- 
tery at  an  expense  of  $750.  Previous  to  this  time  St.  Joseph's 
cemetery  had  been  used  by  St.  Patrick's  parish. 

In  April,  1878,  Rev.  H.  Kaempker  was  appointed  successor 
to  Father  Gerardin,  and  attended  St.  Patrick's  church  from  St. 
Joseph's,  as  did  his  predecessor. 

A  few  members  of  the  congregation,  bent  on  sowing  the 
seeds  of  discord,  had  succeeded  in  instilling  their  un-Catholic 
spirit  in  the  parish,  to  the  scandal  of  the  faithful  members,  by  far 
in  the  majority,  to  the  grief  of  the  pastor,  and  to  the  injury  of 
religion,  so  that  in  consequence  of  the  turmoil  caused  by  these  few 
disaffected  members.  Catholic  only  in  name.  Bishop  Gilmour  was 
obliged  to  close  the  church.  For  just  one  year,  from  September, 
1879,  to  September,  1880,  the  church  remained  closed,  the  faithful 
portion  of  the  congregation  meanwhile  attending  St.  Joseph's 
church.      Order    having    been    restored    again    the    church    was 


430  A    HISTORY    Ol-    CATHOLICITY 

reopened  by  the  Bishop  in  Septenil)er,  1SS0.  Since  tlien  peace 
jind  harmony  have  prevailed. 

In  November.  1  !»(>(),  St.  ]*atrick's  cca.scd  to  l)e  a  Mission  of 
St.  Joseph's  church,  by  the  appointment  of  tlie  present  first  resi- 
dent pastor,  the  Rev.  L.  A.  Brady. 

Since  187G  St.  Patrick's  has  liad  a  i)arochial  school.  It  is 
in  charge  of  two  Sisters  of  St.  Francis,  of  Joliet,  111.,  since  Septem- 
ber, 1880. 

The  parish  numbers  about  70  families. 


GENOA.  OTTAWA  COUNTY. 

OUR  LADY  OF  LOURDES'  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Genoa,  a  small  town  on  the  southern  division  of  the  Lake 
Shore  railway,  is  located  about  12  miles  east  of  Toledo.  The  first 
Catholic  settlers  in  this  locality  were  attended  from  Toledo,  by  the 
pastors  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  church,  from  1855  to  1858;  then, 
until  1872,  from  Fremont,  Kelley's  Island,  and  again  from  Toledo. 
In  June,  1872,  the  Rev.  J.  Davy  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor 
of  Elmore,  with  charge  of  a  number  of  Missions  and  Stations. 
Among  the  latter  was  also  Genoa,  which  was  attended  from 
Elmore  until  September,  1880,  when  the  Rev.  J.  P.  O'Connor  was 
appointed  first  resident  pastor.  He  was  succeeded  in  July,  1891, 
by  the  Rev.  W.  S.  Kress,  who  remained  in  charge  until  January, 
1892,  when  Genoa  was  again  made  a  Mission.  It  was  then 
attended  from  St.  Mary's,  Toledo,  and  for  a  short  time  by  the 
Rev.  T.  F.  McGuire,  until  April,  189G.  Since  that  time  Genoa 
has  been  attached  to  Gibsonburg  as  a  Mission.  Mass  was  said  in 
private  houses,  and  for  some  years  in  the  home  of  John  Kelley. 

The  Rev.  W.  McMahon,  resident  pastor  of  Elmore,  from 
August,  1872,  until  August,  1874,  had  charge  of  Genoa  as  a 
Station.  .  In  October,  1872,  he  bought  two  lots  for  a  church  site, 
at  the  corner  of  Superior  and  Fourth  streets.  Pending  the  erec- 
tion of  a  church,  which  project  had  to  be  postponed  for  lack  of 
means,  Father  McMahon  held  services  in  private  houses  and  in 
two  public  halls,  which  he  had  fitted  up  for  divine  worship.  One 
of  the  latter  was  located  on  Main  street  over  a  jewelry  store. 
Father  McMahon's  instructive  sermons  drew  many  non-Catholics 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  431 

who  were  attracted  at  first  by  curiosity,  then  by  interest,  to  hear 
Catholic  doctrine  explained.  The  sermons  removed  much  of  the 
existing  prejudice  and  engendered  a  kindly  feeling  towards 
Catholics. 

On  one  of  the  above  mentioned  lots  Father  McMahon  built 
a  neat  frame  church  in  the  summer  of  1874.  Its  size  was  30  by  50 
feet,  and  its  cost,  exclusive  of  plastering,  was  about  $1,000.  Mass 
was  celebrated  in  the  new  church  for  the  first  time  by  Father 
McMahon  on  Sunday,  August  11,  1874.  It  was  also  his  last  Mass 
there,  as  he  was  then  transferred  to  Cleveland.  The  Rev.  H. 
Kollop  was  then  placed  in  charge  of  the  Mission,  but  received 
little  assistance  from  the  people  towards  paying  the  church  debt, 
although  they  had  subscribed  nearly  the  entire  sum  due.  He 
had  raised  $500  and  handed  it  to  the  architect  who  promised  to 
pay  the  money  to  the  contractors,  but  instead  of  doing  so  he 
absconded  with  the  money.  The  result  was  that  the  creditors 
had  the  County  Sheriff  advertise  the  church  for  sale,  in  1876. 
Father  McMahon  was  sent  to  Genoa  by  the  Very  Rev.  Adminis- 
trator Boff  to  pacify  the  creditors  and  if  possible  to  prevent  the 
sale  of  the  church,  which  he  did.  The  Rev.  J.  Klute,  Father 
Kollop's  successor,  reorganized  the  congregation,  many  members 
of  which  had  drifted  away.  He  then  gave  his  attention  to  the 
debt,  which  by  the  aid  of  the  generous  non-Catholics  of  the  village 
he  considerably  diminished,  besides  having  the  church  plastered. 
It  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  on  the  feast  of  Corpus 
Christi,  1879,  and  placed  by  him  under  the  patronage  of  Our  Lady 
of  Lourdes,  in  gratitude  for  the  recovery  of  his  health. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Rieken  the  debt  was  reduced 
to  about  $700;  even  at  present  it  amounts  to  about  $500.  The 
Mission  now  numbers  about  20  families,  and  has  no  promising 
future. 

GIBSONBURG,  SANDUSKY  COUNTY. 

ST.  MICHAEL'S  CHURCH. 

The  Catholics  of  the  now  flourishing  village  of  Gibsonburg, 

located  in  the  oil  and  natural  gas  belt  of  northwestern  Ohio,  were 

members  of  St.  Mary's  parish,  at  Millersville,  8  miles  distant,  until 

May,  1896.     They  petitioned  Bishop  Gilmour,  in  1883.  for  per- 


432  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

mission  to  build  a  church.  However,  as  lie  felt  that  their  small 
number  did  not  warrant  the  petition  it  was  refused  as  premature. 
The  petition  was  renewed  during-  the  administration  of  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Mgr.  Bof¥,  in  February,  1892,  but  he  advised  postponement 
until  the  advent  of  Bishop  Horstmann  to  the  diocese.  Shortly 
after  his  arrival,  in  March  of  the  same  year,  the  Bishop  granted 
the  long-standing  petition,  after  consulting  with  the  Rev.  Michael 
Dechant,  who  had  charge  of  Gibsonburg  as  a  Station  for  some 
years.  About  that  time  the  Lutheran  meeting  house  in  the 
village  was  offered  for  sale  at  a  very  low  figure,  and  Bishop 
Horstmann  sanctioned  the  purchase.  It  was  moved  to  the  three 
lots  on  Stephenson  street,  purchased  for  $420  by  Father  Dechant 
in  May,  1892.  In  a  short  while  the  building  was  remodeled  into 
a  very  neat  church,  which  was  frescoed  and  provided  with  suitable 
furnishings  and  a  fine  bell.  The  main  altar  and  the  statues  of 
the  Immaculate  Conception  and  of  St.  Michael  were  donated  by 
the  pastor,  who  also  succeeded  in  getting  a  number  of  other 
church  ornaments,  vestments,  etc.,  as  donations  from  several 
neighboring  parishes.  The  remodeled  church,  now  completely 
equipped  for  divine  service,  was  dedicated  to  St.  Michael  on  Sun- 
day, October  30,  1892.  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.G.,  as  the  Bishop's 
delegate,  performed  the  ceremony.  The  occasion  was  one  of 
great  joy  for  the  spirited  and  generous  Mission  of  Gibsonburg, 
which  now  had  a  very  neat  place  of  worship,  clear  of  all  debt. 

Gibsonburg  was  made  a  parish  in  May,  1896,  by  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  Rev.  Philip  A.  Schritz  as  first  resident  pastor;  he 
had  attended  the  place  from  Millersville  since  January  of  the  same 
year.  The  priest's  residence,  a  frame  structure,  was  built  in  1895 
and  enlarged  shortly  after  Father  Schritz's  arrival.  He  continued 
the  good  work  in  his  pastorate  until  December,  1898,  when  the 
present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  Leo  L.  Broens,  was  appointed  his 
successor. 

The  congregation  of  Gibsonburg  is  now  composed  of  about 
00  families,  partly  Irish  and  partly  German  by  birth  or  descent. 
It  is  steadily  growing,  is  in  a  flourishing  condition  and  without 
debt.  Two  acres  of  land  were  bought  in  March,  1900,  for  a 
cemetery. 

A  larger  and  permanent  church  is  in  contemplation,  as  also  a 
school.  With  the  present  bright  prospects  realized  these  will 
soon  be  built. 


ST.    ROSE'S    CHURCH    AND    PASTORAL     RESIDENCE,     GIRARD. 


IN    THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  433 


GIRARD,  TRUMBULL  COUNTY. 
ST.  ROSE'S  CHURCH. 

On  October  21,  1868,  Mass  was  said  for  the  first  time  at 
Girard,  in  the  house  of  John  Kinney,  who  for  years  entertained 
the  priests  attending  Girard.  The  Rev.  Bernard  B.  Kelley,  then 
pastor  of  Niles,  was  the  celebrant  of  that  Mass.  Girard  was 
attended  as  a  Station  by  the  respective  pastors  of  Warren  and 
Brier  Hill  (now  St.  Ann's,  Yoiingstown),  from  January,  1869, 
until  April,  1892,  viz. :  by  the  Revs.  E.  J.  Conway,  P.  McCaffrey, 
F.  J.  Henry,  F.  McGovern,  and  J.  P.  Barry.  In  November,  1889, 
Father  Barry  secured  by  land  contract  an  acre  of  land,  fronting 
418  feet  on  State  street,  the  principal  thoroughfare  of  the  town. 
The  purchase  price  was  $1,550;  by  December,  1891,  it  was  paid 
in  full  and  the  deed  given  for  the  property.  In  its  purchase  Mr. 
H.  H.  Shields,  a  Protestant,  and  at  the  time  manager  of  the 
Girard  Iron  Co.,  was  most  helpful,  as  without  his  assistance  it 
could  not  have  been  secured.  At  other  times,  and  in  various 
ways,  he  showed  his  kindly  feeling  towards  the  Catholics  of  Girard 
by  generous  deeds,  and  is  recognized  as  their  special  benefactor, 
as  is  also  Mr.  H.  H.  Britt. 

In  February,  1891,  plans  for  a  frame  church,  40x80  feet,  were 
submitted  to  and  approved  by  Bishop  Gilmour — during  his  last 
illness.  In  the  following  May  the  foundation  was  begun,  and  on 
July  5  of  the  same  year  it  was  blessed  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  F.  M.  Bof¥, 
then  administrator  of  the  diocese.  In  April,  1892,  the  present 
incumbent,  the  Rev.  James  J.  Stewart,  was  appointed  first  resident 
pastor,  thus  relieving  Father  Barry,  who  had  faithfully  attended 
Girard  as  a  Station  and  Mission  since  October,  1889.  On  May 
15,  1892,  Bishop  Horstmann  dedicated  to  St.  Rose  of  Lima  the 
very  pretty  and  handsomely  furnished  church.  It  is  a  credit  to 
Father  Barry's  good  taste  and  prudent  management,  as  it  is  also 
the  just  pride  of  the  people  whose  generous  offerings  enabled  him 
to  build  it. 

In  September,  1892,  ground  was  broken  in  the  rear  of  the 
church  for  the  present  pastoral  residence  of  which  Father  Stewart 
took  possession  on  January  10,  1893.     It  is  a  well-appointed  ten- 


434  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOI.ICITV 

room  frame  building-,  and  cost  about  $l\()(IO.  In  October.  1808. 
the  church  was  tastefully  frescoed  and  in  the  following  year  it  was 
also  repainted  and  made  quite  attractive.  Electric  lighting  was 
put  in  the  church  and  pastoral  residence  in  December.  1900,  at  a 
cost  of  $300. 

The  children  attend  the  public  schools.  l)ut  their  religious 
instruction  is  by  no  means  neglected.  Every  day,  at  the  close  of 
school  hours,  they  are  assembled  for  Catechism  in  the  basement 
of  the  church  where  they  are  taught  by  their  pastor.  Had  it  not 
been  for  the  financial  panic  of  1893,  that  for  over  five  years  so 
terribly  affected  the  iron  industry  in  the  entire  Mahoning  valley, 
in  which  Girard  is  located,  Father  Stewart  would  have  had  a 
])atochial  school  long  ago.  He  is  now  raising  funds  for  that  pur- 
pose and  hopes  to  have  this  most  necessary  adjunct  to  the  church 
realized  in  a  short  time. 

The  parish  is  now  composed  of  about  90  families — all  depend- 
ent on  the  Girard  iron  works  for  their  support.  A  healthy 
Catholic  spirit  prevails ;  pastor  and  people  are  of  one  accord. 


GLANDORF,  PUTNAM  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST'S  CHURCH. 
There  is  one  village  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland  unique  in  the 
fact  that  within  its  confines  not  the  faintest  echo  of  the  rush  and 
overwork  of  modern  life  has  ever  sounded.  It  is  the  little  village 
of  Glandorf,  but  three  miles  distant  from  the  busy  and  thriving 
city  of  Ottawa,  the  county  seat  of  Putnam.  In  the  building  of 
Glandorf,  as  in  all  else  about  the  place,  the  villagers  have  ever  held 
closely  to  the  customs  of  the  Province  of  Osnabriick,  Germany, 
whence  its  founders  came.  There  is  but  one  street  deserving  the 
name  and  that  extends  over  a  mile,  north  and  south.  Lining  it 
on  either  side,  interspersed  here  and  there  with  a  few  stores  and 
shops,  are  the  quaint,  durable  and  homehke  houses  of  the  villagers 
with  their  spacious  and  well  kept  yards.  Away  from  the  principal 
street,  yet  so  near  that  the  field  laborers  can  be  seen  and  heard  at 
their  work,  are  the  well-tilled  farms  of  the  German  country  folk, 
and  the  whole  population  shows  that  rugged  health,  so  character- 
istic of  the  race. 


ST.     JOHN    THE      BAPTIST'S    CHURCH,     GLAXUOKF. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  435 

The  history  of  the  village  of  Glandorf  goes  back  to  January, 
1834,  when  its  founder,  the  Rev.  William  J.  Horstmann,  arrived 
there  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  colony  of  sturdy  Germans, 
who  had  come  with  him  from  the  Fatherland.  He  left  his  native 
country  in  August,  1833,  and  had  for  his  companions,  willing  to 
cast  their  lot  with  him  in  far  distant  America,  eight  young  men. 
On  the  7th  of  September  they  embarked  on  the  sailing  vessel 
"Columbus,"  at  Antwerp,  and  arrived  in  New  York  eight  weeks 
later,  on  November  6.  They  then  proceeded  to  Detroit,  where 
they  arrived  on  November  27.  There  he  left  seven  of  his  com- 
panions, whilst  he  and  another,  John  F.  Kahle,  went  in  search  of 
suitable  land  on  which  to  locate  his  proposed  colony.  The  two 
"prospectors"  made  the  entire  distance  from  Detroit  to  Putnam 
county  on  foot.  Bordering  on  the  banks  of  the  Blanchard  river, 
near  the  present  village  of  Glandorf,  they  found  excellent  timber 
land,  in  January,  1834,  and  determined  on  purchasing  enough  of 
it  from  the  United  States  Government,  to  assign  a  fair  share  of 
it  to  each  of  the  colonists,  for  whom  they  sent  at  once.  These 
and  their  families  arrived  soon  after,  from  Detroit.  The  names 
of  these  pioneers  were :  John  F.  Kahle,  A.  Iburg,  C.  Strop, 
J.  Wischmann,  F.  Bredeick,  M.  Bockrath  and  W.  Giilcher. 

Log  cabins  were  erected  by  the  colonists,  and  provided  with 
only  the  barest  necessities.  Father  Horstmann  also  had  a  log 
house  built,  which  served  for  some  time  as  his  residence  and 
chapel — the  first  Catholic  place  of  worship  in  Putnam  county. 
He  said  Mass  in  it  for  the  first  time  on  Easter  Sunday,  March  30, 
1834.  It  was  a  day  of  joy  for  him  and  the  little  colony,  to  have 
the  Holy  Sacrifice  offered  up  in  their  new  home,  founded  in  the 
wilds  of  Putnam  county.  Father  Horstmann  suggested  that  the 
settlement  be  named  Glandorf,  which  name  was  adopted  and  has 
since  been  retained.  What  hardships  awaited  the  good  priest 
and  his  little  colony  can  be  more  easily  imagined  than  described. 
The  scanty  provisions  they  had  brought  with  them  from  Detroit 
were  soon  exhausted;  corn  and  potatoes,  which  the  poorly  culti- 
vated though  excellent  soil  produced,  were  scarce,  and  there  was 
no  grist-mill  within  a  radius  of  many  miles.  To  meet  the  pressing 
need  of  grinding  their  corn  (wheat  they  had  none),  a  substitute 
for  a  mill  was  contrived  by  using  two  large  flat  stones  and  grind- 


436  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

ing  the  grist  between  them,  by  hand.  Farming  implements  and 
household  utensils  had  to  be  brought  all  the  way  from  Findlay, 
Piqua  or  Dayton.  In  order  to  reach  the  nearest  market,  70  miles 
distant,  trackless  forests,  inhabited  by  Indians  and  infested  with 
wolves  and  serpents,  had  to  be  traversed;  unbridged  streams  and 
treacherous  swamps  had  to  be  crossed — all  of  which  made  travel 
most  difficult,  and  even  dangerous  at  times. 

This  faint  outline  will  give  the  reader  some  idea  of  the  priva- 
tions those  pioneers  of  Catholicity  in  Putnam  county  had  to 
endure.  In  all  these  Father  Horstmann  shared  without  a  murmur ; 
he  assisted  and  guided  the  colonists  in  everything  that  tended  to 
better  their  condition,  thus  encouraging  them  to  bear  with  their 
privations.  With  good  stout  hearts  and  undaunted  courage  they 
braved  all  these,  and  finally  overcame  every  difficulty.  Trees 
were  felled ;  by  degrees  the  virgin  soil  was  brought  under  cultiva- 
tion, and  plentiful  crops  soon  rewarded  the  patient  toilers.  By 
the  year  1836  the  colony  had  considerably  increased,  a  number  of 
families  having  come  from  Germany  to  join  their  countrymen 
who  had  preceded  them.  This  necessitated  the  building  of  a 
church  that  would  accommodate  the  increased  Catholic  popula- 
tion, which  Father  Horstmann's  little  chapel — part  of  his  resi- 
dence— could  no  longer  do.  The  church,  a  log  structure,  22  by 
40  feet,  and  covered  with  split  weather  boards,  was  built  and 
dedicated  in  1837.  St.  John  the  Baptist  was  chosen  as  its  patron. 
The  Ottawa  Indians,  then  quite  numerous  in  that  section  of 
northwestern  Ohio,  and  on  friendly  terms  with  the  Catholic  pio- 
neers of  Glandorf,  gave  much  assistance  in  the  erection  of  the 
church.  It  was  of  the  plainest  type ;  its  interior,  pews,  and  altar 
were  in  keeping  with  its  exterior.  The  pulpit,  for  instance,  was 
a  section  of  a  hollow  sycamore,  with  a  piece  cut  out  for  an 
entrance.  As  soon  as  the  church  was  finished  a  log  school  was 
Ijuilt,  with  Father  Horstmann  as  its  first  teacher.*  After  some 
time  it  was  put  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher.  The  parish  school  has 
ever  since  been  in  existence  at  Glandorf.. 

In  1838  Father  Horstmann  built,  out  of  his  own  means,  a 
pastoral  residence,  36  by  38  feet  in  size,  to  replace  the  one  of  four 
years  previous.     He  also  built  at  his  own  expense  a  grist-mill  on 


*See  page  39,  this  volume. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  437 

the  west  bank  of  Cranberry  Creek,  and  thus  saved  the  colonists 
many  a  long  and  tedious  journey  to  have  their  wheat  and  corn 
ground  elsew'here,  as  they  had  to  do  in  the  past. 

Exposure  to  inclement  weather,  as  well  as  hardships  and 
privations,  began  to  undermine  the  none  too  robust  health  of 
Father  Horstmann.  who  was  56  years  old  when  he  left  his  native 
country.  He  therefore  asked  Bishop  Purcell  for  an  assistant  in 
the  person  of  the  Rev,  George  Bohne,  whom  he  had  known  for 
some  years,  and  w^ho,  although  an  epileptic,  readily  consented  to 
share  Father  Horstmann's  pastoral  labors.  He  was  sent  to 
Glandorf  by  the  Bishop,  in  1841.  Two  years  later — February 
21,  1843 — Father  Horstmann  was  called  to  his  eternal  and  well 
merited  reward.  His  name  is  held  in  veneration  to  this  day  by 
the  people  of  Glandorf,  who  erected  a  beautiful  and  costly  monu- 
ment to  his  memory.  It  was  placed  over  his  remains,  in  the 
parish  cemetery,  in  August,  1883. 

y\t  the  time  of  Father  Horstmann's  death  the  parish  had  out- 
grown its  little  church.  Father  Bohne,  pastor  of  Glandorf  since 
Father  Horstmann's  death,  therefore  concluded  to  build  a  brick 
church,  50  by  90  feet.  In  this  he  was  seconded  by  the  entire 
parish.  Every  member  had  his  appointed  days  when  he  was 
expected  to  work  on  the  building  without  pay.  Some  con- 
tributed building  material,  and  others  furnished  teams  to  haul  it ; 
all  the  stone  was  quarried  and  the  brick  made  and  timber  hewn  for 
the  church — all  "without  money  and  without  price."  The  corner- 
stone was  blessed  in  1846 ;  there  is  no  record  of  the  date.  The 
church  was  dedicated  on  the  first  Sunday  in  Advent,  1848,  and 
placed  under  the  patronage  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  by  the  Rev.  A. 
Kunkler,  C.  PP.  S.,  whom  Bishop  Rappe  had  delegated  to  perform 
the  ceremony.  It  was  a  day  of  supreme  joy  for  the  brave  pioneers 
when,  after  toiling  for  fourteen  long  years  amid  untold  difBculties, 
they  at  last  found  themselves  "out  of  the  woods"  and  in  possession 
of  a  church  which  at  that  time  was  justly  considered  to  be  without 
an  equal  in  northwestern  Ohio. 

Father  Bohne  became  subject  to  frequent  attacks  of  epilepsy, 
which  unfitted  him  for  the  proper  attendance  of  his  growing 
parish.  He  therefore  resigned  it  in  August,  1848,  a  few  months 
before  the  dedication  of  the  church  he  had  built  but  not  quite 


438  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

iinished,  and  was  transferred  to  Fort  Jennings.  St.  John's,  Glan- 
dorf,  was  then  put  in  charge  of  the  Sangtiinist  Fathers,  who 
estabHshed  a  convent  at  the  same  place  in  the  fall  of  1848.  Since 
that  time  they  have  attended  the  parish  faithfully  and  with  signal 
success.  Following  is  a  list  of  the  Sanguinist  Fathers  who  have 
had  pastoral  charge  of  Glandorf:  The  Revs.  A.  Kunkler,  A. 
Herbstritt,  M.  A.  Meyer,  between  1848  and  1850;  M.  Homburger, 
1850-53;  A.  Schelbert,  1853-58;  M.  A.  Kramer,  1858-61;  A. 
Reichert,  May,  1861— April,  1874;  B.  Dickmann,  April,  1874— 
May,  1881;  M.  Kenk,  May— October,  1881;  F.  Nigsch,  October, 
1881 — February,  1897;  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  T. 
Wittmer,  since  February,  1897.  Many  Sanguinist  Fathers  also 
filled  the  position  of  curate,  but  generally  for  only  a  short  period. 
Two  of  them,  however,  served  longer  than  ordinarily,  viz.,  the 
Revs.  J.  Marte,  from  April,  1873,  until  July,  1877,  and  F.  Buchel, 
from  June,  1885,  until  March,  1899. 

The  interior  of  the  church,  built  during  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Bohne,  w^as  finished  under  the  direction  of  the  Sanguinist 
Fathers,  and  was  provided  with  all  the  needed  outfit  in  the  way 
of  altars,  pews,  etc.  A  fine  organ  was  bought  in  1868,  and  is  still 
in  use.     The  present  brick  pastoral  residence  was  built  in  1862. 

Although  in  the  course  of  time  St.  John's,  Glandorf,  was 
dismembered  three  times  by  the  formation  of  new  parishes,  viz., 
those  of  Ottawa,  New  Cleveland  and  Kalida — all  of  which  are  in 
a  flourishing  condition,  yet  the  steady  growth  of  the  parent  parish 
continued  to  such  a  degree  that  the  church  built  in  1848  was 
becoming  uncomfortably  small.  When  Father  Dickmann  took 
pastoral  charge  of  Glandorf,  in  1874,  he  at  once  realized  the  press- 
ing necessity  of  building  a  much  larger  church  in  order  to  provide 
sufficient  pews  for  his  people,  as  many  of  them  were  obliged  to 
stand  during  divine  service.  After  much  talk,  and  in  spite  of 
difficulties,  which  seem  to  be  usually  connected  with  church  build- 
ing, he  went  to  work  with  energy  and  prudence,  which  overcame 
all  obstacles  put  in  his  way.  Plans  were  drawn  by  a  competent 
architect  and  approved  in  the  fall  of  1874,  by  the  administrator  of 
the  diocese,  the  Very  Rev.  F.  M.  Bofif.  Bishop  Gilmour  was  ill 
and  in  Europe  at  the  time.  Father  Dickmann  raised  a  subscrip- 
tion of  $25,000  during  the  summer  and  fall  of  the  same  year.     In 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  439 

1875  the  foundation  was  l)uilt,  and  on  June  24,  1876 — feast  of  St. 
John  the  Baptist — the  cornerstone  was  blessed  and  laid  bv  the 
Rev.  A.  Kunkler,  C.  PP.  S.  By  December,  1870,  the  church  was 
enclosed.  In  1877  the  tower  was  finished;  the  graceful  and  tall 
spire  had  to  be  rebuilt,  as  the  first  was  struck  and  ruined  by  light- 
ning in  the  summer  of  1877.  Early  in  1878  work  on  the  interior 
of  the  church  was  commenced.  It  was  finished  by  December  of 
the  same  year,  and  included  plastering,  frescoing,  stained  glass 
windows,  furnishings,  etc.,  all  of  the  best  workmanship  and  of 
artistic  design.  The  richly  carved  oak  pulpit,  which  cost  $1,400, 
is  the  same  that  was  on  exhibition  at  the  World's  Fair,  in  Phila- 
delphia, and  is  even  now  not  equaled  by  any  pulpit  in  the  diocese 
for  beauty  of  design  and  finish.  What  a  contrast  between  the 
magnificent  pulpit  of  the  present  (and  fourth)  church  and  the 
hollow  sycamore  that  served  as  such  in  Glandorf's  second  church ! 

The  splendid  temple  was  dedicated  to  Almighty  God  on 
December  15,  1878,  Bishop  Gilmour  performing  the  ceremony. 
The  harmony,  good  will  and  generous  donations  of  monev  and 
labor  of  the  early  settlers  of  Glandorf,  when  building  their  church 
in  1848,  were  not  forgotten  by  their  descendants  in  building  the 
present  church.  Following  their  example,  they  reduced  its  cost 
by  at  least  $10,000,  which  was  still  further  lessened,  owing  to  the 
fact  that  during  the  time  the  church  was  being  erected,  building 
materials  and  labor  were  considerably  below  normal  price. 
Hence,  at  a  conservative  estimate,  based  on  present  values,  the 
church  could  not  have  been  built  for  less  than  $100,000.  On 
dedication  day  the  debt  was  only  $22,000 — long  since  paid.  To 
Father  Dickmann  praise  is  most  deservedly  due  for  bringing  to 
successful  completion  so  grand  a  church  that  is  a  monument  to 
religion,  to  his  people  and  to  himself. 

Following  is  a  brief  description  of  the  church :  It  is  of  pure 
Gothic  architecture,  and  cruciform.  It  is  built  of  clear  red  brick, 
generously  ornamented  w'ith  sandstone  trimmings.  It  is  175  feet 
long;  70  feet  wide;  width  at  transept,  8G  feet.  The  exterior  with 
its  graceful  spire,  225  feet  feet  high,  is  imposing  in  its  perfect 
symmetry.  The  interior  is  fully  as  imposing,  and  unconsciously 
forces  feelings  of  reverence  and  awe.  The  frescoing  was  done  by 
a  master  hand;  the  graceful  pillars,  the  groined  ceiling,  the  rich 


440  A    HISTORY    OF    CAT  HO  1.1  CITY 

emblems  and  numerous  figures  that  adorn  tlic  na\e  and  sanctu- 
ary— all  betoken  art  paying-  tribute  to  religion.  In  a  word,  the 
interior,  though  rich  in  ornamentation,  is  devotional,  as  becomes 
"the  house  of  prayer!"  Even  at  the  present  day  the  church  at 
Glandorf  ranks  with  the  finest  and  best  a])pointed,  if  not  with  the 
costliest,  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  which  is  known  throughout 
the  country  for  its  splendid  array  of  churches. 

In  1888  the  three  beautiful  altars  that  now  grace  the  sanctu- 
ary, and  the  pews  and  Stations  were  placed  in  position.  The  total 
cost  of  the  altars,  with  a  profusion  of  statuary,  was  $5,300 ;  the 
Stations  cost  $1,250.  and  the  pews,  $2,650.  Four  years  later  the 
church  was  provided  with  an  excellent  heating  apparatus. 

All  the  above  mentioned  improvements  were  made  and  paid 
for  during  the  long  and  successful  pastorate  of  Father  Nigsch. 

In  1897  Father  Wittmer  had  a  town  clock  and  four  sweet- 
toned  bells  placed  in  the  tower.  In  the  same  year  he  also  intro- 
duced an  acetelyne  gas  plant  for  lighting  the  church,  and  it  has 
proved  an  eminent  success. 

In  July,  1899.  eleven  acres  of  undulating  land,  bordering 
on  Cranberry  Creek,  near  the  village  of  Glandorf,  were  purchased 
for  the  purpose  of  a  parish  cemetery,  the  old  one  having  become 
filled  with  interments.  It  was  platted  in  harmony  with  the  idea 
governing  modern  cemeteries.  A  fine  array  of  trees  and  shrub- 
bery add  to  the  beauty  of  the  cemetery,  in  the  center  of  which,  on 
a  granite  base,  stands  a  life  size  crucifixion  group.  The  cemetery 
was  blessed  on  Sunday,  September  IG,  1900,  by  the  Rev.  Chancel- 
lor Houck,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate. 

Glandorf  has  also  an  excellent  school,  public  in  name,  but  a 
parochial  school  in  fact.  The  fine  brick  structure  was  built  by 
the  district  school  board,  and  the  teachers  are  paid  out  of  the  pub- 
lic funds.  As  all  the  taxpayers  in  the  school  district,  which  is 
coterminous  with  the  parish,  are  Catholics,  they  thus  but  get  back 
their  own.  In  1893  an  elegant  house  was  built  opposite  the 
church  for  the  use  of  the  organist  and  principal  of  the  school.  At 
present  four  lay  teachers  and  four  Sanguinist  Sisters  conduct  the 
school,  with  excellent  results. 

Father  Horstmann  not  only  gave  all  the  land  used  by  the 
church  (excepting  the  new  cemetery),  but  he  also  bequeathed  to 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  441 

his  parish  500  acres  of  land  which  he  had  bought  with  his  patri- 
mony in  1834.  The  bequest  was  made  for  the  purpose  of  aiding 
his  parishioners  when  the  time  would  come  for  them  to  build  a 
large  church,  as  he  felt  that  the  place  he  had  established  as  an 
exclusively  Catholic  German  colony,  was  bound  to  grow  to  large 
proportions.  He  seemed  to  have  a  prophetic  eye,  for  his  expecta- 
tions have  been  fully  realized.  The  land  was  sold  in  later  years, 
when  it  had  grown  valuable,  and  the  total  proceeds,  nearly  $7,000, 
were  applied  for  the  erection  of  the  present  church.  Therefore  it 
may  justly  be  called  a  part  and  continuation  of  his  great  work,  as 
founder  of  the  parish  of  Glandorf.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that 
it  had  been  dismembered  thrice,  it  still  numbers  nearly  250  fam- 
ilies, all  of  whom  are  embued  with  a  thoroughly  Catholic  spirit, 
which  has  been  the  record  of  Glandorf  since  its  foundation. 


GLENVILLE,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 
(SEE  CLEVELAND,  ST.  ALOYSIUS'  CHURCH,  PAGE  227.) 


GRAFTON,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 

ASSUMPTION  (POLISH)  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  stone  quarries  at  Grafton  give  employment  to  about  one 
hundred  Poles.  For  a  number  of  years  they  and  their  families 
had  been  attending  Mass  at  the  Immaculate  Conception  church  in 
the  same  village,  but  not  understanding  English,  or  at  least  only 
imperfectly,  they  felt  the  need  of  a  church  in  which  the  word  of 
God  would  be  preached  to  them  in  their  native  tongue.  They 
petitioned  Bishop  Horstmann  to  this  effect.  He  granted  their 
request  on  condition  that  they  raise  sufificient  funds  to  pur- 
chase the  necessary  ground  and  build  a  suitable  church  thereon. 
This  they  promptly  and  gladly  did.  An  acre  of  ground  was 
purchased  for  a  church  site,  fronting  on  Elm  street,  and  $300 
was  the  price  paid.  The  deed  was  given  October  27,  1892. 
Owing,  however,  to  lack  of  Pohsh  priests,  the  Bishop  was 
unable  to  provide  them  with  a  pastor  before  autumn,  1894.  At 
that  time  the  Rev.  S.  Wozny,  of  St.  Casimir's  church,  Cleveland, 
was  authorized  to  establish  a  Polish  congregation  at  Grafton  and 


442  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

lo  direct  the  building  of  a  church  for  its  use.  Plans  were  drawn 
for  a  neat  frame  edifice,  to  cost  about  $5,000.  As  soon  as  the  con- 
tract was  let  the  work  was  ra])idly  pushed  to  completion.  .Mean- 
while the  Poles  had  separate  service  in  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion church  every  alternate  Sunday,  Father  Wozny  coming  from 
Cleveland  for  that  purpose.  The  church  was  blessed  on  August 
25,  1895,  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  BofT,  V.  G.,  under  the  title  of  the 
Assumption  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.  In  January,  189G,  Father 
Wozny  was  succeeded  in  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  congregation 
by  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Horak,  wdio  was  also  appointed  resident  pastor 
of  the  Immaculate  Conception  church.  Grafton,  thus  giving  the 
Poles  divine  service  every  Sunday  and  Holyday.  To  the  great 
grief  of  the  two  congregations  Father  Horak  was  removed  to 
Cleveland  in  January,  1898.  The  Assumption  church  was  then 
given  as  a  Mission  to  the  Polish  pastors  at  Lorain,  viz.,  first  to  the 
Rev.  A.  L.  Swierczynski  from  January  to  June,  1898,  and  then  to 
the  Rev.  Charles  Ruszkowski,  who  is  still  in  charge  of  the  Mission, 
attending  it  every  Sunday.  This  involves  a  drive  across  the  coun- 
try of  twelve  miles — a  task  by  no  means  easy  when  roads  are 
bad  or  the  weather  inclement.  In  September,  1900,  Father 
Ruszkow'ski  established  the  parish  school,  with  an  attendance  of 
seventy-five  pupils,  taught  by  a  lay  teacher.  The  building  with  its 
desks,  etc.,  cost  nearly  $1,500.  The  parish  is  composed  of  about 
seventy  families. 


GRAFTON,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  CHURCH. 

Grafton  is  a  village  twenty-five  miles  southwest  of  Cleveland, 
and  in  its  early  history  was  known  by  the  name  of  Rawsonville. 
Most  of  the  villagers  depend  for  a  livelihood  on  the  stone  quarries. 
Because  of  these  a  number  of  Catholic  families  settled  at  Grafton 
in  the  early  sixties.  In  August,  1862,  the  Rev.  Thomas  J.  Halley 
was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Grafton,  whence  he  also 
attended  a  number  of  neighboring  Missions.  Among  them  was 
La  Porte,  where  a  small  frame  chapel  had  been  in  existence  for 
many  years.  Previous  to  the  advent  of  Father  Halley  the  Catholics 
at  Grafton  attended  Mass  at  La  Porte.     However,  as  they  now  far 


IN    THE    DIOCESE  OF    CLEVELAND.  443 

outnumbered  those  who  lived  in  or  near  that  place,  Father  Halley, 
with  Bishop  Rappe's  approval,  bought  (September  5,  1863),  four 
lots  in  Grafton,  fronting  on  Erie  street.     On  one  of  the  lots  there 
stood  a  frame  house  which  he  made  his  residence,  and  on  the  lot 
lying  farthest  south  he  had  the  La  Porte  chapel  moved — a  dis- 
tance of  two  miles.     At  that  time  the  congregation  at  Grafton 
numbered  about  thirty  families,  most  of  them  only  in  moderate 
circumstances.     Neither  Father  Halley  nor  his  people  were  satis- 
fied with  the  chapel;  it  was  too  small  and  quite  "weather  worn." 
He  therefore   determined   that  it   should   be   replaced  by  a  stone 
church,  as  that  material  was  within  easy  reach  and  would  cost  no 
more  than  brick.     The  matter  was  submitted  to  the  congregation ; 
they  consented  to  assume  the  burden    and    subscribed  liberally, 
considering  their  means — ready  cash,  promises  of  money  and  free 
labor,    amounted    to   about   $3,000.     Work   was   begun    on   the 
church  at  once,  but  it  had  not  proceeded  far  before  it  was  found 
that  the  means  in  sight  were  not  even  half  of  what  would  be 
required  to  complete  the  church.     Finding  it  impossible  to  raise 
more  money  at  home  Father  Halley,  with  the  consent  of  Bishop 
Rappe,  sought  aid  elsewhere.   He  visited  Cleveland,  Cincinnati, and 
even  New*  York  City,  but  the  response  to  his  appeals  for  assistance 
did  not  satisfy  the  demands  on  him  for  the  work  he  had  begun 
chiefly  on  hopes,  wdiich,  it  must  be  said,  were  not  soon  realized. 
Much  discouraged,  he  asked  for  his  removal  to  another  field  of 
labor.    The  Rev.  A.  R.  Sidley  was  appointed  his  successor  in  Jan- 
uary, 1868.     During  that  year  the  walls  and  tower  of  the  church 
were  built  to  the  square;  during  Father  Halley's  time  the  walls 
were  built  but  a  few  feet  above  the  water  table.  In  1869  the  church 
was  enclosed,  the  tower  brought  to  completion,  and  the  floor  laid. 
In  the  following  year  the  church  w^as  plastered,  by  November  the 
stained  glass  windows  were  placed  in  position,  and  in  December 
the  contract  for  the  pews  and  communion  railing  was  let.     At  this 
time,   December,    1870,   the   Rev.   John   Daudet   was   appointed 
Father  Sidley's  successor.     The  church  with  its  incomplete  outfit 
had  cost  about  $8,000  when  Father  Daudet  took  pastoral  charge  of 
Grafton,     By  degrees  he  reduced  the  debt,  which  was  finally  can- 
celled about  1890.     In  the  spring   of   1871   the   new  church  was 
ready  for  occupancy  and  dedicated  by  the  V.  Rev.  Administrator 


444  A    HISTORY    U1-"    CATHOLICITY 

Haniiin.  The  old  chapel  was  then  turned  into  a  school  and 
served  as  such  until  1881),  when  it  was  closed,  because  there  was 
not  a  sufficient  number  of  children  who  could  attend,  owing  to  the 
long  distance  to  be  traveled  by  many.  No  notable  improvements 
were  made  on  the  parish  j^roperty  during  Father  Daudet's  pastor- 
ate, as  he  felt  that  he  could  not  impose  any  further  burden  on  the 
generous  few  who  had  contributed  so  well,  many  even  beyond 
their  means,  towards  paying  for  the  church.  On  October  26, 
1884.  he  completed  his  fiftieth  year  in  the  priesthood — a  rare 
event  indeed,  and  the  first  that  occurred  in  the  diocese  of  Cleve- 
land. Father  Daudet  had  no  intention  of  celebrating  it,  but  was 
forced  to  do  so  on  the  following  day  by  a  large  number  of  clerical 
friends  who  had  come  from  Cleveland,  and  presented  him  with  a 
number  of  appropriate  and  costly  tokens  of  their  esteem  for  him. 

Father  Daudet  remained  in  charge  of  the  Immaculate  Con- 
ception parish  till  his  death,  February  10,  1892.  A  few  weeks 
later  the  Rev.  M.  J.  Clear  was  appointed  his  successor.  Two 
years  later  the  church  was  frescoed,  supplied  with  new  altars  and 
pews  and  otherwise  thoroughly  renovated.  The  tower  was 
also  finished  in  harmony  with  the  church.  The  cost  of  all  the 
improvements  amounted  to  about  $7,000. 

In  1895  the  Polish  members  separated  from  the  parish  and 
erected  a  church  of  their  own,  thus  leaving  to  the  other  members, 
about  one-half  of  the  original  parish,  the  obligation  of  meeting  the 
comparatively  large  debt.  This  they  did,  and  year  by  year  it  was 
diminished  until,  in  1900,  it  was  entirely  cancelled. 

The  Rev.  M.  J.  Clear  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Wenceslas  J. 
Horak  in  January,  1896,  with  charge  of  the  Assumption  (Polish) 
church,  at  Grafton,  as  a  Mission.  This  arrangement,  however, 
lasted  only  until  January,  1898,  when  the  Rev.  P.  C.  N.  Dwyer 
was  appointed  pastor  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  parish,  and 
that  of  the  Assumption  was  made  a  Mission  of  Lorain,  as  stated  in 
the  preceding  sketch. 

When  Father  Dwyer,  the  present  pastor,  took  charge  he 
found  that  the  parish  debt  amounted  to  about  $3,500.  He  made 
every  effort  towards  reducing  the  debt,  which  was  finally  cancelled 
during  the  year  1900,  as  above  stated.  This  he  was  enabled  to  do 
only    by    extraordinary    efforts,    as    the    parish    was    reduced    by 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  445 

degrees  from  fifty  paying  families  in  1898,  to  thirty-six  in  1900. 
This  is  indeed  a  most  creditable  showing  for  the  parish  as  well  as 
for  its  pastor.  At  present  the  total  number  of  families  does  not 
amount  to  more  than  about  sixty,  and  all  are  in  full  accord  with 
their  pastor  in  his  efforts  to  raise  and  maintain  a  high  spiritual  tone 
in  the  parish. 


GREENSPRING,  SANDUSKY  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
Greenspring  is  situated  partly  in  Seneca,  and  partly  in  San- 
dusky county.  It  is  noted  for  its  Sanitarium  and  Water  Cure, 
located  near  the  mineral  spring,  from  which  the  pretty  village  has 
its  name.  As  far  back  as  1841  a  few  Catholics  had  settled  there, 
for  in  that  year  they  were  visited  by  the  Redemptorist  Father, 
F.  X.  Tschenhens,  then  stationed  at  Peru,  Huron  county.  There 
is  no  record  of  any  other  priest  having  visited  Greenspring  until 
1854.  In  that  year  the  Rev.  Michael  O'Sullivan,  pastor  of  St. 
Mary's,  Tiffin,  said  Mass  there  in  the  house  of  Thomas  Kinney. 
This  he  continued  to  do  at  long  and  irregular  intervals,  on  week 
days,  until  1859,  when  for  two  years  Greenspring  was  attended 
from  St.  Joseph's,  Fremont.  In  April,  1861,  it  was  attached  to 
Bellevue  as  a  Station,  and  so  remained  until  July,  1872.  Since 
that  time  Greenspring  has  been  attended  from  Clyde.  Three  lots, 
at  the  corner  of  Morgan  and  Kansas  streets,  in  that  part  of  the  vil- 
lage of  Greenspring  located  within  Sandusky  county,  were  bought 
for  $475,  by  the  Rev.  E.  Mears,  pastor  of  Bellevue ;  the  deed  was 
given  on  June  28,  1872.  Father  Mears  had  also  raised  a  sub- 
scription of  $1,600  for  the  lots  and  a  church.  When  the  Rev.  J.  D. 
Bowles,  pastor  of  Clyde,  took  charge  of  Greenspring,  in  July, 
1872,  he  at  once  began  the  erection  of  the  present  church,  a  frame 
structure,  25  x  50  feet.  A  considerable  portion  of  the  subscrip- 
tion above  mentioned  was  not  paid  when  due,  hence  there 
remained  on  the  little  Mission  (at  that  time  numbering  twenty  fam- 
ilies) a  debt  of  about  $800.  It  was  not  cancelled  until  1886 — and 
then  only  by  means  of  collections  raised  in  response  to  appeals 
made  between  1878  and  1886  (especially  by  the  Rev.  A.  E.  Man- 
ning, in  1885)  to  the  two  congregations  at  Fremont  and  Defiance ; 
also  to  St.  Mary's,  Tiffin ;  St.  Mary's,  Norwalk,  and  Crestline.     In 


446  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

May,  1.SS8,  Father  Manning-  replaced  the  temporary  altar — a  very 
primitive  affair — by  the  present  neat  oak  wood  Gothic  altar. 

Since  1892  the  Mission  of  Greenspring  has  been  steadily 
losing  membership,  as  the  village  could  not  oft'er  employment  for 
gaining  a  livelihood.  In  consequence  of  this  fact  no  Catholics 
have  settled  there  for  many  years  past  and  nearly  all  of  the  few 
that  were  there  have  sought  employment  and  homes  elsewhere. 
At  present  but  two  families  belong  to  the  Mission.  For  some 
years  they  have  had  Mass  only  on  week  days,  and  that  but  at  long 
intervals. 

HAMLER,  HENRY  COUNTY. 
ST.  PAUL'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
In  1866  Catholics  first  settled  at  Hamler  and  in  its  imme- 
diate vicinity,  and  were  identified  with  the  parish  at  New  Bavaria. 
When  the  church  at  New  Bavaria  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1886 
quite  a  number  of  the  Hamler  members  refused  to  contribute 
towards  rebuilding  the  church,  believing  the  time  had  come  when 
they  should  no  longer  be  obliged  to  go  to  New  Bavaria,  seven 
miles  distant,  but  should  have  a  church  in  the  village  of  Hamler. 
Their  petition  to  Bishop  Gilmour  to  this  effect  was  granted.  At 
once  a  subscription  was  raised  for  the  desired  church.  A  fine  site 
was  bought  in  August,  1886,  at  First  and  Cowan  streets.  The 
church,  a  plain  frame  structure,  36  x  60  feet,  and  costing  about 
$2,000,  was  completed  and  nearly  paid  for  by  December,  1886. 
Although  the  good  people  of  Hamler  felt  happy,  now  that  they 
had  their  own  pretty  church,  they  had  no  priest;  and  the  Bishop 
was  unable  to  send  them  one  until  December,  1888, -when  the  resi- 
dent pastor  of  Holgate  was  given  charge  of  Hamler  as  a  monthly 
Mission.  This  arrangement  continued  until  January,  1893,  when 
Hamler  was  made  a  Mission  of  North  Baltimore,  and  it  has 
remained  so  since.  In  September,  1894,  the  Rev.  I.  J.  Wonderly 
purchased  one  and  one-half  acres  for  a  cemetery.  It  was  blessed 
by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boft',  V.  G.,  on  September  11,  1898.  In  1898  the 
church  was  repainted  and  in  the  following  year  a  neat  altar  was 
provided.  A  subscription  was  raised  during  1900  for  the  erection 
of  a  $2,000  residence  for  their  prospective  pastor;  it  will  be  built 
in  1901.  The  Mission  is  steadily  increasing  and  now  numbers 
about  fiftv  famlies,  nearlv  all  Germans. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  447 


HARRISBURG,  STARK  COUNTY. 

SACRED  HEART  OF  MARY  CHURCH. 

A  number  of  Catholic  French  families  settled  in  and  near  the 
village  of  Harrisburg  about  1833.  They  were  attended  from  St. 
John's,  Canton,  until  1838 ;  then  from  Louisville,  until  1848 ;  next 
from  St.  Vincent's,  Akron,  until  1850,  and  from  Randolph,  until 
1851.  A  plot  of  land,  comprising  one  and  one-half  acres,  was 
bought  by  the  Rev.  C.  Mouret,  in  July,  1848,  and  a  small  brick 
church  (30  x  40  feet)  built  on  it  about  that  time.  It  served  its  pur- 
pose until  replaced  by  the  present  brick  church  (40  x  70  feet).  It 
was  built  in  1876,  by  the  Rev.  L.  Hoffer,  of  Louisville,  at  that  time 
in  temporary  charge  of  the  Mission.  The  second  church  cost  about 
$3,000,  and  was  paid  for  when  completed.  A  parish  school  was 
organized  in  1862,  but  had  a  fitful  existence.  At  first  it  was 
taught  by  lay  teachers,  and  then  for  a  number  of  years  by  the 
Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary.    The  school  was  closed  in  1899. 

The  first  pastoral  residence  was  a  log  house.  It  was  bought 
by  Father  Mouret,  who  had  it  moved  near  the  first  church,  where 
a  frame  addition  was  built  to  it.  When  the  present  church  was 
erected  the  pastoral  residence  was  removed  near  the  school  and 
fitted  up  as  a  residence  for  the  teachers.  The  present  (second) 
pastoral  residence,  bought  about  1870,  also  originally  a  log  house, 
Father  Senner  had  weather-boarded  and  neatly  fitted  up.  Dur- 
ing the  pastorate  of  Father  Sauvadet  the  present  fine  bell  was 
bought  at  a  cost  of  $450.  In  1891,  during  the  second  pastorate 
of  Father  Kunnert,  the  church  was  thoroughly  remodeled  and 
supplied  with  new  pews  and  a  hot  air  furnace. 

At  present  the  parish  has  a  membership  of  about  fifty  famil- 
ies, most  of  them  belonging  to  the  farming  class. 

Since  1851  the  following  priests  have  had  pastoral  charge  of 
Harrisburg:  The  Revs.  P.  Weber,  1851-54;  L.  F.  D'Arcy,  1854- 
55;  L.  Grevin,  1855-58;  J.  A.  Frere,  1858-60;  (attended  as  a  Mis- 
sion, from  Alliance  and  Louisville,  in  1861) ;  J.  A.  Heimo,  April, 
1861,  to  March,  1863 ;  (attended  from  Louisville,  March,  1863,  to 
February,  1864);  J.  E.  Martin,  March,  1864,  to  May,  1865;  F. 
Moitrier,  1865-66 :  J.  Rouchy,  May,  1866,  to  February,  1871 ;  J. 


448  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

B .  Biierkel,  1871-78;  F.  Senner.  September,  1878,  to  March. 
1884;  A.  Saiivadet,  March,  1884,  to  January,  1886;  J.  P.  Knnnert. 
August,  1886,  to  December,  1888;  J.  Hetet,  December,  1888,  to 
January,  18D0;  T.  F.  McGuire,  February  to  April.  1890;  J.  P. 
Kunnert  (a  second  time)  April,  1890,  to  September,  1899;  T.  M. 
Kolb,  September  to  December,  1899 ;  M.  Philippart,  December. 
1899,  to  June  1900;  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Charles  H. 
Gardner,  since  June.  1900. 


HICKSVILLE,  DEFIANCE  COUNTY. 

ST.  MICHAEL'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe  was  the  first  priest  to  attend  the 
few  Catholic  families  at  Hicksville.  He  visited  them  twice  from 
Toledo,  during  the  year  1846,  saying  Mass  and  administering  the 
sacraments,  in  the  house  of  Patrick  Smith.  Hicksville  was  a  Sta- 
tion for  many  years — until  1880.  From  1846  to  1851,  it  was 
attended  from  St.  Francis',  Toledo ;  from  St.  John's,  Defiance. 
1851-67;  from  Antwerp.  1867-88,  and  since  August,  1888,  from 
Delaware  Bend. 

On  December  13,  1879,  the  Rev.  Frederick  Rupert,  at  the 
time  resident  pastor  of  Antwerp,  was  given  a  fine  lot  in  the  village 
of  Hicksville.  It  extends  from  Edgerton  street  to  Dixon  avenue, 
and  was  donated  by  Mr.  A.  R.  Edgerton,  a  Protestant.  Under 
Father  Rupert's  direction  the  present  very  neat  frame  church^ 
80  X  50  feet,  was  built  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,800.  As  he  had  but  a 
very  few  families  on  whose  assistance  he  could  rely  it  was  no  easy 
task  for  him  to  erect  the  church  and  pay  for  it.  But  he  succeeded 
in  doing  so,  in  the  face  of  many  difficulties,  the  principal  of  which 
was  lack  of  means.  Among  the  benefactors  of  the  Mission  is  Mrs. 
Hicks-Lord,  of  New  York  city.  She  donated  $500  to  the  church. 
Mass  was  said  in  it  for  the  first  time  on  May  27,  1880  (Feast  of 
Corpus  Christi) ;  Father  Rupert  was  the  celebrant. 

In  August,  1888,  Hicksville  was  made  a  Mission  of  Delaware 
Bend,  as  above  stated,  and  has  thus  remained.  Since  that  time 
the  Rev.  L.  Heiland  had  charge  of  the  Mission  until  July,  1900. 
and   attended   it   monthly,   as   did   his   predecessors.     During  his 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  449 

pastorate  a  number  of  improvements  and  repairs  were  made  in 
and  about  the  church.  He  also  bought  an  organ,  a  set  of  Sta- 
tions and  other  needed  church  furnishings,  all  of  which  have  made 
its  interior  quite  attractive.  The  Mission  has  but  thirteen  fam- 
lies,  according  to  the  last  diocesan  census  report  published  in  1900. 


HOLGATE,  HENRY  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

Prior  to  the  organization,  in  1886,  of  St.  Mary's  congrega- 
tion at  Holgate,  a  thrifty  town  located  at  the  crossing  of  the  Balti- 
more &  Ohio  and  the  Toledo  &  Kansas  City  railroads,  the  Cath- 
olic families  living  there  and  in  the  immediate  vicinity  belonged  to 
the  Sacred  Heart  church,  at  New  Bavaria,  four  miles  distant.  For 
several  years  they  had  petitioned  for  a  resident  pastor,  or  at  least 
to  have  a  church  of  their  own,  as  they  found  it  too  inconvenient 
to  attend  Mass  at  New  Bavaria. 

In  1886  Bishop  Gilmour  directed  the  Rev.  John  A.  Michen- 
felder,  then  pastor  of  New  Bavaria,  to  secure  a  suitable  site  at  Hol- 
gate for  a  church.  This  was  done  on  August  10  of  the  same  year, 
when  by  deed  three  lots,  with  a  frontage  of  198  feet  on  Keyser 
street,  were  secured.  Two  of  the  lots  were  donated  and  for  the 
other  the  sum  of  $100  was  paid.  Immediately  after  the  purchase 
of  said  lots  Father  Michenfelder  arranged  for  the  erection  of  a 
frame  church.  Two  months  later  it  was  ready  for  dedication. 
The  ceremony  was  performed  by  Monsignor  F.  M.  Bof¥,  V.  G., 
on  Sunday.  October  31,  1886.  The  church  is  33  feet  wide  and  67 
feet  long.  The  ceiling  has  a  triple  arch,  the  center  being  32  feet 
in  height.  The  handsome  interior,  tastily  frescoed,  is  furnished 
with  neat  pews  and  a  high  altar,  the  latter  a  gift  from  St.  John's 
parish.  Defiance.  The  windows  are  of  stained  glass  and  the  entire 
structure,  one  of  the  prettiest  in  the  town,  presents  a  very  attrac- 
tive appearance.  Exclusive  of  a  1,300  pound  bell,  the  church  cost 
$1,700. 

Holgate  was  attended  from  New  Bavaria  as  a  Mission  until 
January,  1889,  when  the  Rev.  Francis  T.  Moran  was  appointed 
first  resident  pastor.  He  remained  but  two  months  when  Bishop 
Gilmour  directed  him  to  take  temporary  charge  of  the  Immaculate 


450  A    KIISTORV    OI-    CATHOLICITY 

Conception  parish  at  Toledo.  Ilolgate  was  again  attended  from 
New  Bavaria  until  the  following  June,  when  the  Rev.  \V.  A.  Pan- 
uska  succeeded  Father  Moran  as  resident  pastor.  He  remained 
in  charge  until  March.  1892.  In  January,  ISDl.  a  lot  adjoining 
the  church  ])ro])ert y.  and  having  on  it  a  small  hut  neat  frame  house, 
was  ])ought  for  $1,450.  The  house  has  served  since  as  the  pas- 
toral residence. 

The  Rev.  John  Gastager  succeeded  Father  Panuska  in  March. 
]892,  but  ill  health  forced  him  to  resign  in  September  of  the  same 
year.  He  died  most  edifyingly  at  St.  Joseph's  Hosi)ital.  Lorain, 
on  December  4,  1802.  Since  September,  1892,  the  following 
priests  have  had  pastoral  charge  of  Holgate :  The  Revs.  George 
F.  Murphy,  D.  D.,  September-November,  1892  ;  Thomas  M.  Kolb. 
November,  1892.  to  January,  1895  ;  and  the  present  pastor,  the 
Rev.  John  A.  Tennissen,  since  January,  1895. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Kolb  an  acre  of  land  was  pur- 
chased (January,  1893),  for  a  cemetery.  He  also  made  a  number 
of  needed  improvements  on  the  church  property,  which  is  in 
excellent  condition  and  free  from  debt.  The  congregation  has  a 
membership  of  about  thirty-five  families.  It  has  not  been  found 
practicable  thus  far  to  establish  a  parochial  school. 


HONEY  CREEK.  CRAWFORD  COUNTY. 

MATER  DOLOROSA  MISSION  CHURCH. 

In  1879  about  thirty-five  families,  belonging  to  St.  Bernard's 
parish.  New  Washington,  but  living  in  and  near  the  settlement  of 
Honey  Creek,  formed  an  independent  parish.  In  October,  1879, 
they  bought  two  and  one-half  acres  of  land  and  on  it  built  a  frame 
church,  at  a  cost  of  about  $2,000,  and  a  small  frame  pastoral  resi- 
dence. The  title  to  the  property  was  vested  in  self-constituted 
"trustees."  All  this  was  done  without  the  consent  of  Bishop  Gil- 
mour,  and  under  the  plea  that  they  lived  too  far  from  New  Wash- 
ington. The  real  reason,  however,  for  their  unlawful  action  was 
their  refusal  to  obey  the  laws  of  the  diocese,  and  the  dislike  they 
had  for  their  pastor.  In  consequence  of  this.  Bishop  Gilmour 
ignored  them  and  their  church,  and  refused  to  give  them  a  pastor, 
until  thev  would  first  submit  to  lawfullv  constituted  authoritv,  and 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  451 

promise  to  obey  the  laws  of  the  diocese  governinp^  church  organ- 
ization and  the  holding  of  property.  This  they  finally  did  in  the 
summer  of  1880.  In  September  of  that  year  the  Rev.  A.  Dam- 
bach  was  appointed  their  pastor.  He  found  an  unfinished  church, 
which  was  soon  fitted  up  for  divine  service.  Owing  to  a  lack  of 
priests  the  Bishop  was  obliged  to  withdraw  Father  Dambach  in 
June,  1881,  and  send  him  to  a  larger  parish  which  had  no  pastor. 
Honey  Creek  was  then  made  a  Mission  of  New  Washington, 
whence  it  has  been  since  attended  every  Sunday  and  Holyday- 
Two  side  altars  and  a  set  of  Stations  were  secured  in  1887,  thus 
making  the  interior  outfit  of  the  church  complete.  Bishop  Gil- 
mour  dedicated  the  church  on  June  4,  1888,  and  in  the  fall  of  the 
same  year  Mgr.  F.  M.  Bot¥,  V.  G.,  blessed  the  cemetery,  which  is 
located  in  the  rear  of  the  church.  In  1890  the  church  was  painted 
and  frescoed  and  in  1899  it  was  supplied  with  stained  glass  win- 
dows. 

In  1883  a  parish  school  w^as  organized  and  has  since  then  been 
taught  by  a  lay  teacher.  The  Mission  has  about  forty-five  fam- 
ilies, all  Germans,  and  of  the  farming  class. 


HUBBARD,  TRUMBULL  COUNTY. 
ST.  PATRICK'S  CHURCH. 

Hubbard  is  a  small  town  seven  miles  southeast  of  Youngs- 
town,  in  the  coal  mining  district  of  Trumbull  county.  Catholics 
first  settled  there  in  1863  when  the  Mahoning  Valley  railway  was 
built  through  Hubbard  to  the  coal  mines  near  by,  wdiich  were 
opened  during  the  following  year.  In  these  mines  also  a  consid- 
erable number  of  Catholics  found  employment.  The  Rev.  E.  M. 
O'Callaghan.  pastor  of  St.  Columba's,  Youngstown,  attended 
Hubbard  as  a  Station  from  1864  to  1867,  and  during  this  time  said 
Mass  in  the  house  of  Mr.  M.  Pigott.  In  January.  1866,  he  bought 
the  present  church  lot,  which  fronts  on  North  Main  street.  After 
considerable  exertion  Father  O'Callaghan  succeeded  in  collecting 
funds  with  which  to  pay  for  the  lot  and,  in  1867,  he  built  a  small 
frame  church,  30  x  50  feet.  In  1868  Hubbard  was  assigned  to 
Warren  as  a  Mission  and  as  such  attended  by  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Con- 
way, for  about  one  year.     The  Rev.  Peter  Becker,  pastor  of  St. 


452  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Joseph's,  Youngstown,  was  given  charge  of  the  Mission  in  March, 
1869.  He  had  the  church  plastered  and  provided  with  pews.  In 
July,  1870,  the  Rev.  John  T.  Schaffcld  was  appointed  first  resident 
pastor  of  Hubbard.  He  remained  until  May,  1880.  Following  is 
a  list  of  his  successors:  The  Revs.  J.  Klute,  to  August,  1883;  N. 
Pfeil,  to  February,  1884;  F.  M.  Scullin,  to  May,  1889;  J.  J.  Clarke, 
May,  to  July,  1889,  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  N.  J.  Drohan, 
since  July,  1889. 

With  the  exception  of  the  lot  on  which  the  original  church 
stood  and  the  private  right  of  way  to  the  cemetery,  all  of  the  fine 
property  of  the  parish  was  purchased  during  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Schafifeld.  The  church  property  covers  five  lots  on  North 
Main  street,  and  the  cemetery,  three  and  one-half  acres,  located 
on  the  outskirts  of  the  town.  The  present  pastoral  residence  was 
built  in  1871,  and  enlarged  in  1890.  In  order  to  accommodate 
the  increasing  membership  of  the  parish,  Father  Schaffeld  had  an 
addition  built  to  the  church  in  1873.  The  church  was  dedicated 
by  Bishop  Gilmour,  to  St.  Patrick,  on  July  13,  of  the  same  year. 
In  1887,  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Scullin,  the  church  was 
frescoed  and  all  the  parish  buildings  were  repainted  at  an  expense 
of  nearly  $800.  In  1898  the  church  was  re-roofed  with  slate,  and 
the  parish  buildings,  including  the  school  and  the  Sisters'  resi- 
dence, were  again  painted  and  tidied  up,  at  an  outlay  of  about 
$600. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  by  Father  Schaffeld,  in  1870, 
in  a  small  frame  building  (24  x  32)  which  he  had  erected  shortly 
after  his  arrival  in  Hubbard.  The  school  was  taught  by  a  lay 
teacher  until  1874;  it  was  then  put  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  the 
Humility  of  Mary.  They  remained  until  June,  1878,  when,  in 
September  of  the  same  year,  they  were  succeeded  by  lay  teachers. 
In  September,  1880,  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Klute,  the 
Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary  were  recalled.  In  1882  he  bought 
a  frame  house  and  had  it  moved  on  the  parish  lot  for  the  use  of 
the  Sisters,  as  their  residence.  They  continued  in  charge  of  the 
school  until  June,  1894,  when,  owing  to  lack  of  means,  and  de- 
creased attendance  of  children,  they  were  replaced  by  a  lay  teacher. 

The  parish  is  composed  almost  entirely  of  coal  miners,  faith- 
ful to  their  duties  as  Catholics,  and,  although  for  the  most  part 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  453 

poor,  they  are  generous  in  their  support  of  the  church.  Hub- 
bard, like  all  mining  towns,  had  much  to  suffer  from  the  effects 
of  the  financial  crisis  in  1873,  as  also  later  on  from  the  strikes  in 
ihe  coal  district.  As  a  result  the  only  rolling  mill  in  the  town  was 
closed,  which  forced  many  families  to  seek  homes  elsewhere. 
The  membership  of  the  parish  decreased  over  one-half  since  1876^ 
and  now  numbers  only  about  sixtv-five  families. 


HUDSON,  SUMMIT  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

The  first  Catholic  settlers  at  Hudson  were  the  laborers  em- 
ployed in  the  construction  of  the  Cleveland  &  Pittsburg  railroad, 
between  1847  and  1850.  Until  1854  there  were  but  five  Catholic 
families  in  the  village  of  Hudson.  It  was  attended  from  St.  Vin- 
cent's, Akron,  as  a  Station,  between  1850  and  1852.  In  August, 
1850,  the  Rev.  Jacob  Goodwin  bought  a  lot  at  the  corner  of  Rail- 
road and  Oviatt  streets,  but  could  not  raise  sufficient  means  to 
build  even  a  small  frame  church.  Divine  service  had  therefore  to 
be  held  in  private  houses  or  public  halls,  until  1860. 

The  Rev.  Francis  McGann  attended  Hudson  from  Akron, 
between  August,  1850,  and  1852.  It  was  then  attended  from 
Cleveland  by  the  Rev.  W.  O'Connor  (1852-53);  from  Akron,  by 
the  Rev.  F.  McGann  (1853-55);  and  again  from  Cleveland,  by  the 
Revs.  F.  Salaun  (1855-59);  and  E.  M.  O'Callaghan  (1859-61). 
In  1860  Father  O'Callaghan  built  the  present  frame  church  (30  x 
50  feet)  on  the  lot  bought  by  Father  Goodwin,  as  above  stated. 
The  spirit  of  prejudice  was  so  rampant  in  Hudson  when  a  site 
was  purchased  for  a  Catholic  church,  that  a  Mr.  Brewster,  who 
sold  the  lot  for  this  purpose,  was  threatened  with  a  coat  of  tar  and 
feathers.  Further  evidence  of  this  spirit  was  manifested  when  the 
little  church  was  erected;  for  the  cross  was  cut  oft'  and  removed 
therefrom  soon  after  the  church  was  completed.  To  this  day  is 
mentioned  the  incident,  and  the  bravery  of  a  Catholic  working  girl 
who  found  the  cross  and  carried  it  on  her  shoulder  to  the  church. 

Hudson  was  at  that  time  the  seat  of  the  Western  Reserve 
University,  and  therefore,  supposedly,  a  cultured  town.  How  far 
this  manifested  itself  the  incident  above  related  may  point  out. 


454  A    MISTOKV    f)F    C\TIIf)l.l^IT^■ 

In  July,  186],  the  Rev.  P.  H.  Brown  was  appointed  first  resi- 
dent pastor  of  Hudson.  He  lived  in  a  rented  house  during  his 
stay,  which  ended  in  tlic  summer  of  1S02.  He  w^as  then  trans- 
ferred to  Ravenna,  but  retained  Hudson  as  a  Mission  until  Novem- 
ber, 18()7.  wjien  the  Rev.  J.  liannan  was  sent  to  Hudson  as  resi- 
dent pastor,  and  remained  until  February,  I87('».  Since  that  time 
the  following-  priests  have  been  stationed  at  Hudson:  The  Revs. 
A.  Paganini,  187(i  to  1877;  P.  H.  O'Mara,  1877  to  1881;  P.  Barry, 
1881  to  1884;  J.  J.  Clarke,  1884  to  1885;  J.  J.  Farrell.  1885  to 
1889;  F.  B.  Doherty.  1S!)0  to  1801).  and  the  present  pastor,  the 
Rev.  D.  B.  Crotty,  since  August.  180i). 

The  year  1888  proved  an  important  one  for  the  little  parish, 
a  number  of  notable  changes  as  to  its  property  having  been  made 
during  that  time.  Father  Farrell  bought  a  fine  lot  at  the  corner 
of  East  Main  street  and  Streetsboro  road,  to  serve  as  a  site  for  the 
church  and  pastoral  residence,  the  old  location  having  proved  very 
undesirable ;  the  lot.  with  a  frame  residence  on  it,  cost  nearly  $900. 
The  property  was  in  poor  condition  and  so  the  work  of  improve- 
ment was  at  once  commenced.  The  residence  being  quite  large, 
a  portion  of  it  was  moved  to  one  corner  of  the  lot,  and  the  main 
part  of  it  was  remodeled  at  an  expense  of  about  $800,  to  make  it 
a  suitable  pastoral  residence.  The  total  cost  of  purchase  and  im- 
})rovements  on  the  property  amounted  to  about  $2,000,  and  was 
nearly  paid  for  within  one  year.  Part  of  the  expense  w^as  paid  out 
of  the  sale  of  the  old  parish  residence  lot ;  the  sale  was  effected  in 
May,  1888.  The  Missions  of  Cuyahoga  Falls  and  Peninsula  also 
gave  generous  assistance,  without  which  the  comparatively  large 
outlay  could  not  have  been  met. 

In  June,  1890,  the  church  was  moved  from  its  old  site  on 
Main  street  to  the  present  site,  near  the  pastoral  residence. 

In  1894  the  church  w^as  re-roofed,  replastered,  painted  within 
and  without,  fitted  up  wath  stained  glass  windows,  furnace.  Sta- 
tions of  the  Cross,  pews,  etc.,  all  at  a  cost  of  about  $900.  In  the 
same  year  the  old  church  lot  was  sold  and  the  proceeds  applied  on 
the  church  improvement. 

Three  acres  were  purchased  in  1881  for  a  parish  cemetery. 

There  is  no  parochial  school  at  Hudson,  as  the  parish  numbers 
onlv  twentv-five  families. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  455 


HURON,  ERIE  COUNTY. 
ST.  PETER'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

About  183G  Catholics  began  to  settle  at  Huron,  which  was 
then,  as  it  is  now,  a  port  on  Lake  Erie.  The  Rev.  P.  J.  ]Mache- 
beiif,  pastor  of  Holy  Angels'  Church,  Sandusky,  was  the  first 
priest  to  look  after  their  spiritual  wants.  Huron  was  attended 
from  Sandusky  as  a  Station  until  1875,  when  it  W'as  attached  to 
and  attended  from  Milan  for  three  years,  with  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Piitz 
in  charge;  he  did  much  to  revive  the  Faith  in  that  place.  In  May, 
1878,  it  was  assigned  to  Vermilion,  whence  it  has  been  attended 
ever  since.  During  all  this  long  period  Alass  was  said  in  private 
houses,  and  for  many  years  in  the  house  of  Daniel  Duffy. 

It  was  not  untTl  the  year  1889,  during  the  time  the  Rev.  M. 
S.  Smith  had  charge,  that  the  long  cherished  hope  of  the  Catho- 
lics of  Huron,  to  erect  a  church  of  their  own,  w^as  about  to  be 
realized.  It  was  then  that  Father  Smith  began  to  collect  funds  for 
that  purpose.  All  the  Catholics  of  the  town  and  the  non-Cath- 
olics, too,  with  few  exceptions,  contributed  very  generously. 
Thus  encouraged,  Father  Smith  had  plans  drawn  for  a  neat  frame 
church,  40  x  70  feet,  to  be  built  on  a  lot  fronting  on  Rensselaer 
street,  purchased  in  December,  1887,  for  $300.  The  building  was 
commenced  early  in  October,  1889,  but  shortly  after.  Father  Smith 
was  transferred  from  Vermilion  and  Huro^i.  From  October  to 
the  following  January  both  places  were  without  a  priest.  Mean- 
while, however,  the  building  committee,  composed  of  Peter  Reifer 
and  John  Banville,  continued  the  building  under  the  direction  of 
Bishop  Gilmour.  In  January,  1890,  the  Rev.  Ignatius  J.  Won- 
derly  was  appointed  pastor  of  Vermilion,  with  charge  of  Huron 
also.  He  pushed  the  church  to  rapid  completion,  so  that  the  Holy 
Sacrifice  was  offered  in  it  for  the  first  time  on  Pentecost  Sunday, 
A'lay  25,  1890.  Its  dedication  took  place  a  few  weeks  later — on 
Sunday,  June  15,  Bishop  Gilmour  performing  the  ceremony.  The 
church  cost  about  $3,000,  exclusive  of  altars,  pews,  etc.,  and  was 
fully  paid  for  within  one  year  after  its  dedication.  Father  Won- 
derly  purchased  two  additional  lots  for  $400;  they  adjoin  the 
church  site,  and  are  intended  for  the  future  pari.sh  school  and  pas- 


456  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

toral  residence.     The  two  bells  now  in  use  were  bought  in  1892 
and  blessed  by  Mgr.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on  August  8  of  the  same  year. 

The  Mission  of  Huron  is  attended  by  the  l\ev.  N.  W.  Horst, 
since  November,  1893.  It  comprises  about  sixty-five  families  and 
is  free  of  debt.  A  number  of  notable  improvements  have  been 
added  to  the  church  during  the  last  three  years,  including  a  fur- 
nace, frescoing,  etc.  The  church  property  is  in  excellent  condi- 
tion. 


INDEPENDENCE,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 

ST.  MICHAEL'S  CHURCH. 

In  1851  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Roupp,  then  stationed  at  the 
Cathedral,  was  commissioned  by  Bishop  Rappe  to  look  after  the 
spiritual  interests  of  the  few  Catholic  families  living  in  and  near 
Independence.  Under  his  direction  a  parcel  of  land  was  bought 
in  that  year  to  serve  as  a  church  site  and  cemetery.  A  small  stone 
church  was  built.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Lawrence  by  the  Rev. 
J.  H.  Luhr,  on  the  feast  of  Corpus  Christi,  1852.  The  Mission 
was  visited  by  Father  Roupp  until  June,  1853.  Between  that  year 
and  1869  it  was  attended  monthly  from  Cleveland,  by  the  follow- 
ing priests :  "^  Revs.  J.  J.  Kramer,  A.  Krasny,  J.  Kuhn,  C. 
Barbier;  frr  port,  by  the  Revs.  M.  Miiller  and  F.  C.  Lud- 

wig.  From  1870  until  1876  Independence  was  attended  by  the 
Francisran  Fathers,  of  St.  Joseph's  church,  Cleveland,  viz.,  the 
Rev.  Fathers  Dominic  Droessler,  Sebastian  Kleekam,  Rayner- 
ius  Dickneite,  Bonaventure  Faulhaber  and  Gregory  Boden ;  and 
by  the  Rev.  L.  Zumbiihl,  of  St.  Mary's  Seminary,  from  1876  until 
July,  1877.  The  Franciscans  then  again  took  charge  of  the 
Mission  and  attended  it  until  June,  1887,  viz.,  the  Rev.  Irenaus 
Bierbaum,  Fidelis  Karcher,  Eustace  Briiggemann,  Bonaventure 
Faulhaber,  Thomas  Schneider  and  Cyril  Augustinsky.  Owing 
then  to  a  lack  of  priests.  Independence  was  without  attendance 
until  January,  1888,  when  the  Rev.  Peter  D.  Scherer  was  ap- 
pointed the  first  resident  pastor.  In  June  of  the  same  year  he  was 
succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Hofifstetter,  who  returned  to  his 
native  Switzerland  in  August,  1890.  Independence  was  then 
again  made  a  Mission  and  as  such  attended  at  first  monthly  and 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  457 

then  weekly  by  the  Jesuit  Fathers,  of  St.  Mary's,  Cleveland,  viz., 
by  the  Revs.  V.  Scheppach  (1890-94);  E.  Steffen  (1894-97);  F. 
Breymann,  J.  B.  Neustich,  B.  Gmeiner,  M.  Schmitt  and  O. 
Hogenforst  (1897-1900).  The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Albert 
J.  Aiist,  has  been  in  charge  since  September,  1900. 

The  stone  church,  built  in  1852,  as  above  stated,  became  not 
only  too  small,  but  also  quite  dilapidated,  and,  in  fact,  unsafe.  It 
was  therefore  found  necessary,  in  1871,  to  replace  it  by  a  larger 
church.  The  Franciscan  Father  then  in  charge  of  the  Mission, 
the  Rev.  R.  Dickneite,  bought  another  lot,  which  is  located  in  the 
center  of  the  village.  The  deed  was  given  in  June,  1872.  A 
frame  residence  and  a  small  frame  school  house  were  on  the  lot. 
The  former  was  enlarged  and  remodeled  as  a  parish  house.  An- 
other addition  was  built  to  it  in  1889.  The  school  was  moved  to 
the  rear  end  of  the  lot,  and  has  since  been  so  used.  The  present 
very  neat  brick  church  was  built  between  1874  and  1875,  during 
the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Gregory  Boden,  O.  S.  F.,  at  a  cost  of 
about  $8,000.  It  was  the  great  generosity  of  a  few  parishioners 
that  made  the  erection  of  the  church,  at  that  cost,  a  possibility  for 
so  small  a  parish  as  it  was  then.  The  principal  contributors  were : 
Mrs.  J,  and  S.  Blessing,  F.  Bochold,  J.  and  C.  Miihling,  Joseph 
and  Jacob  El^nger,  Joseph  Urmetz  and  Joseph  ,ljlalter.  It  was 
dedicated  by  Bishop  Fitzgerald  on  Septemh  5  "1875,  Bishop 
Gilmour  being  then  ill,  and  absent  from  home.  ii.  old  church 
was  razed  to  the  ground  some  years  later.  In  June,  1887,  the 
present  cemetery  was  bought. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  in  1870,  and  has  always  been 
taught  by  lay  teachers. 

The  parish  now  numbers  about  fifty  families,  mostly  Ger- 
mans. 


JEFFERSON,  ASHTABULA  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S   CHURCH. 
Mass  was  offered  in  Jefferson  for  the  first  time  on  May  24, 
1858.     The  celebrant  was  Bishop  Young,  of  Erie,  Pa.,  and  the 
congregation  consisted  of  seven  persons,  nearly  the  whole  Cath- 
olic population  of  the  village  and  vicinity.     The  Bishop  was  the 


458  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

ouest  of  Tosliua  T\.  Giddinos,  of  abolition  fame,  and  a  Protestant, 
whom  he  knew  many  years  before  he  himself  became  a  Catholic. 
Another  Protestant  gentleman,  Mr.  Horace  Smally,  whose  daugh- 
ter, Mary,  had  recently  become  a  Catholic  while  visiting  friends  in 
Vermont,  and  at  whose  instance  the  Bishop  came  to  Jefferson, 
gave  a  room  in  his  house  for  the  offering  of  the  Holy  Sacrifice. 
Importuned  by  Miss  SmalK'.  the  Bishop  consented  to  lecture  in 
the  town  hall  during  his  short  stay  in  Jefferson,  and  w'ould  have 
been  roughly  handled,  were  it  not  for  the  interference  of  Mr.  Gid- 
dings.  He  consoled  the  few  Catholics,  however,  by  telling  them 
that  if  they  prayed  earnestly  and  daily  to  God  they  would  have  a 
church  in  ten  3'ears  from  that  time.  This  promise  was  literally 
fulfilled,  as  will  be  seen  later  on  in  this  sketch. 

Soon  after  that  event,  which  showed  the  intolerance  of  a  peo- 
ple who  afterwards  became  so  liberal,  the  place  w^as  occasionally 
attended  by  the  Rev.  Fathers  Coquerelle  and  Caron,  of  Paines- 
ville.  A  few  years  later  Father  Tracy,  at  that  time  (1803)  ap- 
pointed to  Ashtabula,  gave  the  place  more  frequent  attendance, 
until  1865.  when  Jefferson  was  made  a  Mission  of  South  Thomp- 
son, under  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  D.  O'Keefe.  The  following- 
year  the  Rev.  J.  Hannan  was  appointed  pastor  of  South  Thomp- 
son and  JeiTerson.  He  was  succeeded  in  1808  by  the  Rev.  T.  P. 
Thorpe,  who  had  charge  of  the  Mission  till  September,  1870. 
Mass  had  been  celebrated  in  the  Town  Hall,  twice  a  month  since 
1868,  a  proof  of  the  growing  liberality  on  the  part  of  the  Pro- 
testants at  Jefferson. 

When  the  village  of  Jefi'erson  was  laid  out.  certain  two-acre 
lots  were  set  aside  for  church  and  school  purposes.  One  remained 
unappropriated  and  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  villagers  the 
perpetual  use  of  the  lot  was  given  to  the  Catholics.  The  move 
was  not  a  wise  one,  as  the  sequel  showed,  but  it  was  then  received 
as  a  favor.  In  securing  the  use  of  this  lot,  Miss  Smally,  her  father, 
still  a  Protestant,  Martin  Jones  and  Francis  Stockel  w^ere  chiefly 
instrumental.  Father  Hannan  staked  out  the  limits  of  the  pro- 
posed church,  was  presented  with  a  few  thousand  feet  of  lumber 
by  owners  of  neighboring  sawmills,  but  left  without  beginning 
the  church.  After  a  few  months  his  successor,  Father  Thorpe, 
opened  a  subscription,  began  the  work  on  the  foundation,  and  on 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  459 

September  It],  18G8,  saw  the  Church  of  the  Assumption,  with  its 
handsome  stained  glass  windows,  altars  and  pews,  ready  for  dedica- 
tion— ten  years  after  Bishop  Young's  first  visit  to  JefYerson.  A 
debt  remained  on  the  church,  not  very  heavy,  save  for  the  poverty 
of  the  people,  but  both  they  and  the  pastor  were  light  of  heart  and 
full  of  hope. 

About  this  time,  or  very  soon  after,  an  incident  occurred  that 
deserves  to  be  recorded.  A  course  of  lectures  for  the  fall  and 
winter  months  was  inaugurated  in  the  Court  House  at  JefTerson. 
Father  Thorpe  was  invited  to  deliver  a  lecture  in  the  course.  He 
accepted  the  invitation,  giving  as  his  subject.  "The  Catholic 
Church,  as  Seen  by  Catholics."  This  deeply  stirred  up  the  anti- 
Catholic  rancor  which  had  been  gradually  waning  since  the  threat- 
ened attack  on  Bishop  Young  ten  years  before.  This  remnant  of 
bigotr}^,  headed  by  the  pastor  of  the  Congregationalists  and  one 
or  two  other  Protestant  ministers,  waited  on  the  County  Commis- 
sioners, to  protest  against  giving  the  Court  House  "for  the  preach- 
ing of  Romanism,"  and  were  rewarded  by  having  their  protest 
honored.  Ashamed  and  indignant  that  such  petty  bigotry  should 
prevail  in  an  enlightened  community,  the  Lecture  Committee, 
composed  of  the  most  prominent  men  in  the  village,  engaged  a 
better  and  larger  hall,  where  the  lecture  was  delivered  to  a  large 
and  almost  exclusively  Protestant  audience.  Two  weeks  later 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Olds,  the  Congregational  minister  above  mentioned, 
announced  through  the  local  papers,  that  he  would  lecture  in  his 
own  church  on  the  following  Sunday  on  the  subject,  "Roman 
Catholicism  as  Seen  by  a  Protestant."  Father  Thorpe  was  pres- 
ent at  the  lecture,  which  was  largely  attended.  At  its  conclusion 
he  asked  the  use  of  the  pulpit  to  reply  immediately  to  the  minis- 
ter. This  request  was  promptly  refused  by  Mr.  Olds  and  his  dea- 
cons, but  the  audience  made  an  outcry  in  favor  of  the  priest, 
demanding  that  he  be  heard.  A  compromise  was  made  to  the 
effect  that  he  should  get  the  use  of  the  pulpit  on  the  following  Sun- 
day. Father  Thorpe  came  at  the  appointed  time  and  found  the 
church  filled  with  a  distinctly  Protestant  audience,  who  showed 
him  their  favor  from  the  beginning.  Mr.  Olds  denied  having 
made  statements  charged  on  him  by  the  priest,  but  from  all  parts 
of  the  church  came  the  repeated  cry:     "You  did  say  it!"     The 


460  A   HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

Rev.  Mr.  Olds  soon  after  this  event  lost  his  congregation,  but  the 
Church  of  the  Assumption  was  burnt  to  the  ground  by  an  incendi- 
ary on  the  night  of  March  19,  1870.  Many  people  of  Jefferson 
collated  the  two  events.  Bigotry  and  intolerance,  stung  by  all 
the  happenings  of  the  previous  two  years,  could  not  bear  the  pres- 
ence of  the  beautiful  little  church,  and  so  applied  the  torch  of  the 
incendiary  and  reduced  it  to  a  heap  of  ashes.  Father  Thorpe 
arrived  from  South  Thompson  the  morning  after  the  fire. 
Undaunted  by  the  terrible  occurrence  of  the  day  before,  he  at  once 
determined  to  rebuild.  He  issued  an  appeal  to  the  people  of 
Jefferson  and  in  a  very  short  time  was  made  the  recipient  of  several 
hundred  dollars  from  non-Catholics  who  abhorred  the  dastardly 
work  of  the  incendiary.  Among  those  who  subscribed  $50  was 
the  Hon.  Senator  B.  F.  Wade,  one  of  the  anti-slavery  champions 
of  his  day.  An  appeal  was  also  made  to  the  few  Catholics  of  the 
Mission,  and  the  pastor  visited  several  places  in  the  diocese  for 
assistance.  In  a  few  short  months  sufficient  money  was  placed  in 
his  hands  to  purchase  another  two-acre  lot,  with  a  large  and  sub- 
stantial frame  residence,  in  the  center  of  the  town,  and  near  the 
Court  House.  The  lot  on  which  the  burnt  church  had  stood  was 
given  back  to  the  village  authorities;  nothing  had  been  paid  for 
it.  and  nothing  was  received  for  it.  The  new  lot  cost  over  $2,000, 
which  sum  was  paid  and  the  deed  transferred  to  the  Bishop  in  pro- 
per time.  The  debt  on  the  destroyed  church  was  also  paid  and  a 
clear  field  left  to  his  successor  by  Father  Thorpe,  who  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  pastorate  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  church, 
Cleveland,  in  September,  1870.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
Peter  Coady,  who  had  charge  of  the  Mission  until  1871,  when  he 
was  replaced,  after  a  few  months,  by  the  Rev.  James  Monahan. 
From  1873  until  1880  Jefferson  was  attended  from  Ashtabula  by 
the  Rev.  E.  J.  Conway,  who  began  in  the  spring  of  1876  the  pres- 
ent church,  which  is  also  a  frame  building,  then  and  still  large 
enough  for  the  few  Catholics  of  the  town,  whose  number  never 
exceeded  twenty-five  families.  The  church  was  dedicated  in 
August,  1876,  and  St.  Joseph  Calasanctius  was  chosen  its  patron 
saint.  In  July,  1880,  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Finucan  was  appointed  first 
resident  pastor  of  Jefferson.  He  remained  until  March,  1881, 
when   Jefferson   was   again   made   a   Mission   of  Ashtabula,   and 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  461 

attended  by  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Conway.  The  Rev.  G.  P.  Jennings  was 
appointed  pastor  of  Jefferson  in  July,  1884.  During  his  long 
pastorate  many  improvements  were  added  to  the  church  and  resi- 
dence, the  more  notable  being  those  added  to  the  church  in  1888. 
In  that  year  the  expenditures  amounted  to  about  $500.  with  the 
result  that  the  little  church  presented  a  very  neat  appearance. 
The  Rev.  W,  F.  Murphy  succeeded  Father  Jennings  at  Conneaut 
and  Jefferson  in  August,  1893.  He  retained  charge  of  the  latter 
place  until  October,  1894,  when  it  was  made  a  Mission  of  Ashta- 
bula Harbor,  and  thence  attended  by  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Smith  till  the 
following  January.  It  was  then  again  attached  to  South  Thomp- 
son as  a  Mission  till  May,  1895.  The  residence  of  the  pastor  of 
South  Thompson,  the  Rev.  John  Johnston,  was  then  transferred  to 
Jefferson,  and  has  remained  so  since.  Father  Johnston  added  a 
gallery  to  the  church  in  1896  and  made  some  repairs  in  and  about 
the  priest's  house,  and  tidied  up  the  church  lot,  now  covering  but 
one  acre,  the  other  acre  having  been  sold  by  Father  Jennings  in 
February,  1888. 

The  Catholics  of  Jefferson,  though  few  in  number  and  not 
"blessed  with  this  world's  goods,"  have  always  been  generous 
towards  the  church,  full  of  faith  and  devoted  to  their  pastors. 


JUNCTION,  PAULDING  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  Junc- 
tion— in  1846.  He  came  from  Toledo  about  four  times  during 
that  year  and  said  Mass  in  the  house  of  John  Mason.  There  is  no 
record  of  any  priest  having  visited  Junction  after  that  time  until 
1852,  when  it  was  attached  as  a  Station  to  St.  John's,  Defiance, 
whose  respective  pastors  attended  it  on  week  days  for  some  years. 
They  said  Mass  in  the  residence  of  'Squire  Mason,  a  Protestant; 
he  was  received  into  the  Church  two  weeks  before  he  died.  In 
April,  1857,  the  Rev.  F.  Westerholt,  then  pastor  at  Defiance,  was 
given,  by  the  same  generous  gentleman,  a  two-acre  lot  in  the  vil- 
lage of  Junction  for  a  prospective  chuFch,  and  two  acres  of  land, 
in  February  of  the  same  year,  for  a  cemeter}\  Father  Wester- 
holt's  successor,  the  Rev.  A.  I.  Hoeffel,  built  the  present  church — 


462  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

a  frame  structure,  30  x  40  feet :  it  cost  about  $1,100.  Junction 
was  attended  from  Defiance  until  October,  1871,  when  it  was  made 
a  Mission  of  Antwerp,  to  which  it  has  since  belono^ed.  The  Rev. 
A.  Hamelin  added  a  sanctuary  and  sacristy,  thus  enlarji^-ing-  the 
seating  capacity  of  the  little  church,  which  he  also  had  repainted. 


KALIDA,  PUTNAM  COUNTY. 

ST.  MICHAEL'S  CHURCH. 

Prior  to  1877  the  Catholics  at  Kalida  were  identified  with  St. 
John's  parish  at  Glandorf.  As  early  as  18(51  they  were  desirous 
of  having  their  own  church.  Tn  that  year,  at  their  request,  the 
Rev.  Joseph  J.  Goebbels,  pastor  of  Fort  Jennings,  made  the  pre- 
liminary arrangements  for  its  erection.  A  lot  was  secured  and  a 
frame  church  was  commenced  and  enclosed.  During  that  same 
year  (1861)  the  county  seat  of  Putnam  w-as  transferred  from  Kal- 
ida to  Ottawa.  In  consequence  of  this  the  business  interests  of 
Kalida  were  greatly  disturbed  and  the  few  Catholics  residing  there 
removed  to  other  places.  This  resulted  also  in  the  abandonment 
of  the  unfinished  church.  For  sixteen  years  nothing  was  or  could 
be  done  towards  erecting  another  church.  Slowly  Catholics 
again  settled  in  and  near  Kalida,  so  that  by  1877  they  numbered 
seventeen  families.  In  September,  187<),  they  bought  and  paid 
for  a  fine  lot,  to  be  used  eventually  as  a  church  site.  In  1877  they 
petitioned  the  Rev.  Michael  Miiller,  pastor  of  Ottoville,  to  aid 
them  in  erecting  the  much  desired  church,  for  which  they  also  ob- 
tained Bishop  Gilmour's  consent.  Father  Miiller  took  up  a  sub- 
scription to  the  amount  of  $4,000,  and  then  commenced  the 
church,  a  brick  edifice,  42  x  65  feet.  Its  cornerstone  was  laid  on 
June  16,  1878.  The  church  was  dedicated  to  St.  Michael,  on 
December  1,  of  the  same  year. 

Kalida  was  attended,  alternately,  from  Ottoville  and  Fort 
Jennings,  on  every  second  Sunday,  from  January,  1878,  until  Jan- 
uary, 1888,  when  the  Mission  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Sanguin- 
ist  Fathers,  at  Glandorf.  The  first  was  the  Rev.  Rochus  Schiily. 
He  was  succeeded  in  June,  1894,  by  the  Rev.  Chrysostom  Hum- 
mer, who  had  the  church  considerably  enlarged  during  the  follow- 
mg  year.     As  above  stated,  its  original  dimensions  were  42  x  65 


IN    THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  463 

feet.  Its  width  in  the  transept  is  now  5(;.  and  its  length  113  feet. 
Father  Hummer  also  built  the  present  graceful  spire  during  this 
time.  The  enlargement  of  the  church,  the  frescoing,  and  other 
improvements,  cost  about  $7,000.  The  renovated  and  practically 
new  church  was  dedicated  l)y  Bishop  Horstmann,  May  17,  1896. 
in  the  following  September  Father  Hummer  was  succeeded  by 
the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Valentine  Schirack.  Besides  procur- 
ing two  bells  for  $500.  Father  Schirack  succeeded  in  paying  off 
the  entire  parish  debt  during  the  year  1808.  In  the  spring  of  the 
following  year  he  raised  a  subscription  of  $4,000  for  a  brick  pas- 
toral residence.  It  was  completed  in  May,  1000 ;  with  its  fur- 
nishings, plumbing,  etc.,  it  cost  about  $5,000.  Father  Schirack 
has  resided  at  Kalida  since  May,  1000,  being,  as  he  is,  the  first 
resident  pastor  of  the  congregation,  wdiich  now-  numbers  about 
one  hundred  families.  The  children  attend  the  so-called  Catholic 
district  school,  a  system  used  by  all  the  congregations  in  Putnam 
county,  where  the  population  is  entirely  Catholic,  or  nearly  so. 


KANSAS,  SENECA  COUNTY. 

ST.  JAMES'  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Kansas  is  a  small  village,  twelve  miles  southwest  of  Fremont, 
on  the  Lake  Erie  &  Western  railroad.  For  a  number  of  years 
the  Catholic  families  (about  twenty)  there  located,  attended  Mass 
at  Bettsville  or  Millersville,  of  which  latter  place  it  was  a  Station. 
In  June,  1880,  they  petitioned  Bishop  Gilmour  for  permission  to 
build  a  church  for  themselves.  He  directed  the  Rev.  Michael 
Dechant,  pastor  of  Millersville,  to  secure  a  suitable  site  and  start 
a  subscription  for  the  proposed  church.  The  subscription  consid- 
erably exceeded  Father  Dechant's  expectation;  it  amounted  to 
$1,200.  Two  lots,  each  50  x  150  feet,  centrally  located  in  the  vil- 
lage, on  Chestnut  street,  were  purchased  August  6,  1889.  Plans 
were  drawn  for  a  frame  church,  which  was  begun  in  the  latter  part 
of  the  same  month,  but  not  completed  until  June,  1800. 

Although  all  the  members  of  the  Mission  contributed  gener- 
ously towards  the  erection  of  the  pretty  little  church,  none 
exceeded  in  zeal  and  generosity  Dr.  J.  S.  Jump,  at  that  time  a 
non-Catholic.     He  not  onlv  collected  the  money  subscribed,  but 


464  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

also  superintended  the  work  of  ])iiildin^.  Being  an  expert 
mechanic,  as  well  as  a  skilful  physician,  he  built  with  his  own  hands 
the  very  neat  altar  that  adorns  the  tasty  sanctuary.  The  church 
was  not  dedicated  till  June  8,  1890;  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boi¥. 
V.  G.,  delegated  for  that  purpose  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  performed 
the  ceremony.  On  the  day  previous  he  also  blessed  the  bell  which 
had  been  purchased  some  months  before.  It  was  at  once  put  in 
the  tower  and  rung  for  the  first  time  on  dedication  day.  The 
church  is  a  frame  building,  30  x  50  feet,  and  of  attractive  appear- 
ance.    It  is  without  debt. 

Kansas  is  attended  monthly  from  Millersville  by  the  Rev. 
Michael  Dechant.  At  present  only  thirteen  families  belong  to 
the  Mission,  which  is  without  any  prospective  growth. 


KELLEY'S  ISLAND,  ERIE  COUNTY. 
ST.  MICHAEL'S  CHURCH. 

Until  1867  the  Catholics  of  Kelley's  Island,  the  largest  of  a 
group,  formerly  called  the  "Isles  of  the  Apostles,"  were  attended 
from  Sandusky,  Port  Clinton,  and  again  from  Sandusky.  The 
Rev.  Louis  Molon,  pastor  of  Holy  Angels'  church,  Sandusky,  was 
the  first  priest  to  take  charge  (July  to  September,  1861)  of  Kelley's 
Island,  as  a  Station.  His  successor  (September,  1861,  to  June, 
1865)  was  the  Rev.  George  A.  Verlet,  pastor  of  Port  Clinton. 
The  Revs.  A.  Herbstritt  and  N,  Moes,  of  Sandusky,  also  occasion- 
ally attended  Kelley's  Island  between  1863  and  1864. 

In  1863  a  plain  but  neat  little  stone  church  was  erected  on  a 
lot  donated  by  Henry  Lange,  who  generously  aided  Father  Verlet 
in  organizing  a  congregation  on  Kelley's  Island.  Father  Verlet 
was  succeeded,  in  May,  1865,  by  the  Rev.  Charles  Kuemin,  as  first 
resident  pastor.  He  administered  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  few 
Catholics  of  the  Island  and  of  Put-in  Bay,  until  May,  1867,  when 
the  Rev.  Nicholas  A.  Moes,  present  Rector  of  the  Diocesan  Sem- 
inary, was  appointed  his  successor.  Assisted  by  his  parishioners, 
who  were  few,  but  generous  according  to  their  limited  means. 
Father  Moes  paid  off  the  debt  contracted  in  building  the  church. 
He  also  purchased  a  one-acre  lot  on  which  he  erected  a  commo- 
dious frame  pastoral  residence.     Father  Moes  was  succeeded  in 


IN   THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  465 

December,  18G8,  by  the  Rev.  John  Kohn,  who,  however,  owing  to 
ill  health,  remained  only  two  months. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  priests  who  have  had  pastoral  charge 
since  the  departure  of  Father  Kohn :  The  Revs.  Charles  Wardy, 
March.  1869.  to  September,  1874;  Henry  Dorner.  September» 
1874,  to  March,  1875;  Francis  Metternich,  April,  1875,  to 
October,  1876;  E.  M.  W.  Hills,  November,  1876.  to  October, 
1878;  William  J.  Finucan,  November,  1878,  to  July,  1880;  John 
B.  Mertes,  July,  1880,  to  May,  1885;  John  T.  O'Connell,  July, 
1885,  to  January,  1887;  Charles  Reichlin,  January,  1887,  to 
December,  1895 ;  Albert  Andlauer,  January,  1896,  to  September, 
1898;  John  Baumgartner,  September,  1898,  to  January,  1900; 
and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  John  P.  Schondorff,  since  Jan- 
uary. 1900. 

In  order  to  withdraw  the  children  of  the  parish  from  the 
influence  of  a  neo-pagan  education,  as  afiforded  by  the  public 
school  system.  Father  Wardy  organized  a  parochial  school  in  the 
church,  in  which  it  was  continued  for  w^ant  of  a  more  suitable 
place,  until  the  advent  of  Father  Metternich,  when  the  present 
frame  school  building  was  erected.  In  this  work  he  was  assisted 
not  only  by  the  parishioners,  but  also  by  a  number  of  their  broad 
minded  Protestant  fellow  citizens.  Owing  to  unfavorable  cir- 
cumstances the  school  was  closed  from  June,  1877,  to  September, 
1879,  when  it  was  reopened.  It  has  continued  since  then,  and  is 
taught  by  lay  teachers.  The  average  attendance  is  now  about 
sixty  children. 

In  1883,  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Mertes,  the  church 
was  greatly  improved  and  beautified  at  an  expense  of  about 
$1,000;  in  fact  it  became  practically  a  new  church,  and  as  such 
was  dedicated  by  the  V.  Rev.  Vicar  General  Boff  on  Sunday, 
August  26,  of  the  same  year.  In  1891  Father  Reichhn  added  new 
pews  and  floor,  and  in  the  following  year  he  had  a  heating  appar- 
atus installed,  which  was  replaced,  however,  in  1900,  by  another 
of  more  modern  construction.  All  the  parish  buildings  are  in 
excellent  condition  and  without  debt. 

The  congregation,  which  numbers  now  about  sixty-five  fam- 
ilies, is  composed  of  Irish,  Germans,  Slavonians  and  Hungarians, 
most  of  whom  depend  upon  the  limestone  quarries  for  their  sup- 


460  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

port.  A  few  of  the  more  wealths'  members  are  eni^ai^ed  in  grow- 
ing grapes,  and  in  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  wine,  for  which 
Kelley's  Island  is  noted. 

For  more  than  ordinary  generosity  towards  the  church  the 
following  members  of  the  parish  deserve  special  mention :  Henry 
Lange,  Charles  Seeholzer  and  George  Reiter. 

In  concluding  this  sketch,  it  may  interest  the  reader  to  know- 
that  although  Kelley's  Island  is  a  most  charming  spot  during  the 
summer  months  and  early  fall,  and,  as  such,  sought  by  many  vis- 
itors, it  is  bleak,  lonesome  and  dreary  during  the  long  wanter  sea- 
son ;  for  its  rocky  shores  are  either  constantly  lashed  by  the  angry 
waves  of  Lake  Erie,  or  it  is  held  in  fetters  by  the  Ice  King.  Com- 
munication with  the  mainland,  at  Marblehead,  or  Sandusky,  is 
then  either  entirely  cut  ofif,  or  most  difhcult  to  make,  owing  to  the 
high  seas  or  broken  ice.  It  is  then  that  no  one  envies  the  "Island 
dwellers,"  who  for  wrecks  are  cut  ofT  from  the  outer  world. 


KENT,  PORTAGE  COUNTY. 
ST.  PATRICK'S  CHURCH. 
Franklin,  now  known  as  Kent,  was  laid  out  in  1836,  by  the 
Franklin  Land  Company,  and  enjoyed  a  brief  period  of  pros- 
perity under  the  auspices  of  the  Franklin  Silk  Company.  The 
subsequent  failure  of  the  latter  company  dampened  the  energies 
of  the  town,  which  remained  inactive  for  at  least  twenty-five  years. 
It  was  not  until  the  completion  of  the  Atlantic  &  Great  Western 
railroad  (now  owned  by  the  Erie  railway),  in  March,  1863,  that 
Kent  received  new  vigor.  About  one  year  previous  to  this  time 
a  number  of  Catholic  Irish  and  Germans  settled  in  Kent.  They 
were  visited  for  the  first  time  in  the  spring  of  1862,  by  the  Rev. 
Patrick  H.  Brown,  then  stationed  at  Hudson.  He  said  Mass  in 
the  house  of  John  Fiedler,  one  of  the  first  Catholic  settlers  in  Kent. 
As  the  railroad  neared  completion  the  Catholic  population  of  Kent 
steadily  increased,  so  that  larger  and  better  accommodations  were 
required  than  private  houses  could  afford.  Hence  Father  Brown 
applied  for  permission  to  the  village  authorities  for  the  use  of  the 
Town  Hall,  which  they  cheerfully  granted  him.  Meanwhile  he 
was  transferred  from  Hudson  to  Ravenna,  but  continued  to  attend 


IX   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  -       467 

Kent,  until  July.  1872.  In  July.  1866,  he  commenced  to  collect 
funds  for  the  erection  of  a  church.  In  this  project  he  was  gener- 
ously assisted  by  Marvin  Kent,  a  non-Catholic,  who  gave  two  lots, 
in  March,  1867,  for  a  church  site,  besides  making  a  liberal  dona- 
tion in  money  for  the  same  purpose.  On  the  last  Sunday  in  July, 
1867,  the  cornerstone  of  the  church  was  blessed  and  laid  by  the 
V.  Rev.  Vicar  General  Boff.  High  Mass  was  celebrated  on  the 
occasion,  under  a  wide  spreading  beech  tree  in  Mr.  Kent's  grove, 
a  few  hundred  yards  east  of  the  church  site;  Father  Brown  was 
the  celebrant.  He  also  celebrated  Mass  in  the  new  church  for 
the  first  time  on  Christmas,  1867.  It  was  dedicated  by  Bishop 
Gilmour,  and  placed  under  the  protection  of  St.  Patrick,  on  Sun- 
day, June  15,  1872.  The  church  is  an  attractive  brick  structure, 
50  X  100  feet,  and  cost  about  $5,000. 

The  following  are  deserving  of  special  mention  for  having 
aided  Father  Brown  in  building  the  church  and  for  their  liberal 
subscriptions :  Marcus  Monaghan  (now  of  Cleveland),  John 
Moore,  John  Fiedler,  Bernard  Wissel,  John  Sheridan,  Thomas 
and  James  Smith,  Patrick  and  James  Blyh,  Peter  Mulcahey, 
Charles  Tierney,  John  Book,  Michael  Pearse  and  Patrick  Fitz- 
patrick. 

In  the  latter  part  of  July,  1872,  the  Rev.  Walter  J.  Gibbons 
succeeded  Father  Brown  at  Ravenna  and  Kent,  and  remained  in 
charge  until  August,  1874.  Until  October  of  the  latter  year  Kent 
was  without  priestly  attendance ;  at  least  there  is  no  record  of  such 
attendance.  The  Rev.  John  P.  Carroll  was  the  next  priest  in 
charge  of  the  Mission — from  October,  1874,  until  March,  1876. 
Then  for  nearly  two  months,  the  Rev.  A.  Paganini,  of  Hudson, 
attended  Kent.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  J.  D.  Bowles,  who 
attended  Kent  from  Ravenna,  until  July,  1878,  when  the  Rev. 
Francis  J.  O'Neill  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Kent, 
and  remained  in  charge  for  two  years.     He  was  succeeded  in  July, 

1880,  by  the  Rev.  James  Malloy,  whose  pastorate  ended  in  August, 

1881.  Kent  was  then  again  attached  to  Ravenna  as  a  Mission  and 
attended  by  the  Rev.  Louis  Braire,  until  June,  1883,  when  he  was 
appointed  resident  pastor.  Father  Braire  remained  at  Kent  until 
February,  1884.  Then,  for  one  year,  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Cahill,  pastor 
of  Ravenna,  had  also  charge  of  Kent  as  a  Mission.     In  February, 


468  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

1885,  the  Rev.  George  Leeming  was  appointed  to  the  pastorate  of 
Kent,  which  charge  he  retained  until  September,  1888,  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Ambrose  Graham. 

Father  Bowles  had  the  church  neatly  frescoed,  new  altars 
placed  in  the  sanctuary,  and  a  much  needed  vestry  built.  He 
also  bought  the  present  school  lot.  in  December,  1877. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Malloy  a  one-story  frame 
school  house,  containing  two  large  rooms,  was  erected.  The 
school  was  opened  by  Father  Braire.  on  September  10,  1881,  and 
placed  in  charge  of  two  lay  teachers.  The  cost  of  the  school 
building  and  necessary  outfit,  as  also  of  the  school  lots  and 
improvements  in  and  about  the  church  and  school  grounds, 
amounted  to  about  $1,800. 

In  September,  1886,  Father  Leeming  engaged  three  Sisters 
of  the  Humility  of  Mary  as  teachers.  During  the  summer  of  that 
year  he  had  a  frame  house  built  for  their  residence ;  it  stands  next 
to  the  school  house.  Since  September,  1893.  two  Dominican 
Sisters  have  had  charge  of  the  school :  its  present  enrollment  is 
about  100  children. 

In  1892  Father  Graham  had  the  exterior  and  interior  of  the 
church  completed  and  tastily  renovated;  also  a  heating  apparatus 
installed — all  at  an  expense  of  about  $1,000.  In  March,  1899,  he 
bought  two  lots,  at  the  corner  of  Portage  and  Depuyster  streets; 
they  cost  $800.  During  the  summer  and  fall  of  the  same  year  he 
built  on  these  lots  the  present  very  neat  frame  pastoral  residence, 
at  an  expense  of  $4,200.  All  the  parish  buildings  front  on  Portage 
street,  and  present  an  attractive  appearance. 

The  cemetery,  bought  in  September,  1872,  covers  a  four-acre 
tract  of  land,  and  is  located  in  the  suburbs  of  Kent.  Father 
Graham  had  it  platted,  and  ornamented  with  a  liberal  supply  of 
trees  and  shrubs.  It  is  kept  in  excellent  condition,  and  is  the  just 
pride  of  the  parish. 


ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH  (1st  and  2nd),  KIRBY. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  469 


KIRBY,  WYANDOT  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

The  first  priest  to  visit  the  CathoHcs  settlers  of  Kirby,  and  to 
minister  to  their  spiritual  wants,  was  the  Rev.  Patrick  Henne- 
berry,  C.  PP.  S.,  of  New  Riegel — from  1860  until  1864.  He 
said  Mass  in  private  houses,  for  nearly  three  years.  In  1863  Mr. 
J.  Ensminger  kindly  allowed  the  gratuitous  use  of  a  vacant  store  as 
a  temporary  place  of  worship.  In  Maixh,  1864,  Mr.  George  T. 
Frees,  a  well-disposed  Protestant,  donated  to  the  Catholics  of 
Kirby,  through  Bishop  Rappe,  six  lots,  bounded  by  Main,  Church 
and  Jackson  streets,  on  condition  that  the  Bishop  agree  "to  erect, 
or  cause  to  be  erected,  on  said  premises,  a  church  within  one  year 
after  date  of  deed;"  the  condition  was  gladly  accepted.  In  the 
summer  of  1864,  under  the  direction  of  Father  Henneberry,  and 
with  the  generous  assistance  of  his  councilmen,  N.  Noel,  J.  Ens- 
minger, and  J.  Bremyer,  a  frame  church,  35  x  50  feet,  fronting  on 
Main  street,  was  begun  and  enclosed.  Father  Henneberry  was 
succeeded  in  August,  1864,  by  the  Rev.  Henry  Drees,  C.  PP.  S., 
also  of  New  Riegel;  he  attended  Kirby  until  August,  1865. 
Owing  to  want  of  means,  the  church  was  not  completed  until  the 
latter  part  of  1865,  under  the  supervision  of  the  Rev.  A.  Spierings, 
pastor  of  Upper  Sandusky;  the  church  cost  $2,000.  Mr.  George 
Thiel,  one  of  the  councilmen,  was  instrumental  in  collecting  from 
neighboring  parishes  the  funds  necessary  to  complete  the  church. 
It  was  not  dedicated  however  until  June  14,  1873,  Bishop  Gilmour 
performing  the  ceremony. 

Kirby  was  attended  as  a  Mission,  from  Upper  Sandusky,  until 
1874,  and  from  Bucyrus,  1874-1875.  In  the  spring  of  1875  a  frame 
jjastoral  residence  was  built,  at  a  cost  of  $1,000,  by  the  Rev.  D. 
Zinsmayer,  of  Bucyrus,  at  that  time  in  charge  of  the  Mission. 

In  July,  1875,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Rosenberg  was  appointed 
first  resident  pastor  of  Kirby.  He  enlarged  the  seating  capacity 
of  the  little  church  by  adding  a  sanctuary  and  sacristy;  he  also 
built  the  spire,  thus  completing  the  exterior  of  the  church. 

For  several  years,  "in  season  and  out  of  season,"  Father 
Rosenberg  made  every  effort  to  establish  a  parochial  school,  and 


470  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

urged  on  his  people  the  necessity  of  this  essential  adjunct  to  a 
parish  for  its  future  Catholic  growth  and  vigor.  Finally  he  suc- 
ceeded in  commencing  the  building,  but  before  he  could  complete 
it  he  was  assigned  to  another  field  of  labor,  in  July,  1880.  His 
successor,  the  Rev.  John  G.  Mizer,  finished  the  school.  It  was 
opened  in  September,  1880,  with  an  attendance  of  60  children, 
in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher,  and  has  since  continued  without  inter- 
ruption. 

In  April,  1882,  Father  Mizer  bought  nearly  three  acres  of 
land,  outside  of  the  village,  for  a  cemetery,  thus  ending  the  use  of 
the  burying  ground  in  the  rear  of  the  church.  In  October,  1888, 
Mr.  Paul  Bricker,  one  of  the  parishioners,  donated  three  lots, 
immediately  north  of  the  original  parish  property,  to  be  used 
eventually  as  the  site  for  a  new  church,  for  which  Father  Mizer  had 
bought  most  of  the  building  material,  as  also  secured  plans  from  a 
competent  architect  for  its  construction. 

Father  Mizer  was  succeeded  in  January,  1890,  by  the  present 
pastor,  the  Rev.  Francis  L.  Hultgen.  who  at  once  took  measures 
towards  building  the  church  which  had  been  contemplated  dur- 
ing his  predecessor's  pastorate.  The  foundation  was  commenced 
in  April,  and  the  cornerstone  was  laid  on  June  15,  of  the  same 
year,  by  Mgr.  BofT,  V.  G.  The  building  was  enclosed  by  the 
following  December.  The  church  was  completed  in  the  early  fall 
of  1891,  and  dedicated  by  Mgr.  Bol¥,  on  Sunday,  November 
22,  of  that  year.  It  cost  $3,000,  exclusive  of  its  furnishings,  and 
ranks  with  the  numerous  beautiful  country  churches  in  the  diocese ; 
for  beauty  of  design  it  would  grace  any  city.  The  church  is  built 
of  brick,  generously  trimmed  with  sand  stone.  Its  architecture 
is  Roman  and  its  dimensions  are :  width,  56  feet ;  length,  104  feet. 
Fine  stained  glass  windows,  and  frescoing,  of  artistic  design,  and 
an  array  of  statuary  combine  to  give  its  interior  a  most  pleasing 
effect.  It  goes  without  saying,  that  "dedication  day"  was  one  of 
great  joy  for  Father  Hultgen  and  his  people,  who  assisted  him  in 
erecting  so  beautiful  a  temple  to  Almighty  God.  Throughout  the 
entire  building  period  there  was  perfect  accord  between  pastor 
and  parishioners,  and  his  appeals  for  financial  aid,  in  prosecuting 
the  work,  met  with  a  quick  and  generous  response,  so  that  when 
the    church    was    dedicated    only    a    comparatively    small    debt 


I.\    TlIK    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  471 

remained,  whicli  has  long-  since  been  paid.  At  that  time  the 
parish  (composed  mostly  of  Luxemburgers.  or  their  descendants) 
numbered  about  75  families,  which  is  the  present  number. 

In  1892  Father  Hultgen  had  the  school  house  moved  to  the 
rear  of  the  old  church  and  the  sacristy  changed  into  an  additional 
school  room,  thus  providing-  for  the  increased  enrollment  of  pupils. 
In  1897  he  had  the  old  church  fitted  up  for  a  parish  hall,  which 
purpose  it  serves  admirably. 


LANDECK,  ALLEN  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST'S  CHURCH. 

The  parish  at  Landeck  is  an  ofT-shoot  of  St.  John's,  Delphos. 
Its  organization  was  authorized  in  1867,  by  Bishop  Rappe.  who 
had  been  petitioned  to  that  effect  by  about  twenty  families,  (mostly 
Luxemburgers,  formerly  of  New  Riegel,)  living  some  miles  south 
of  Delphos.  In  that  year  the  Rev.  F.  Westerholt.  pastor  of 
Delphos,  built  the  present  frame  church  (40  x  60  feet)  on  a  two- 
acre  tract  of  land  which  had  been  donated  by  Simon  Ley.  When 
the  church  was  completed  in  the  fall  of  1867,  the  Rev.  Elias  Maes- 
franx  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor.  His  pastorate,  however, 
was  of  short  duration  as  he  left  Landeck  and  the  diocese  in  April 
of  the  following  year.  The  Rev.  Charles  Seltzer  was  appointed 
his  successor  in  May,  1868,  and  remained  in  charge  for  two 
years.  Since  that  time  the  following  priests  have  been  resident 
pastors  of  Landeck :  The  Revs.  Fidelis  Brehm,  1870-78 ;  John  B. 
Heiland,  April,  1878,  to  January,  1893 ;  Joseph  Schwick,  January, 
1893,  to  September,  1894;  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev. 
Dominic  Zinsmayer,  since  September,  1894. 

During  Father  Seltzer's  administration,  a  frame  pastoral 
residence  was  built  on  a  one-acre  lot,  donated  by  Joseph  Schimol- 
ler,  and  Father  Brehm  built  a  teacher's  residence  on  another  tract 
of  land  given  by  John  Schaffer.  Part  of  the  building-  also  served  as 
a  school.  On  October  10,  1876.  whilst  Father  Brehm  was  in 
Europe  on  a  few  months'  leave  of  absence,  the  pastoral  residence 
and  all  its  contents,  including  the  priest's  library  and  a  good 
supply  of  vestments,  were  entirely  destroyed  by  fire.  Shortly 
after  his  return  he  took  measures  to  erect  a  new  and  more  sub- 
stantial residence  of  brick;  it  was  finished  by  July,  1877. 


472  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

In  1S78  the  church  was  enIaro;ecl  by  an  addition  of  twenty 
feet.  It  was  also  re-roofed,  plastered  and  frescoed.  Two  years 
later  the  exterior  of  the  church  was  tidied  up  and  repainted. 

At  present  Father  Zinsmayer  is  arrang-ini^-  for  the  erection  of 
a  fine  brick  church,  to  cost  about  $20,000,  and  hopes  to  see  his 
plans  executed  within  the  next  few  years. 

The  children  attend  the  Catholic  district  school,  as  is  the 
custom,  almost  universal,  in  that  part  of  the  diocese. 

The  parish  now  numbers  about  110  German  families,  nearly 
all  belongins^  to  the  farming  class,  and  well-to-do. 


LAPORTE.  LORAIN  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOHN'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  Mission  of  Laporte,*  which  has  long  since  ceased  to 
exist,  w'as  located  nearly  three  miles  from  Elyria,  and  about  two 
miles  from  Grafton.  It  was  organized  about  the  year  1837 
or  1838,  when  its  first  and  only  church,  or  chapel,  a  small  and 
primitive  frame  structure,  was  built.  It  was  the  first  Catholic 
place  of  worship  erected  in  Lorain  county.  The  Mission,  com- 
posed of  Irish  and  German  farmers,  w^as  attended  from  Cleveland, 
by  the  respective  pastors  of  old  St.  Mary's  church,  on  the  "Flats," 
and  later  by  the  curates  at  St.  John's  cathedral,  until  1853.  In 
May  of  that  year,  the  Rev.  M.  Healy  was  appointed  pastor  of 
Elyria,  and  given  charge  of  Laporte  as  one  of  his  Missions.  He 
enlarged  the  church  by  an  addition  of  26  feet.  In  1859  Father 
Healy  was  succeeded  at  Elyria  and  Laporte  by  the  Rev.  R.  A. 
Sidley,  who  remained  in  charge  until  1863.  By  that  time  the 
Mission  of  Laporte  had  so  decreased  owing  to  affiliation  of  families 
with  the  congregations  of  Rawsonville  (now^  known  as  Grafton), 
and  Elyria,  that  Bishop  Rappe  thought  it  best  to  abandon  it.  The 
church  was  accordingly  moved  to  Grafton,  in  1865,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Halley,  then  pastor  of  that  place. 
Jie  had  the  building  placed  on  the  south  end  of  the  present 
property  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  parish,  Grafton,  where  it 
was  used  as  a  temporary  church  for  some  years,  and  later  as  a 
school.    The  Laporte  church  lot  was  then  changed  into  a  cemetery. 

♦Page  48,  this  volume. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  473 

LA  PRAIRIE,  SANDUSKY  COUNTY. 
IMMACULATE   CONCEPTION    MISSION    CHURCH. 

La  Prairie.*  located  about  eight  miles  from  Port  Clinton, 
is  one  of  the  oldest  Missions  in  the  diocese.  It  was  settled 
by  French-Canadians  about  1822.  The  first  priest  to  ofifer  the 
Holy  Sacrifice  there,  in  one  of  the  log  cabins  of  the  settlers,  in 
1823,  was  the  Rev.  Gabriel  Richard,  of  Detroit,  Mich.,  at  that 
time  visiting  some  of  his  parishioners  who  had  moved  to  Fremont. 
The  first  place  of  worship  of  these  pioneer  Catholics  was  a  log 
chapel;  it  was  built  in  1841,  adjacent  to  the  Sandusky  river 
road.  It  served  its  sacred  purpose  for  over  twenty-five  years. 
Bishop  Purcell  dedicated  it  to  St.  Philomena,  in  July,  1841. 

La  Prairie  has  been  attended  since  1840  from  the  following 
places:  Sandusky,  Holy  Angels';  Toledo,  St.  Francis';  Fremont, 
St.  Ann's;  Norwalk,  1840-61;  Port  Clinton,  1861-80;  Tous- 
saint,  1880-85:  Oakharbor,  1885-91.  About  1891  the  Mis- 
sion had  become  so  reduced  in  numbers  that  it  w-as  abandoned, 
the  few  families  attending  divine  services  either  at  Fremont  or 
Port  Clinton.  In  1897  the  Mission  of  La  Prairie  was  revived,  as 
meanwhile  a  few  new  families  settled  there.  It  was  then  attached 
to  Big  Ditch  and  has  since  been  attended  from  that  place  by  the 
Rev.  J.  Berthelot,  who  says  Mass  at  La  Prairie  monthly.  About 
fifteen  families  are  now  identified  with  the  Mission. 

In  1868  the  present  church,  a  frame  structure,  30  x  45  feet, 
was  built  by  the  Rev.  J.  Kohn,  pastor  of  Port  Clinton.  It  is 
located  on  a  small  lot,  about  one  mile  south  of  the  above  men- 
tioned chapel.  During  1898  Father  Berthelot  had  the  church  put 
in  good  condition,  restored  the  foundation,  secured  new  pews, 
high  altar  and  some  statuary,  and  tidied  up  the  church  lot.  The 
little  church  now  presents  a  neat  appearance  and  is  without  debt. 


*The  Church  in  Northern  Ohio,  pp.  274,  289,  300,  301. 


474  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 


LATTY,  PAULDING  COUNTY. 
ST.   FRANCIS  DE  SALES'  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Latty  is  a  villag^e  located  at  tlic  intersection  of  the  "Nickel 
Plate''  and  Cincinnati  Northern  railroads.  The  Rev.  F.  A. 
Schreiber,  pastor  of  Antwerp,  was  the  first  priest  to  offer  the 
Holy  Sacrifice  at  Latty ;  that  was  in  1889.  He  said  Mass  in  private 
houses,  at  first,  and  subsequently  in  the  Town  Hall.  Shortly  after 
his  first  visit  to  Latty,  Father  Schreiber  secured,  in  July,  1889,  a 
lot,  190  X  200  feet,  with  a  view  to  build  a  church.  Mr.  Francis 
Didier,  a  Catholic,  of  Ft.  Wayne,  Tnd.,  bequeathed  $1,000  towards 
the  erection  of  a  church.  Donations  of  money,  timber  and  stone 
followed,  and  work  on  a  frame  church,  30  x  70  feet,  with  an  annex 
of  12  feet  for  a  sacristy,  progressed  rapidly.  Before  the  church 
was  brought  to  completion  Father  Schreiber  w^as  succeeded,  in 
August,  1890,  by  the  Rev.  E.  P.  Graham,  who  finished  the  church, 
and  put  in  place  the  altar  and  Stations  donated  by  St.  Wendelin's 
congregation,  Fostoria.  The  very  neat  church  w^as  dedicated  to 
St.  Francis  de  Sales  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on  Sunday, 
September  28,  1890 ;  a  very  large  number  of  people  from  Ft. 
Wayne,  Fostoria  and  various  sections  of  Paulding  county 
witnessed  the  ceremony.  The  church  cost  about  $3,000,  of  which 
sum  about  $1,100  remained  due  on  dedication  day.  The  debt  was 
cancelled  in  1893,  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  J.  P. 
McCloskey.  He  also  bought  a  fine  bell  in  the  summer  of  1892. 
The  church  was  neatly  frescoed  during  the  summer  of  1900. 

Latty  has  been  attended  as  a  Mission  from  the  following 
places:  from  Antwerp,  1889-92;  and  from  Payne,  beginning  with 
April,  1892.  Since  June,  1898,  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Paulus,  resident 
pastor  of  Payne,  has  had  charge  of  the  Mission,  which  has  now 
about  30  families. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  475 


LEETONIA,  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY. 
ST.  PATRICK'S  CHURCH. 
Leetonia,  a  thriving  town,  dependent  on  its  coal  mining  and 
iron  industries,  was  platted  in  1866  by  the  Leetonia  Coal  and  Iron 
Company,  of  which  William  Lee,  a  railroad  contractor,  was  one  of 
the  incorporators,  and  from  whom  the  village  took  its  name. 
About  ten  years  prior  to  this  time  some  Catholics  had  settled  here, 
having  found  employment  in  the  adjacent  coal  mines.  Their 
spiritual  interests  were  looked  after,  monthly,  or  bi-monthly,  on 
week  days,  by  the  resident  pastors  of  Summitville,  from  1856  to 
1862,  the  Rev.  Michael  Prendergast  being  the  first  priest  to  visit 
them.  They  said  Mass  for  them  at  Franklin  Square,  two  miles 
from  Leetonia.  Between  1862  and  1864  they  were  attended  from 
Louisville,  by  the  Rev.  F.  C.  Ludwig;  and  from  Alliance,  between 
J  864  and  1867,  by  the  Rev.  F.  Moitrier,  who  was  the  first  priest 
to  say  Mass  in  the  town  of  Leetonia.  In  the  latter  year  the  Rev. 
M.  Mulcahy,  a  Basilian,  one  of  the  professors  at  St.  Louis'  College, 
Louisville,  was  charged  with  the  care  of  Leetonia.  In  October* 
]868,  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  E.  W.  J.  Lindesmith.  pastor 
of  Alliance.  Father  Lindesmith  was  appointed  the  first  resident 
pastor  of  Leetonia,  in  May,  1872,  and  remained  till  July.  1880. 
Mass  was  said  in  private  houses  until  December,  1868.  In 
the  fall  of  that  year  Father  Lindesmith  built  the  first  church, 
a  frame  building,  40  x  60  feet,  on  a  lot  that  had  been  bought 
in  October,  1867.  The  church  was  used  for  divine  services 
for  the  first  time  on  Christmas  day,  1868.  Its  interior  was  finished 
in  the  following  spring.  The  church,  when  completed,  was 
entirely  paid  for.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Barbara,  patroness  of 
miners — the  congregation,  at  that  time,  numbering  about  65 
families,  being  composed  almost  entirely  of  miners.  During  the 
pastorate  of  Father  Lindesmith  five  more  lots,  each  60  x  220 
feet,  were  bought,  thus  giving  the  entire  property  a  frontage  of 
360  feet.  The  six  lots  cost  $6,400.  Their  location  on  the  north 
side  of  Main  street  is  admirable.  Father  Lindesmith  built  the 
present  frame  pastoral  residence  in  1872.  He  also  bought  the 
beautiful  cemetery  now  in  use ;  it  comprises  nearly  nine  acres. 


476  A   HISTORY   OF  CATIIOLICITV 

In  August.  1880,  Father  Liiulcsniilh  was  appointed  chaplain 
in  the  V.  S.  Army,  by  President  Hayes.  His  successor  in  the 
jKistoratc  of  Leetonia  was  tlic  Rev.  W.  J.  Fitzgerald,  who  shortly 
after  his  arrival  began  preparations  for  l)uilding  a  new  church,  as 
the  congregation  had  outgrown  the  old.  His  parishioners  sub- 
scribed quite  liberally  for  that  object,  thus  encourging  their  young 
and  energetic  pastor.  In  the  fall  of  1880  he  had  plans  drawn  for 
a  Gothic  brick  church,  for  which  he  received  Bishop  Gilmour's 
approbation.  In  the  spring  of  the  following  year  ground  was 
broken  for  the  foundation,  near  the  western  line  of  the  parish 
property,  and  on  Sunday,  July  3,  the  cornerstone  of  the  new  church 
was  blessed  and  laid  by  Bishop  Gilmour.  The  handsome  structure 
was  brought  under  roof  by  October,  1881,  and  wath  its  interior  un- 
finished was  used  for  the  first  time,  in  December  of  the  same  year. 
Father  Fitzgerald  had  intended  to  complete  the  church  in  1882, 
but  Almighty  God,  in  His  unfathomable  wisdom,  had  decreed 
otherwise.  During  his  brief  career  the  good  priest,  by  his  amia- 
bility, earnestness  and  zeal,  had  won  the  hearts  of  his  people,  and 
the  respect  of  all  the  citizens  of  Leetonia,  without  creed  or  class 
distinction.  After  a  short  illness,  when  all  looked  bright  and 
promising  to  him,  the  Angel  of  Death  summoned  him  before 
his  Maker,  on  March  22,  1882.  His  unexpected  demise  was 
a  great  affliction  for  his  devoted  people  and  a  distinct  loss  not 
only  to  his  parish,  and  Leetonia,  but  also  to  the  diocese.  His 
death  was  sincerely  mourned  by  all  who  knew  him  and  his  sterling 
worth.  Pending  the  appointment  of  his  successor,  the  Rev. 
James  O'Leary  attended  the  parish  from  Alliance  for  six  weeks. 
The  Rev.  John  C.  Desmond  was  appointed  to  the  pastorate  of 
Leetonia  in  May,  1882.  He  placed  the  parochial  school  in  charge 
of  four  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph.  It  had  been  organized  during  the 
administration  of  Father  Lindesmith,  in  18G9,  a  part  of  the  first 
church  having  been  used  for  that  purpose;  it  was  conducted  by 
lay  teachers.  Owing  however  to  lack  of  means  it  was  discon- 
tinued in  1872,  and  not  re-opened  until  the  advent  of  Father 
Desmond.  During  the  summer  of  1882,  at  an  expense  of  about 
$1,000,  he  had  the  old  church  fitted  up  as  a  school,  and  the 
pastoral  residence  considerably  improved.  In  the  following  year 
he  enlarged  the  school,  built  a  residence  for  the  Sisters  and  had  a 
furnace  placed  in  the  church.     The  building  and  improvements 


ST.    MARY'S    CHURCH,    LBIPSIC. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  477 

cost  $2,000.  In  October,  1884,  Father  Desmond  was  succeeded 
by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Edward  J.  Murphy,  who  a  few 
months  later  made  arrangements  for  finishing  the  interior  of  the 
church.  He  called  a  meeting-  of  the  congregation  for  the  purpose 
of  getting  their  views  on  the  subject.  It  was  unanimously  resolved 
to  go  on  with  the  work,  and  the  members  responded  generously 
with  their  subscriptions.  Father  Murphy,  thus  encouraged,  had 
the  carpentering,  plastering,  frescoing,  stained  glass  windows,  and 
elegant  furnishings,  such  as  altars,  pews,  etc.,  done  by  competent 
persons,  with  the  result  that  the  church  (52  by  100  feet),  beautiful 
and  artistic  in  every  detail,  was  ready  for  dedication  in  the  fall  of 
1887.  The  ceremony  was  performed  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  Sun- 
day, October  23,  of  that  year,  and  St.  Patrick  was  chosen  the 
patron  of  the  new  church.  It  has  a  prominent  position,  located  as 
it  is  on  one  of  the  highest  elevations  in  the  town.  The  church  cost 
about  $20,000,  inclusive  of  altars,  pews,  etc.  At  an  expense  of 
$1,600  a  fine  bell  and  an  artistic  set  of  Stations  were  secured  in 
1889,  and  in  the  following  year  the  former  heating  apparatus  was 
replaced  by  a  steam  heater.  A  stone  wall,  and  a  stone  sidewalk 
run  along  the  entire  front  of  the  church  property,  which,  with  its 
buildings,  presents  a  very  attractive  appearance. 

In  September,  1892,  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  were  succeeded 
in  the  charge  of  the  parish  school  by  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility 
of  Mary.  They  remained  until  June,  1900,  at  which  time  the 
school  was  discontinued.  Father  Murphy  hopes  however  to  be 
able  to  reopen  the  school  in  the  near  future. 

The  parish  at  present  numbers  about  120  famiHes  and  has  but 
a  comparatively  small  debt  as  an  incumbrance  on  its  fine  property. 

LEIPSIC.  PUTNAM  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 
The  present  flourishing  congregation  at  Leipsic  has  a  com- 
paratively brief  history.  A  few  Catholics  began  to  settle  there 
about  1873,  and  were  attended  from  New  Cleveland  by  the  Rev. 
Henry  Kaempker,  from  1874  until  1878.  Under  his  direction  the 
first  church,  a  small  frame  building,  25  x  45  feet,  facing  Poplar 
street,  was  erected  in  187G,  at  a  cost  of  about  $500.  The  two 
lots  on  which  it  stood  had  been  bought  in  September,  1873. 


478  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

Leipsic  continued  as  a  Mission  of  New  Cleveland  until  the 
appointment  of  the  Rev.  John  Bertemes  as  first  resident  pastor,  in 
February.  1891.  He  had  attended  Leipsic,  from  New  Cleveland, 
as  a  Mission,  since  January,  1889.  Durinj^^  the  administration  of 
the  Rev.  Joseph  Rosenberg  two  additional  lots,  adjoining  on  the 
rear  those  already  mentioned,  w^ere  bought,  in  May,  1887,  to  serve 
ah  a  site  for  the  prospective  pastoral  residence  and  school.  The 
former  was  built  in  1888,  during  the  time  the  Rev.  Joseph  Eyler 
had  charge  of  Leipsic  as  a  Mission;  it  cost  about  $1,400.  Two 
years  later,  in  October,  1890,  Father  Bertemes  organized  the 
present  parochial  school,  the  little  church  serving  that  purpose.  It 
was  in  charge  of  lay  teachers  until  1899 ;  since  that  time  it  has  been 
conducted  by  Sanguinist  Sisters. 

On  August  30,  1891.  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  F.  M.  BofT  blessed 
the  foundation  of  the  large  frame  church  now  in  use.  On  the  same 
day  he  also  blessed  the  cemetery — a  three-acre  tract  of  land  pur- 
chased in  January  of  the  same  year.  On  January  17,  1892,  a 
large  church  bell  was  blessed  by  the  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck. 
During  the  same  year  Father  Bertemes  had  the  church  brought 
to  completion.  It  was  not  dedicated  however  until  May  14,  1893; 
Bishop  Horstmann  performed  the  ceremony.  The  church  cost 
$8,000,  exclusive  of  altars,  pews,  and  stained  glass  windows.  It  is 
45  feet  wide,  57  feet  in  the  transept,  and  102  feet  long,  with  a 
seating  capacity  of  600,  when  the  large  gallery  is  also  utilized. 
The  interior  height  is  34  feet,  and  that  of  the  spire  is  125  feet. 
The  church,  frescoed  in  excellent  taste,  is  one  of  the  most  prom- 
inent structures  in  the  town  of  Leipsic. 

The  school  house  (former  church)  was  destroyed  by  fire  on 
May  1,  1899.  During  the  summer  of  the  same  year  the  present 
school,  a  brick  building,  containing  four  rooms,  was  built  at 
a  cost  of  about  $3,200.     It  has  been  used  since  September,  1899. 

The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  John  Baumgartner,  succeeded 
Father  Bertemes  in  September,  1900.  The  parish  now  numbers 
about  85  families. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  479 


LIBERTY,  SENECA  COUNTY. 
ST.  ANDREW'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Three  young-  unmarried  men — Andrew  Bruckner,  John  Lang, 
and  Michael  Sendelbach,  landed  at  Baltimore,  in  1833.  They  had 
come  from  Germany  to  seek  a  new  home  in  Ohio,  which  was  then 
considered  "the  far  West."  While  in  Baltimore  they  learned  that 
Government  land  was  for  sale  in  Seneca  county.  They  made 
their  way  westward,  as  best  they  could,  going  on  foot  most  of  the 
distance,  to  Wooster,  Ohio,  where  there  was  a  Government  land 
office.  On  arriving  there  they  were  informed  that  Government 
land  could  be  bought  near  Tiffin,  at  which  place,  they  were  also 
told,  there  was  a  Catholic  church.  This  was  sufficient  inducement 
for  them  to  secure  a  homestead  there.  Each  then  "entered"  a 
parcel  of  Government  land.  Reaching  their  journey's  end  they 
found  themselves  in  a  trackless  wilderness,  with  neither  house,  nor 
cabin^  nor  even  a  road  in  sight.  They  went  to  work  at  once,  like 
brave  men,  to  make  a  gap  in  the  forest,  which  surrounded  them 
on  all  sides.  Soon  a  few  rudely  constructed  cabins  were  built, 
and  the  beginning  of  a  new  settlement  was  made  which  was 
increased  the  following  year  by  the  arrival  of  three  Catholic 
families. 

The  first  priest  to  visit  them  was  the  saintly  Redemptorist 
Father,  Rev.  F.  X.  Tschenhens,  who  was  then  (1834)  stationed  at 
Peru,  and  had  charge  of  all  the  surrounding  Missions.  He  said 
Mass  in  one  or  other  of  the  humble  log  cabins  of  the  settlers,  and 
his  visits  gladdened  the  hearts  of  those  pioneer  Catholics  of 
Seneca  county.  The  settlement  grew  steadily  year  by  year,  most 
of  the  families  coming  from  Rhenish  Bavaria.  A  log  chapel  was 
erected,  about  1842,  but  before  the  humble  structure  was  finished 
a  number  of  the  families  became  discouraged  and  moved  else- 
where. A  few  years  later  it  was  discovered  that  the  chapel  stood 
on  ground  which  the  Government  had  surveyed  for  a  public  road. 
The  little  Mission,  then  numbering  13  families,  resolved  there- 
fore to  build  a  frame  church  on  land  deeded  and  donated  for 
this  purpose  by  Andrew  Bruckner,  in  May,  1845.  The  church 
was  completed  in  184G  and  dedicated  to  St.  Andrew,  the  Apostle. 


480  A    HISTORY    OF  CATHOTJCITY 

After  Father  Tschenhens"  departure  from  Peru,  in  1842. 
Liberty  was  attended  as  a  Station,  or  Mission,  from  the  following- 
places:  Tiffin,  St.  Mary's,  1842-45;  New  Riegel,  by  the  Sanguin- 
ist  Fathers,  1845-53;  Tiffin,  St.  Joseph's,  1853-GO;  Findlay,  1800- 
(53;  Millersville,  (Greensburg),  1863-67;  Fostoria,  1866-70;  St. 
Patrick's  Settlement.  1870-87;  New  Riegel,  1887-93;  and  again 
from  St.  Patrick's  Settlement,  since  1893. 

During  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Ehrhard  Gliick,  C.  PP.  S., 
the  present  very  neat  church  was  built.  It  was  commenced  in 
1888,  and  dedicated  on  October  6.  1889,  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff, 
V.  G.,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate.  The  church  (34  by  58  feet)  is 
built  of  brick,  trimmed  with  sandstone.  Tt  is  provided  with  three 
fine  bells,  very  neat  stained  glass  windows,  and  is  tastily  frescoed. 
In  a  word,  the  edifice  is  "a  little  gem,"  everything  in  and  about 
it  is  complete,  and  its  appearance  cheerful  and  inviting.  Its  cost 
was  about  $5,000  and  on  the  day  of  dedication  the  church  was 
without  debt.  Father  Gliick  and  the  Mission  composed  of  about 
twenty  families,  all  farmers,  deserve  recognition  for  having  brought 
to  completion  so  handsome  a  structure.  One  of  the  principal 
contributors.  Mr.  A.  Scherger,  also  gave  the  one-acre  lot  on  which 
the  church  is  built,  its  location  being  directly  opposite  the  old 
church,  built  in  1846.  The  neat  oak  pews  were  bought  during  the 
administration  of  the  Rev.  Thomas  M.  Kolb,  who  was  succeeded 
by  the  Rev.  John  R.  Forrer  in  June,  1898.  He  built  the  present 
one-story  brick  school  (27  x  48  feet)  in  1900.  It  cost  $1,300,  and 
is  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher. 

The  Mission  is  steadily  increasing  and  now  numbers  about  40 
families.  Generosity  and  a  thoroughly  Catholic  spirit  have  at  all 
times  been  its  distinctive  features. 


LIMA.  ALLEN  COUNTY. 

ST.  ROSE'S  CHURCH. 

Lima  was  surveyed  and  platted  in  1831.  by  Captain  James  W. 
Riley;  it  was  named  by  the  Hon.  Patrick  G.  Goode,  and  desig- 
nated by  Commissioner  Christopher  Wood  as  the  county  seat  of 
Allen.  Catholics  began  to  settle  at  Lima  and  in  its  immediate 
vicinity  about  1845.     xA.mong  them  was  Lawrence  O'Connell,  in 


ST.  ROSE'S  CHURCH   AND  SCHOOL,   LIMA. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  481 

whose  house  Mass  was  said  for  the  first  time  in  the  village  of 
Lima,  sometime  during-  the  year  1846.  The  celebrant  was  a  San- 
guinist  Father,  but  there  is  no  record  of  his  name,  or  of  the  date 
of  his  visit. 

Between  1850  and  1855,  the  Catholic  population  increased 
very  notably  because  of  the  construction  of  the  Pittsburg,  Ft. 
Wayne  and  Chicago,  and  the  Dayton  and  Michigan  railroads 
through  Lima.  These  two  important  enterprises  gave  employ- 
ment for  some  years  to  a  large  number  of  Catholic  laborers,  many 
of  whom  settled  at  Lima.  They  were  attended  monthly  by  the 
Revs.  Michael  O'Sullivan  of  Tiffin,  and  Matthias  Kreusch,  C.  PP.  S., 
of  Minster,  Auglaize  county.  These  two  priests  alternated 
their  monthly  or  bi-monthly  visits  for  about  three  years,  until  1855, 
when  Father  Kreusch  was  given  sole  charge  of  the  Mission.  He 
continued  to  attend  it  until  December,  1856,  when  for  nearly  two 
years  he  alternated  his  visits  with  the  Rev.  Patrick  Henneberry, 
who  was  known  as  the  "Irish  Sanguinist,"  and  spoke  English, 
Irish,  German  and  French  with  equal  fluency.  He  was  an  eloquent 
and  forcible  preacher  and  did  great  service  to  religion,  especially 
by  his  severe  denunciation  of  the  prevailing  vice  of  intemperance. 
Meanwhile  in  the  face  of  many  obstacles  and  disappointments 
Father  Kreusch  collected  funds  for  a  church,  to  be  built  on  a  lot, 
on  the  Ottawa  road  (now  North-West  street).  The  lot  was  donated 
for  the  purpose  by  Nicholas  Gunckel,  a  member  of  the  congrega- 
tion, at  whose  house  all  the  missionary  priests  were  welcome  and 
treated  with  hospitality.  His  good  wife  also  had  charge  of  the 
altar  linens  and  sacristy  for  many  years. 

The  first  church  in  Lima,  a  brick  structure,  24  by  35  feet,  was 
built  in  1858.  It  was  appropriately  dedicated  to  St.  Rose  of  Lima, 
America's  first  canonized  saint,  who  lived  and  died  in  Lima,  Peru. 
Here  it  is  but  just  to  record  the  fact  that  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the 
parish,  John  Goebel,  a  cabinetmaker,  made  by  hand,  and  without 
compensation,  all  the  window^s  and  doors  for  the  new  church.  At 
this  labor  of  love  he  was  engaged  night  after  night,  and  often  until 
the  early  hours  of  the  morning,  as  he  had  to  provide  for  the  sup- 
port of  his  family  during  the  day. 

With  the  completion  of  the  church  ended  the  necessity  of 
using  private  houses  as  places  of  worship.     Father  Kreusch  con- 


482  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

tinned  to  attend  Lima  until  the  spring  of  ISOl,  when  the  Rev. 
Michael  Prendergast,  a  secular  priest,  who  resided  with  the  San- 
guinist  Fathers  at  Minster,  Auglaize  county,  was  given  charge  of 
the  congregation.  He  was  succeeded  in  October,  18G1.  by  the 
Rev.  Edward  J.  Murphy,  who  became  the  first  resident  pastor  of 
Lima.  Father  Murphy  concluded  to  purchase  property  for  a 
priest's  residence.  An  opportunity  soon  offered  itself  as  Mr.  J. 
Hover  wished  to  dispose  of  his  homestead — a  good  house  and 
about  five  acres  of  land,  bounded  bv  North  West,  West  McKib- 
ben,  North  McDonald  streets  and  the  P.,  Ft.  W.,  &  C.  Railroad. 
Father  Murphy,  realizing  that  the  property  would,  in  time,  become 
valuable  and  that  part  of  it  would  be  needed  by  the  church,  accord- 
ingly purchased  it  in  March,  18G4.  for  $2,500. 

In  June,  1862,  Matthias  H.  Nichols,  a  non-Catholic,  had 
donated  to  the  church  a  parcel  of  land  fronting  350  feet  on  North 
West  street,  and  360  feet  on  West  McKibben  street. 

Father  Murphy  laid  out  the  larger  part  of  the  "Hover  land" 
in  lots,  and  from  the  sale  of  them  put  the  congregation  on  a  good 
financial  footing.  He  built  a  frame  addition  to  the  little  brick 
church,  and  in  1865  organized,  built  and  paid  for  the  first  Catholic 
parochial  school  in  Allen  county.  In  September,  1869,  he  was 
transferred  to  Brier  Hill,  Mahoning  county.  The  Rev.  James 
O'Reilly  was  appointed  his  successor  in  the  following  month. 
At  this  time  the  growing  congregation  crowded  the  little  church, 
which  had  once  been  enlarged.  Father  O'Reilly  very  soon  realized 
the  need  of  better  and  more  ample  church  accommodations.  He 
therefore  determined  to  build  a  new^  church  on  the  "Nichols 
property,"  at  the  corner  of  West  and  McKibben  streets.  He 
also  raised  a  building  fund  and  had  every  preparation  made  for 
the  erection  of  a  new  church  when,  in  January,  1871,  he  was 
appointed  pastor  of  St.  Columbkille's  parish,  in  Cleveland.  He 
was  succeeded  at  Lima  by  the  Rev.  A.  R.  Sidley,  under  whose 
supervision  the  present  church  was  built.  Its  cornerstone  was 
laid  by  the  V.  Rev.  E.  Hannin,  administrator  of  the  diocese,  on 
Sunday,  May  21,  1871,  and  the  first  Mass  was  celebrated  in  the 
new  edifice,  by  Father  Sidley,  on  January  1,  1872.  The  church 
cost  about  $30,000.  Father  Sidley  removed  the  old  school  to  the 
vacant  lot,  immediately  w^est  of  the  church,  built  a  large  addition 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  483 

to  it  and  reorganized  it  entirely.  In  June,  187G,  he  was  appointed 
pastor  of  the  "Immaculate  Conception  Church,  at  Cleveland,  and 
the  Rev.  Francis  J.  Henry  v^'as  sent  to  Lima  as  his  successor.  The 
necessities  of  the  times  forced  the  parish  of  Lima  to  contract  a 
large  debt.  Father  Henry's  administrative  abilities,  seconded  by 
the  generosity  of  his  people,  cleared  away  the  last  vestige  of  that 
burden  by  the  end  of  the  year  1882.  In  the  same  year,  at  a  cost 
of  about  $6,000,  he  built  a  brick  residence  for  the  Sisters  of  St. 
Francis,  of  Jolie'tj.  111.,  then  in  charge  of  the  parish  school.  Dur- 
ing his  busy  pastorate  of  nearly  ten  years  he  greatly  improved 
the  church  property,  besides  faithfully  attending  to  the  spiritual 
welfare  of  his  people.  When  less  than  forty  years  old,  and  only 
about  fifteen  years  in  the  ministry,  his  priestly  career  was  cut 
short  by  death,  after  a  brief  illness,  on  February  22,  1886.  His 
demise  was  deeply  mourned,  not  only  by  his  parishioners,  whose 
love  and  confidence  he  had  in  a  high  degree,  but  also  by  the 
non-Catholic  citizens  of  Lima,  whose  respect  he  had  won. 

The  Rev.  James  O'Leary  succeeded  Father  Henry  in  March, 
1886.  During  the  following  year,  at  an  expense  of  about  $12,000, 
he  had  the  church  roof  removed,  and  replaced  by  one  of  greater 
pitch,  making  it  22  feet  higher  than  the  old.  He  built  the  present 
graceful  spire  which  reaches  an  altitude  of  175  feet.  He  also 
added  the  improvements  that  made  the  interior  of  the  church  more 
attractive  and  in  keeping  with  the  size  of  the  parish. 

During  the  year  1888  the  present  handsome,  commodious, 
and  well  appointed  brick  school  was  commenced,  and  completed 
the  following  year.  It  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on 
September  9,  1889.  and  opened  for  use  on  the  next  day.  The 
building  has  a  frontage  of  82  feet,  a  depth  of  72  feet,  and  is  three 
stories  high.     It  cost  about  $25,000. 

The  large  influx  of  people,  on  account  of  the  oil  interests  in 
Lima,  forced  Father  O'Leary  to  consider  either  the  enlargement 
of  the  church,  or  the  erection  of  a  second  church  in  the  southern 
part  of  Lima.  The  enlargement  was  finally  decided  upon.  In 
August,  1892,  work  was  begun  on  an  addition  to  the  church,  and 
new  windows,  altars  and  pews  were  placed  in  position — all  at  a 
cost  of  about  $25,000.  In  March  of  the  same  year  a  large  pipe 
organ  was  bought  at  an  expense  of  about  $3,000.    These  improve- 


484  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

ments  were  paid  for,  and  the  parish  debt  reduced  to  a  com- 
paratively small  sum  (about  $3,500),  when,  in  November,  1893,  to 
the  universal  regret  of  the  congregation,  Father  O'Leary  was 
removed  to  Cleveland,  to  take  charge  of  St.  Patrick's  church.  He 
was  succeeded  by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Alfred  E.  Manning, 
on  November  19,  1893. 

In  the  fall  of  1894  Father  Manning  provided  a  steam  heating 
apparatus  for  the  church,  school,  pastoral  residence,  and  Sisters' 
house.  In  1894  the  Sisters'  house  was  enlarged,  and  in  the  follow- 
ing year  the  priest's  residence  and  the  school  were  considerably 
improved.     These  improvements  cost  about  $5,000. 

As  the  parish  and  its  w^ork  had  now  grown  beyond  the  physi- 
cal ability  of  the  pastor,  he  petitioned  Bishop  Horstmann  for  an 
assistant.  The  Rev.  L.  A.  Brady  was  appointed  to  that  position 
in  August,  1894.  He  remained  at  Lima  until  July,  1896,  when  the 
present  assistant,  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Mooney,  succeeded  him. 

The  old  cemetery,  procured  when  Lima  was  a  village  and 
its  congregation  poor,  was  now  too  small  to  meet  the  wants  of  a 
larger  and  more  affluent  parish.  It  afforded  no  room  for  expensive 
monuments,  or  otherwise  beautifying  the  resting  place  of  the  dead. 
There  was  a  demand  for  a  more  spacious  and  attractive  burial 
place.  After  long  and  careful  study  of  the  merits  of  all  the  avail- 
able places  within  easy  reach  of  the  city.  Father  Manning  secured 
G3  acres  of  land,  well  adapted  to  the  purpose  in  view.  It  adjoins 
"Woodlawn"  cemetery  on  the  west,  and  just  outside  the  city;  there 
is  a  paved  road  to  the  very  gate,  and  street  car  service  as  well. 
The  purchase  was  made  on  June  1,  1896,  for  $6,310.  A  portion 
of  it  was  improved  at  once,  and  most  of  the  interments  of  the  old 
burial  place  transferred.  After  a  few  short  years  it  rivals  "Wood- 
lawn"  cemetery  in  beauty,  and  is  a  credit  to  the  pastor  of  St. 
Rose's,  and  his  people. 

Father  Manning  began  the  present  commodious  and  excel- 
lently appointed  brick  pastoral  residence  in  July,  1897.  It  was 
completed  and  occupied  in  June  of  the  following  year  and  cost 
about  $9,000. 

The  parish  school,  at  all  times  under  the  watchful  eye  of  the 
various  pastors,  since  its  organization  in  1865,  is  in  a  very  flour- 
ishing condition.     The  Franciscan  Sisters  were  succeeded  by  the 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  485 

Dominican  Sisters  in  September,  1885,  and  they  in  turn  were 
replaced  in  September,  1888,  by  the  Sisters  of  Charity,  from 
Cincinnati,  of  whom  ten  now  conduct  the  school. 

For  many  years  the  Catholics  living  in  South  Lima  and  form- 
ing a  considerable  part  of  St.  Rose's  parish,  had  been  clamoring 
for  a  church  of  their  own.  Efforts  were  frequently  made  by  the 
people  to  that  end,  especially  in  the  summer  of  1895,  but  various 
circumstances  however  combined  to  render  their  efforts  fruitless, 
At  last,  in  April,  1896,  Bishop  Horstmann  met  a  committee  from 
South  Lima,  in  the  pastoral  residence.  The  result  of  the  meeting 
was  that  the  Bishop  directed  Father  Manning  and  the  committee 
to  secure  a  site  for  a  church  in  South  Lima.  The  Bishop  also 
promised  to  send  a  priest  to  organize  the  new  congregation  just 
as  soon  as  he  had  one  at  his  disposal.  Three  lots,  with  a  house  on 
one  of  them,  were  bought  on  South  Main  street,  in  August,  1899. 
The  property  awaits  the  coming  of  the  new  pastor  for  South  Lima, 
according  to  the  Bishop's  promise,  which  it  is  confidently  hoped 
will  be  realized  in  1901. 

Such  has  been  the  generosity  of  ^t.  Rose's  parish,  that  not- 
withstanding all  the  expensive  improvements,  and  large  additions 
to  the  property,  made  within  the  last  thirteen  years,  as  above 
narrated,  there  is  scarcely  any  debt  upon  the  congregation.  St. 
Rose's  is  as  well  equipped  and  well  regulated  a  parish  as  there 
is  in  the  diocese.    It  numbers  at  present  about  600  families. 


LISBON,  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY. 
ST.  GEORGE'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

As  early  as  1820  the  Dominican  Fathers,  who  at  that  time 
had  pastoral  charge  of  Dungannon,  made  an  effort  to  build  a 
church  at  New  Lisbon  (by  act  of  Legislature,  named  Lisbon,  in 
1894),  the  county  seat  of  Columbiana  county.  Owing  to  the  small 
number  and  poverty  of  those  interested  in  the  proposed  church, 
and  the  deep-seated  prejudice  of  the  non-Catholic  population  of 
the  town,  who  refused  to  give  any  assistance  to  their  Catholic 
fellow  citizens,  the  project  failed.  A  number  of  Catholics, 
prompted  by  human  respect,  abandoned  the  Church,  wdiilst  others 
became  lukewarm  and  indiiTerent  to  their  religious  practices.     The 


486  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

few  who  remained  true  to  the  Faith  had  their  spiritual  interests 
looked  after  by  the  priests  in  charge  of  Dnngannon.  These 
visited  Lisbon  monthly,  or  thereabouts,  and  gathered  their 
despised  little  flock  for  Divine  service  in  a  large  room  used  by 
the  Town  Council  of  Lisbon.  But  as  the  colored  Methodists  also 
had  the  use  of  the  same  room  in  their  turn  the  Catholics  refused 
to  go  to  Mass  in  the  same  place.  The  attending  priests  were 
obliged  to  arrange  for  the  celebration  of  Mass  in  private  houses, 
and  for  a  time  also  in  a  vacant  room  in  the  county  jail !  Another 
attempt  to  build  a  church  was  made  in  1835*  but,  for  reasons 
similar  to  those  above  stated,  it  ended  again  in  failure  as  did 
also  a  third,  during  the  time  Father  Vattman  was  in  charge. 
Finally,  in  1887,  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Vogt,  of 
Dungannon,  a  fourth  effort  in  this  direction  proved  successful. 
Father  Vogt  realized  that  the  Catholics  of  the  town  would  not  be 
able  to  build  the  much  needed  church,  w'ithout  assistance;  hence 
he  appealed  not  only  to  Catholics  elsewhere  in  the  diocese,  but 
also  to  the  Protestants  of  Lisbon,  whose  good  will  he  had  gained 
by  his  zeal  in  the  cause  of  religion,  and  his  uniform  kindness  to 
all  in  the  town. 

The  old  spirit  of  antipathy  for  everything  Catholic  had  also 
gradually  died  out,  and  prepared  the  way  for  success.  The  appeal 
met  with  a  generous  response  in  Lisbon  as  well  as  in  many  parts 
of  the  diocese,  priests  and  parishes  contributing  liberal  sums. 
One  of  the  generous  contributors  to  the  building  fund  was  Mrs.  A. 
Easier,  of  Pittsburg;  she  gave  $200.  October  11,  1886.  Father 
Vogt  bought  two  lots,  fronting  on  Chestnut  street;  they  cost 
$600.  On  one  of  the  lots  he  built  in  the  following  year  a 
neat  brick  church,  30  x  50  feet,  at  a  cost  of  $2,500.  Before  its 
interior  could  be  completed  Father  Vogt  was  transferred,  in 
January,  1888,  to  New  Washington.  His  successor  at  Dungan- 
non and  Lisbon  was  the  Rev.  E.  F.  Rohan,  under  whose  direc- 
tion the  church  was  plastered  and  provided  with  stained  glass 
windows.  In  a  short  time  the  handsome  little  edifice  was  ready 
for  Divine  service.  Its  dedication  did  not  take  place  however^ 
until  July  17,  1894,  Bishop  Horstmann  performing  the  ceremony. 
In  1895  the  Rev.  J.  Baumgartner,  then  in  charge,  had  the  seat- 

*CathoHc  Telegraph,  September  4,  1835. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  487 

mg  capacity  of  the  church  enlari^ed  by  the  erection  of  a  gallery, 
in  order  to  properly  accommodate  the  increasing  membership 
of  the  Mission.  Two  years  later  the  present  sacristy  was  added. 
In  1899  the  Rev.  A.  Andlauer  purchased  a  fine  bell;  its  sweet 
notes  were  heard  from  the  belfry  for  the  first  time  on  Christmas 
morning  of  that  year. 

With  the  exception  of  about  one  year  (1890-1*)  the  Mission 
of  Lisbon  has  been  attended  from  Dungannon.  Father  Andlauer, 
the  present  pastor,  has  had  charge  of  it  since  September,  1898,  hia 
visits  being  semi-monthly.  An  excellent  spirit  prevails  in  the 
Mission,  now  numbering  about  30  families.  The  Protestants  of 
Lisbon  show  the  kindliest  feeling  towards  their  Catholic  fellow- 
citizens,  and  there  is  no  longer  any  trace  of  bigotry. 

Mr.  Jacob  Monti,  an  Italian  member  of  the  Mission,  was 
its  most  generous  benefactor.  He  was  at  all  times  to  the  forefront 
in  any  movement  tending  to  promote  its  temporal  interests.  His 
widow  recently  donated  to  the  Mission  a  fine  lot  and  house,  to 
serve  as  a  residence  for  the  hoped-for  resident  pastor. 


LIVERPOOL,  MEDINA  COUNTY. 

ST.  MARTIN'S  CHURCH. 

The  congregation  of  St.  Martin,  Liverpool,  composed  of 
German  farmers,  built  its  first  place  of  worship,  a  primitive  small 
log  church,  or  chapel,  in  1842,  and  was  attended  from  Cleveland, 
at  long  and  irregular  intervals,  until  1844.  It  w^as  then  placed 
in  charge  of  Sanguinist  Fathers  until  1862.  The  Rev.  P.  A. 
Capeder  was  the  first  resident  pastor — 1844  to  185(5.  From  Liver- 
pool he  also  attended  a  number  of  Missions.  He  was  succeeded 
by  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Albrecht  (1856-59)  and  by  the  Rev.  J.  Van  den 
Broek  (1859-61).  Since  then  the  following  secular  priests  have 
had  pastoral  charge  of  Liverpool,  viz :  the  Revs.  J.  Dolweck 
(1862-64),  G.  Peter  (1864  to  January,  1865),  H.  L.  Thiele  (Jan- 
uary to  June,  1865) ;  H.  Behrens  (1866-67) ;  H.  D.  Best  (1868-70)  ; 
G.  Rudolph  (1871-72);  S.  Rebholz  (December,  1872,  to  March, 
1885);  N.  Kirch  (March  to  October,  1885);  J.  Thein  (November. 
1885,  to  February,  1892);  J.  Romer  (February,  1892,  to  January, 

♦Attended  from  Summitville. 


488  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

1893);  W.  Miiller  (January  to  June,  1893);  C.  Settele  (June,  1893. 
to  June,  1897) ;  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Braeunig, 
since  June,  1897. 

By  the  year  1849  the  log-  church  had  become  too  small  to 
accommodate  all  the  faithful,  some  of  whom  had  formerly 
belonged  to  the  Mission  of  Abbeyville.  Hence  the  question  of 
building  a  larger  and  better  church  was  discussed.  The  former 
Abbeyville  members  disagreed  with  those  of  Liverpool  as  to 
the  site  for  the  proposed  church.  In  consequence  of  this  they 
returned  to  their  former  Mission  church,  whilst  the  remaining 
members,  under  the  direction  of  Father  Capeder,  built  a  brick 
church  in  1849  on  the  site  of  the  present  edifice;  it  was  40  feet 
wide  and  60  feet  long.  The  Abbeyville  Mission  soon  decreased  in 
numbers,  whilst  St.  Martin's  congregation  steadily  grew.  The 
Abbeyville  Mission  was  finally  abandoned  in  1859  and  its  families 
again  identified  themselves  with  Liverpool.  This  necessitated  the 
erection  of  a  larger  church  than  the  second,  built  in  1849.  The 
result  of  this  move  was  the  present  (third)  brick  church,  50  by  120 
feet.  It  was  built  in  1861,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  John 
Van  den  Broek  and  was  dedicated  in  the  following  year.  Its 
exterior  is  plain  but  neat  and  its  interior  ranks  with  that  of  the 
best  furnished  country  churches  in  the  diocese.  It  cost  about 
?30,000.  In  1881  Father  Rebholz  bought  the  present  fine  organ 
at  an  expense  of  nearly  $2,700.  He  also  procured  a  complete  out- 
fit of  vestments,  ornaments  and  sacred  vessels  that  for  costliness 
and  beauty  rivalled  at  that  time  the  best  appointed  city  churches. 

In  1894  the  present  neat  pastoral  residence,  a  frame  building, 
was  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  $2,000.  It  replaced  the  small 
one,  built  in  Father  Capeder's  time. 

The  present  school  was  organized  in  1858,  during  the  pastor- 
ate of  Father  Albrecht.  The  church,  built  in  1849,  has  been  used 
for  that  purpose  since  1861.  It  was  in  charge  of  lay  teachers 
until  1877.  It  was  then  taught  by  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame 
until  1885,  when  lay  teachers  succeeded  them.  From  1891  to 
3  892  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary  were  in  charge.  For 
three  years  (1894-97)  it  was  again  conducted  by  lay  teachers. 
Since  1897  two  Dominican  Sisters  have  had  charee. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  489 

In  1875,  and  again  in  1884,  considerable  dissension  reigned 
in  the  parish.  Now,  however,  and  for  many  years  past,  St. 
Martin's  may  justly  be  called  a  model  congregation.  Its  fine 
property  is  in  excellent  condition  and  is  not  burdened  with  any 
debt.    The  parish  numbers  at  present  about  90  families. 

Among  the  oldest  Catholic  settlers  of  Liverpool,  and  of  those 
who  contributed  generously  at  all  times,  the  following  deserve 
special  mention  :  The  Bihn  and  Kramer  families,  J.  and  M.  Acker, 
N.  Grabenstaetter,  A.  Echle,  P.  Weigel,  W.  Armbruster  and 
Joseph  Huttinger. 


LORAIN,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOHN  THE  BAPTIST'S  CHURCH. 
Until  1874  the  present  thriving  and  busy  town  of  Lorain  was 
known  as  Black  River.  In  1836  it  was  incorporated  as  Charles- 
ton. Owing  to  its  location,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Black  River,  with 
one  of  the  best  harbors  on  Lake  Erie,  it  soon  grew  into  importance 
as  a  shipping  point  for  grain.  However,  in  the  early  "fifties," 
when  the  Cleveland  and  Toledo  (now  the  "Lake  Shore")  and 
other  railroads  were  opened  the  place  fell  into  ruin.  About  1885 
it  began  to  regain  its  long  lost  prestige,  and  since  then  has  had  a 
phenomenal  growth  in  population,  attracted  thither  by  its  large 
steel  works  and  other  cognate  industries.  This  population 
included  also  many  Catholics  of  various  nationalities.  Prior  to 
1874,  Lorain  (Black  River)  had  only  a  small  Catholic  contingent 
of  Irish  and  Germans,  who  formed  the  first  parish,  known  as  St. 

Mary's. 

St.  John's  parish,  of  which  this  sketch  treats,  is  the  fourth 
and  most  recently  organized  at  Lorain.  It  is  composed  of  the 
English  and  German  speaking  Catholics  settled  in  South  Lorain, 
near  the  "Steel  Plant,"  one  of  the  largest  of  its  kind  in  this  country. 
In  October,  1899,  the  Rev.  Charles  Reichlin,  pastor  of  St. 
Joseph's  Church,  Lorain,  was  commissioned  by  Bishop  Horst- 
mann  to  secure  a  site  for  a  church,  school  and  pastoral  residence, 
in  some  desirable  locality  near  the  "Steel  Plant."  This  he  did 
by  purchasing  five  choice  and  well  located  lots,  covering  an  area 
of  200  bv  200  feet,  fronting  on  13th  Avenue  and  Globe  street;  the 


490  A   HISTORY    OF  CATHOLICITY 

purchase  price  was  $2,400.  Father  Reichlin  also  had  charge  of  the 
preliminary  work  in  connection  with  building  the  foundation 
of  the  present  combination  church  and  school,  a  two-story  frame 
building,  40  x  80  feet,  facing  13th  Avenue.  The  cornerstone 
was  blessed  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on  Sunday,  Septem- 
ber 9,  1900.  A  few  weeks  later,  September  30,  the  Rev.  T.  F. 
McGuire  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor.  Under  his  direc- 
tion the  building  was  pushed  to  completion  at  a  cost  of  about 
$6,000.  The  upper  story  serves  as  a  temporary  church  and  the 
lower  will  be  fitted  up  in  the  near  future  as  a  school.  Mass  was 
celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time  on  December  8,  1900. 

The  present  membership  of  the  parish,  which  is  placed  under 
the  patronage  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  is  about  sixty-five  families. 
The  prospects  at  this  time  are  fairly  good  for  a  large  increase  in 
the  Catholic  population  of  South  Lorain. 


LORAIN,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 
ST.   JOSEPH'S    CHURCH. 

St.  Joseph's  parish,  composed  of  Germans,  was  organized, 
by  the  Rev.  Charles  Reichlin,  the  present  pastor,  on  January  5, 
1896.  The  first  services  were  held  in  the  Chapel  of  St.  Joseph's 
Hospital.  There  also,  in  a  short  time,  a  part  of  the  basement  was 
fitted  up  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship  for  the  new  congregation, 
and  thus  used  until  February,  1897.  After  a  number  of  meetings 
a  large  majority  of  the  congregation  favored  the  erection  of  a 
combination  church  and  school,  to  be  built  of  brick.  Four  lots, 
with  a  neat  frame  house  on  one  of  them,  were  bought  at  the  inter- 
section of  Reid  street  and  Eighth  avenue ;  they  cost  $3,200.  The 
building  was  commenced  in  the  latter  part  of  June,  1896,  and  the 
cornerstone  was  laid  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on  August  30, 
following.  Owing  to  want  of  room  in  the  Hospital  basement  the 
new  temporary  church  had  to  be  used  before  the  completion  of 
the  interior.  Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time  on  Febru- 
ary 14,  1897.  Meanwhile  the  most  necessary  outfit  for  divine  wor- 
ship was  secured.  This  included  also  the  old  altar  and  pews  of  the 
church  at  French  Creek,  which  were  donated  by  the  congrega- 
tion of  that  place.    The  handsome  and  well  appointed  edifice  was 


ST.     JOSEPHS    cmiirH    ANU    PASTORAL    RESIDENCE,    LORAIN. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  491 

dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  Sunday,  May  9,  1897.  The 
structure  is  a  massive  brick  building'  with  tasty  stone  trimmings. 
It  is  94  feet  long  and  53  feet  wide.  The  two  wings,  10  feet  wide, 
are  used  as  side  entrances.  The  basement  is  9  feet  high;  the  four 
school  rooms  on  the  first  floor  are  each  24  x  34  feet,  and  the 
auditorium,  or  temporary  church,  on  the  second  floor,  has  a  seat- 
ing capacity  for  500  people.  Its  height  in  the  center  is  27  feet, 
affording  ample  space  for  an  organ  loft.  The  fine  bell  now  in  use 
was  blessed  by  the  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck  on  Sunday,  February 
12,  1899.  In  the  summer  of  1898  the  auditorium  was  neatly 
frescoed,  and  a  few  months  later  the  old  but  excellent  organ  of 
St.  Mary's  church,  Sandusky,  also  a  donation,  was  put  in  place. 

In  1899  the  above  mentioned  pews  were  replaced  by  new 
ones,  at  a  cost  of  about  $700,  and  in  the  following  year  ornate  gas 
fixtures  and  reflectors  were  added  to  the  embellishment  of  the 
interior. 

The  value  of  the  church  property,  at  a  fair  estimate,  is  about 
$28,000,  with  but  a  comparatively  small  debt  remaining.  This 
is  a  record  of  which  the  pastor  and  his  generous  people  may  justly 
be  proud. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  simultaneously  with  the 
parish.  In  January.  1896,  two  rooms  were  rented  for  the  purpose 
and  two  Sisters  of  St.  Francis,  from  Tiffin,  were  installed  as 
teachers.  Forty  children  were  in  attendance  when  the  school  was 
opened,  and  before  the  end  of  June,  one  hundred  pupils  were 
enrolled.  An  excellent  spirit  pervades  the  parish.  It  numbers 
now  about  125  families,  and  has  a  bright,  promising  future. 


LORAIN,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 
Humble  indeed  was  the  beginning  of  the  present  flourishing 
parish  of  St.  Mary's,  Lorain,  (formerly  known  as  Black  River) 
and  its  history  covers  a  comparatively  brief  period.  In  1873  the 
Rev.  L.  Molon,  of  Elyria,  was  commissioned  to  look  after  the 
spiritual  interests  of  the  few  Catholic  families  living  there.  For 
several  years,  until  January,  1878,  he  visited  them  monthly  on 
week  days  and  said  Mass  in  private  houses.     His  successor,  the 


492  A   HISTORY   OF    CATHOLICITY 

Rev.  Joeph  Romer,  pastor  of  North  Amherst,  was  appointed  in 
February,  18Y8.  He  held  services  in  the  residence  of  Peter  Miiller. 
Father  Romer  secured  a  lot  by  land  contract,  in  the  spring  of  that 
year  and  built  on  it  a  small  frame  church — the  first  in  Lorain — at 
a  cost  of  $600.  The  lot  was  deeded  when  it  was  paid  for,  in  May, 
1881.  Services  were  held  in  the  little  church  for  the  first  time,  in 
March,  1879.  The  Mission  then  comprised  about  thirty  families, 
most  of  them  poor,  and  dependent  on  the  most  ordinary  labor 
for  their  support.  They  were  generously  assisted  in  building 
their  house  of  worship  by  the  Catholics  of  Elyria,  French  Creek, 
Sheffield  and  Avon ;  also  by  their  Protestant  fellow  citizens  of  the 
village.  The  church  was  dedicated  to  "St.  Mary  of  the  Lake,"  on 
Ascension  Day,  May  6,  1880.  Within  three  years  the  Mission  had 
outgrown  its  church,  hence  Father  Romer  was  obliged  to  build 
another  and  larger  (frame)  structure,  which  he  did  in  1883 ;  its 
length  was  80  feet  and  its  width,  40  feet. 

St.  Mary's  had  now  passed  the  grade  of  a  Mission  and  the 
people  petitioned  Bishop  Gilmour  for  a  resident  pastor,  whom  they 
were  willing  and  able  to  support.  In  July,  1884,  their  petition  was 
granted  by  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Joseph  Eyler.  Within 
the  next  three  years  he  bought  three  additional  lots,  two  of  them 
to  serve  as  a  site  for  the  parish  school.  The  parish  now  owns 
five  lots,  in  a  very  desirable  part  of  Lorain,  and  bounded  by  First 
Avenue,  Chestnut  and  Reid  streets. 

In  1885  the  old  church  was  fitted  up  as  a  school,  and  placed  in 
charge  of  a  lay  teacher.  In  1886  a  second  teacher  was  engaged 
and  the  enrollment  was  127  pupils.  Two  Sisters  of  the  Sacred 
Heart  of  Mary  conducted  the  school  for  one  year — until  June, 
1888,  when  they  were  succeeded  by  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis, 
from  Tiffin,  who  have  been  in  charge  since  then.  In  the  summer 
and  fall  of  1888  the  present  two-story  brick  school  (50  x  74  feet) 
was  built ;  with  its  furnishings  it  cost  about  $10,000. 

Father  Eyler  was  succeeded  in  April,  1888,  by  the  Rev. 
Wimar  Miiller.  He  built  the  present  pastoral  residence ;  also  the 
school  above  mentioned,  and  renovated  the  interior  of  the  church. 
In  January,  1893,  Father  Eyler  was  reappointed  pastor  of  St. 
Mary's.  Again  the  church,  built  ten  years  before,  had  become 
too  small.     It  was  therefore  determined  by  the  pastor  and  the 


ST.    MARY'S    CHURCH,    LORAIN. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  498 

majority  of  the  parish  to  build  another  and  larger  church,  of  brick. 
On  June  5,  1895,  the  frame  church  was  burnt  to  the  ground; 
whether  the  fire  was  the  work  of  an  incendiary  or  accidental,  har. 
never  been  discovered.  In  consequence  of  this  disaster  the 
problem  of  the  proposed  new  church  had  to  be  faced  at  once. 
Meanwhile  the  lower  story  of  the  school  building  was  made  to 
serve  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship. 

Up  to  this  time  St.  Mary's  congregation  was  composed  of 
Irish,  Germans  and  a  few  Poles.  The  Germans  had  for  some 
time  expressed  a  wish  to  build  their  own  church,  and  took  this 
opportunity  to  put  into  effect  their  desire,  which  they  did.  as 
stated  in  the  preceding  sketch,  of  St.  Joseph's  parish. 

The  English  speaking  portion  of  St.  Mary's  and  about  50 
German  families,  who  remained  with  the  parish,  shouldered  the 
burden  of  erecting  a  church  for  themselves.  Plans  were  accord- 
ingly drawn  for  a  brick  structure,  of  Romanesque  architecture. 
Within  a  few  weeks  after  the  fire,  above  mentioned,  the  founda- 
tion for  the  new  church  was  commenced.  The  cornerstone  was 
blessed  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Bofif,  V.  G..  on  Sunday,  October  6.  1895. 
The  ceremony  was  witnessed  by  a  large  concourse  of  people,  many 
of  whom  stood  on  the  improvised  floor,  covering  the  foundation. 
While  the  ceremony  was  being  performed  a  crash  was  heard ;  the 
floor  had  given  way !  Without  a  moment's  warning,  men.  women 
and  children  were  plunged  into  the  basement,  amid  the  broken 
timbers  of  the  floor  and  pinned  there  beneath  a  pile  of  lumber 
and  debris.  It  was  an  awful  interruption  to  the  sacred  exercises, 
and  the  air  was  pierced  with  the  cries  of  anguish  of  the  unfortunate 
victims,  many  of  whom  sustained  serious  injuries.  These  were 
taken  to  the  school  which  was  close  at  hand  and  tenderly  cared 
for  by  the  Franciscan  Sisters,  until  the  arrival  of  the  physicians  and 
surgeons  who  had  been  summoned  to  the  scene  of  the  disaster. 
After  the  injured  had  received  all  the  aid  that  medical  and  surgical 
skill  could  give  them,  the  ceremony  was  continued  and  finished. 

In  1896  the  handsome  church  was  enclosed  and  plastered,  and 
by  April  of  1897  it  was  finished.  The  dedication  took  place  on 
Sunday,  May  23,  of  that  year,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann 
performing  the  ceremony. 


494  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

The  slate-roofed  brick  church  is  of  Italian  Renaissance  archi- 
tecture, and  is  ornamented  with  stone  trimmings.  Its  interior 
is  elaborately  finished  in  stucco  work ;  it  has  fluted  pillars  with 
ornate  capitals,  bases  and  pedestals,  each  pillar  having  a  niche  for 
statuary.  The  sanctuary  is  semi-circular  in  form,  and  the  nave  and 
transept  have  each  a  vaulted  ceiling.  The  church  is  the  finest 
building  in  Lorain.  Its  length  is  130  feet,  its  width  across  the 
transept  is  75  feet  and  cost  about  $35,000.  It  is  a  credit  to  the 
pastor  and  his  generous  people,  and  is  worthy  to  be  ranked  with 
the  grand  galaxy  of  churches  that  fill  the  diocese  of  Cleveland. 
The  debt  remaining  is  comparatively  small  and  will  soon  be  can- 
celled. 

About  240  families  belong  to  the  parish. 

LORAIN,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 
NATIVITY  B.  V.  M.   (POLISH)  CHURCH. 

About  1895  Catholic  Poles  began  to  settle  at  Lorain,  where 
the  docks  and  rolling  mills  gave  them  employment,  and  their 
number  steadily  increased.  For  nearly  three  years  they  attended 
Mass,  if  at  all,  in  St.  Mary's  church,  but  as  most  of  them  under- 
stood only  their  native  language  they  were  without  proper  instruc- 
tion. Repeatedly  they  petitioned  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  for  a  priest 
who  could  speak  Polish,  but  he  had  none  at  his  disposal  until 
January,  1898,  when  he  sent  the  Rev.  Adolph  Swierczynski  as  their 
first  resident  pastor.  He  secured  a  room  in  St.  Mary's  school 
at  once,  and  had  it  fitted  up  as  a  temporary  place  of  wor- 
ship. Divine  service  was  held  every  alternate  Sunday.  As  the 
same  priest  had  to  attend  the  Polish  Mission  at  Grafton  he  divided 
the  Sundays  equally  between  the  two  congregations.  Father 
Swierczynski  was  succeeded  in  June,  1898,  by  the  present  pastor, 
the  Rev.  Charles  S.  Ruszkowski.  As  the  school  room  had  become 
too  small  he  secured  the  use  of  the  basement  chapel  of  St.  Joseph's 
Hospital  in  October  of  the  same  year.  In  September,  1898,  he 
bought  five  lots  at  the  corner  of  Park  street  and  Eighth  avenue  to 
serve  as  a  site  for  church,  school  and  pastoral  residence;  another 
lot  was  bought  in  November,  1899,  making  the  total  church 
property  consist  of  six  well  located  lots;  they  cost  $1,850. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  495 

Meanwhile  plans  were  drawn  for  a  two-story  combination 
frame  church  and  school.  Tlie  excavation  was  begun  on  July  5, 
1899,  and  the  foundation  was  blessed  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on 
August  27,  following.  The  building  was  finished  in  April,  1900, 
and  dedicated  to  the  Blessed  Virgin,  under  the  title  of  her  Nativity, 
on  September  9,  of  the  same  year,  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G.,  per- 
forming the  ceremony.  The  building  fronts  on  Park  street  and 
cost  about  $10,000.  Its  upper  story  contains  the  temporary 
church,  with  a  seating  capacity  for  600  persons  and  the  lower 
story  is  divided  into  two  school  rooms,  and  living  apartments 
for  teaching  Sisters  to  be  engaged  in  the  near  future.  In  Septem- 
ber, 1900,  the  parish  school  was  opened  with  an  attendance  of 
sixty-five  pupils,  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher. 

LOUDONVILLE,  ASHLAND  COUNTY. 
ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH. 
For  a  few  years  prior  to  1869  Loudonville  was  attended  from 
Wooster  as  a  Station.  It  was  then  assigned  to  Mansfield,  whose 
pastor  the  Rev.  A.  Magenhann  had  charge  of  it  as  a  Station  and 
Mission  until  September,  1872.  In  the  spring  of  1870  Father 
Magenhann  secured  the  site  for  the  present  brick  church,  the  erec- 
tion of  which  was  commenced  about  that  time.  The  cornerstone 
was  laid  June  25,  1870,  but  the  church  was  not  brought  to  comple- 
tion until  about  two  years  later.  Prior  to  this  time  Mass  was 
always  said  in  the  house  of  Mr.  John  Juncker.  The  church  is  40 
feet  wide  and  70  feet  long,  and  cost  about  $12,000,  exclusive  of 
furnishings. 

The  Rev.  Nicholas  Schmitz  was  appointed  the  first  resident 
pastor  of  Loudonville,  in  September,  1872.  He  finished  the  inter- 
ior of  the  church,  which  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour. 
October  21,  1880.  Meanwhile  he  also  purchased  land  for  a  ceme- 
tery, a  large  brick  house  and  a  spacious  lot,  for  a  future  school  two 
fme 'bells,  and  built  a  frame  pastoral  residence.  On  the  day  the 
church  was  dedicated  there  was  but  a  comparatively  small  debt  on 
the  excellent  property.  This  was  due  not  only  to  the  generosity  of 
the  little  parish,  but  also  to  that  of  the  pastor  who  had  given 
largely  of  his  own  means  to  bring  about  this  happy  result.    Father 


49G  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

Schmitz  labored  zealously  and  successfully  at  Loudon ville  until 
his  appointment  to  the  pastorate  of  St.  Joseph's,  Monroeville,  in 
May,  1885.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  Joseph  Sproll.  He  had 
the  church  frescoed  and  the  pastoral  residence  renovated.  In 
1898  the  present  side  altars  were  placed  in  the  sanctuary,  and  the 
church  was  re-roofed.  About  this  time  also  he  had  the  above 
mentioned  brick  house  refitted  for  his  residence,  as  the  original 
idea,  to  use  it  for  a  school,  had  to  be  abandoned,  because  there 
were  not  enough  children  to  warrant  the  expense  of  engaging  a 
teacher,  the  parish  having  steadily  decreased  in  numbers. 

The  following  priests  have  had  pastoral  charge  of  Loudon- 
ville  since  Father  Sproll's  removal,  in  December,  1899,  viz.,  the 
Revs.  Thomas  M.  Kolb,  until  June,  1900 ;  F.  J.  Pfyl,  June-July, 
1900,  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  H.  E.  Boesken,  since 
July  28,  1900.  The  parish,  which  now  numbers  but  26  families, 
has  no  prospective  growth.  It  has  always  shown  an  excellent 
spirit  and  has  ever  been  most  generous  in  its  support  of  the  church. 

LOUISVILLE,  STARK  COUNTY.* 

ST.    LOUIS'    CHURCH. 

The  first  Catholic  settlers  in  that  part  of  Stark  county  in 
which  is  situated  the  village  of  Louisville  ^formerly  known  as 
Beechland),  were  the  families  of  John  and  Edward  Carroll,  distant 
relatives  of  Archbishop  Carroll,  of  Baltimore.  They  came  from 
Maryland  in  1818,  but  remained  only  a  few  years,  when  they 
I'noved  to  what  was  then  the  Territory  of  Illinois.  In  1822  Patrick, 
Richard  and  Thomas  MofTfit,  and  Henry  Devinny,  came  from 
Ireland  and  settled  with  their  families  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  the  present  village  of  Louisville.  Thev  were  identified  with 
St.  John's  parish,  Canton,  whose  first  church  they  helped  to  build. 
In  1826  Theobald  Frantz,  a  native  of  the  Province  of  Alsace,  was 
the  next  Catholic  to  seek  a  home  in  this  section  of  Stark  county. 
He  was  soon  followed  by  six  of  his  countrymen  and  their  families. 
viz.,  Louis  Goury,  Joseph  Bader,  J.  B.  Monnier,  Peter  Guenin. 
Joseph  Menegay  and  Charles  Girardot.  They  were  the  pioneers 
and   founders   of  the   parish   of  St.    Louis.      The   territory   now 

*See  pages  27,  32,  45,  this  volume. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  497 

occupied  by  Louisville  was  covered  with  a  dense  forest.  The 
above  named  pioneers  set  to  work  immediately  to  clear  a  ])ortion 
of  land  and  build  log  cabins  for  their  temporary  homes.  Their 
means  were  slender;  hardshi]:)s  and  want  were  their  lot  for  a  time. 
But  full  of  hope  and  strong  in  faith  they  cheerfully  endured  ])riva- 
tions,  looking  forward  to  better  days.  Love  for  their  Church 
prompted  them  to  attend  divine  service  at  Canton,  six  to  eight 
miles  distant,  according  to  the  location  of  their  homes,  as  regularly 
as  the  weather  and  roads  permitted.  They  were  also  visited  from 
time  to  time  by  the  respective  pastors  of  Canton,  each  of  whom 
said  Mass  in  private  houses  until  183G.  The  first  priest  to  visit 
them  was  the  Very  Rev.  John  A.  Hill,  pastor  of  St.  John's,  Can- 
ton, between  1824  and  1828.  The  Rev.  John  G.  Alleman,  also  of 
Canton,  built  the  first  church  at  Louisville,  on  a  parcel  of  land 
donated  for  that  purpose  by  a  Protestant,  named  Henry  Lautzen- 
heiser.  The  church  was  a  small  brick  structure,  '30  x  40  feet,  and 
of  plainest  design.  For  lack  of  means  its  interior  was  not  com- 
pleted until  about  1841,  although  the  church  was  used  mean- 
while for  divine  service. 

The  Rev.  Matthias  Wiirz  was  a])pointed  the  first  resident 
pastor,  in  February,  1838.  In  October,  1840,  he  was  succeeded 
by  the  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand.  who  found  the  church 
unplastered,  and  a  small  cabin,  supplied  with  the  scantiest  furni- 
ture, his  future  residence.  Although  of  noble  birth,  and  reared  in  a 
luxurious  home  in  his  native  France,  he  cheerfully  bore  the  priva- 
tions of  missionary  life — as  happy  in  his  little  cabin  as  though  it 
were  a  palace.  Besides  attending  to  Louisville,  he  had  charge  also 
of  a  number  of  Stations  and  Missions  in  Stark  and  neighboring 
counties.  And  everywhere  he  w^on  the  hearts  of  his  people  by  his 
kindness,  zeal  and  self  sacrifice.  He  was  truly  a  missionary  priest, 
whose  only  aim  was  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  souls. 

Besides  embellishing  the  interior  of  the  church,  according  to 
the  limited  means  of  his  parishioners.  Father  De  Goesbriand 
had  the  church  enlarged  by  an  addition  of  40  feet.  He  also  built 
a  church  tower  in  which  he  placed  a  bell  of  moderate  size.  At 
this  time  (1840-45)  the  congregation  numbered  about  80  families, 
of  whom  half  were  of  French  birth  or  origin,  and  the  rest  Irish 
and  German.     All  were  industrious  and  successful  tillers  of  the 


498  A    HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

soil.  Poverty  and  wealth  were  unknown  among  them,  but  all 
realized  enough  from  their  farms  to  live  in  comfort.  James 
MofTfit,  an  excellent  and  generous  member  of  the  parish,  was  its 
principal  benefactor.  One  of  his  gifts  was  a  tract  of  land  compris- 
ing 45  acres,  the  income  from  which  was  to  go  to  the  support  of 
the  pastor.  , 

In  January,  1846,  Father  De  Goesbriand  was  transferred  to 
Toledo,  as  assistant  to  the  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe.  His  successors  at 
Louisville  were  the  Rev.  Peter  Peudeprat  (January,  lS46-April, 
1850);  and  Casimir  Mouret  (April-June,  1850).  L-ouisville  was 
then  attended  from  St.  John's,  Canton,  until  September,  1850, 
when  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Marechal  was  appointed  resident  pastor.  He 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Louis  F.  D'Arcy,  who,  at  his  own 
expense,  made  a  number  of  improvements  in  and  about  the  church 
property,  and  built  the  first  school,  a  small  frame  structure.  Owing 
to  ill  health  he  resigned  his  pastorate  in  May,  1854.  and  returned 
to  his  native  France.  Father  D'Arcy  came  back  to  Louisville  in 
1856;  during  his  absence  the  Rev.  August  J.  Rollinet  had  charge 
of  the  parish.  After  his  return  he  remained  till  January,  1861,  when 
he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  A.  L.  Mauclerc,  whose  stay  was  of 
short  duration — until  May  of  the  same  year.  Louisville  was  then 
attended  from  Dungannon  as  a  Mission,  until  July,  1861,  when 
the  Rev.  Louis  HofTer  was  appointed  resident  pastor. 

In  1867  Father  H offer  replaced  the  frame  school  house  by 
the  present  two-story  brick  building  (84  x  72  feet)  at  a  cost  of 
about  $5,000,  of  which  sum  Mr.  J.  Davis,  a  parishioner,  gave 
nearly  $600. 

In  the  spring  of  1869  the  foundation  for  the  present  brick 
church  was  commenced.  The  imposing  edifice  was  not  completed 
however  until  1875.  It  is  of  Gothic  architecture,  and  is  located 
on  an  elevated  spot  commanding  a  view  for  many  miles  in  every 
direction.  It  is  60  feet  wide  and  132  feet  long,  and  has  two  towers, 
each  100  feet  high.  Stained  glass  windows  and  artistic  frescoing 
make  its  interior  quite  attractive.  The  church  cost  about  $31,000, 
and  is  an  ornament  to  the  town  of  Louisville  and  a  credit  to  Father 
HofTer  as  well  as  to  his  generous  parishioners. 

By  an  ordinance  of  the  town  council  of  Louisville,  passed  in 
1889,  further  interments  were  forbidden  in  the  parish  cemetery, 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  499 

adjoining  the  church.  Father  Hoffer  therefore  secured  a  tract 
of  land,  comprising  about  six  acres  a  short  distance  from  the 
village.    He  had  it  platted  and  beautified  as  a  parish  cemetery. 

Owing  to  failing  health  and  advanced  age  Father  HofTen 
found  it  very  difficult  to  attend  to  his  parish  unaided,  and  there- 
fore asked  for  an  assistant.  The  Rev.  S.  Weber  was  appointed  as 
such  in  January,  1897.  In  May  of  the  same  year  Father  Hoffer's 
health  had  become  so  greatly  impaired  that  he  felt  himself  obliged 
to  resign  his  pastorate,  the  onerous  duties  of  which  he  had  so 
ably  and  faithfully  discharged  since  1861.  Father  Weber  was 
then  given  full  charge  of  the  parish  as  its  temporary  pastor,  until 
the  appointment  of  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  Francis 
Senner,  in  September,  1897.  Father  HofTer  did  not  enjoy  his 
respite  very  long.  After  a  painful  illness  he  died,  well  prepared, 
on  November  2,  1897.  His  remains  were  interred  in  the  new 
cemetery;  a  beautiful  granite  monument,  erected  by  his  grate- 
ful parishioners,  marks  his  grave.  A  marble  tablet  has  also  been 
placed  in  the  church  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  this  good  and 
devoted  priest. 

When  Father  Hoffer  resigned  he  sold  to  the  parish,  for  a 
nominal  sum,  just  sufficient  to  pay  his  few  debts,  the  brick  resi- 
dence he  had  built  near  the  church  and  occupied  for  some  time. 
It  was  all  he  possessed,  after  his  many  years  in  the  Ministry,  and 
was  practically  a  donation  to  the  parish  he  had  served  so  long  and 
well. 

In  the  summer  of  1898  a  new  pipe  organ  was  bought  to 
replace  the  old.  It  cost  nearly  $1,300.  In  September  of  the 
same  year  two  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary,  from  Villa  Maria, 
Pa.,  were  given  charge  of  the  parish  school  which  up  to  that  time 
had  been  taught  by  lay  teachers ;  the  change  was  much  appreciated 
by  the  congregation. 

In  the  summer  of  1900  a  brick  house,  in  the  rear  of  the  church, 
was  purchased  for  $600,  to  serve  as  a  residence  for  the  Sisters. 
With  this  latest  acquisition  St.  Louis'  parish  is  now  fully  equipped 
with  substantial  buildings  covering  all  its  needs,  and  has  no 
debt.    This  might  be  called  a  prosperous  condition  for  any  parish, 


500  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

l)ut  unfdrtiinatcly  for  Louisville,  the  absence  of  industries  of 
any  kind  forces  many  members  of  the  congregation  to  seek 
employment  elsewhere,  and  thus  its  numbers  as  well  as  the  school 
enrollment  are  steadily  diminishing-.  At  ])resent  about  120 
families  comprise  the  ])arish. 


LOWELLVILLE,    MAHONING   COUNTY. 

HOLY    ROSARY    MISSION    CHURCH. 

About  18C)7  the  l)uilding-  through  Lowellville  of  the  Ashta- 
bula and  Pittsburg  railroad  (now  a  branch  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Railway),  and  the  starting  of  a  furnace,  attracted  about  twenty 
Catholic  families  to  that  village.  The  Rev.  John  J.  Begel,  chap- 
lain of  the  Convent  at  New  Bedford  (Villa  Maria,)  Penn.,  four 
miles  distant,  was  directed  by  Bishop  Rappe  to  look  after  their 
spiritual  interests  and  to  secure  a  lot  for  a  proposed  church. 
Owing  to  the  bigotry  of  the  Protestants  in  the  village.  Father 
Begel  was  obliged  to  make  the  purchase  of  the  lot  through  a 
middle-man,  a  Catholic,  named  Roger  O'Meara,  wdio  bought  it 
in  his  own  name,  in  1868,  for  $200,  and  later  on  (in  October, 
1872)  transferred  it  to  the  Bishop.  The  foundation  for  the  church 
was  begun  in  1868,  but  owing  to  the  failure  of  the  above 
mentioned  furnace  most  of  the  Catholics  left  Lowellville.  In 
consequence  of  this  the  erection  of  the  church  had  to  be  indefi- 
nitely postponed.  In  1872  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Schaffeld,  pastor  of 
Hubbard,  was  directed  to  attend  Lowellville  as  a  Station,  which 
he  did  until  1874.  Father  Begel  was  again  commissioned  to 
take  charge  of  it.  In  1879  the  Rev.  F.  McGovern,  of  Brier 
Hill,  succeeded  Father  Begel  who  was  unable  to  properly  attend 
the  Station,  because  of  failing  health.  In  July,  1881,  the  Rev. 
N.  J.  Franche,  of  Villa  Maria,  succeeded  Father  McGovern,  and 
has  attended  Lowellville  since  that  time.  About  1882  the  village 
began  to  revive  from  its  long  period  of  financial  depression. 
This  was  brought  about  by  the  building  of  two  new  railroads  and 
the  re-opening  of  the  old  furnace,  in  consequence  of  wdiich  the 
Catholic  population  was  somewhat  increased.  Encouraged  by 
the  revival  Father  Franche  resolved  to  build  the  church,  com- 
menced in   1868.      For  this  purpose   he  began   to   collect  funds 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  601 

along  the  railroads,  in  the  furnaces  and  at  the  neighboring  stone 
quarries.  The  church  was  built  in  1884.  It  is  a  neat  brick 
structure.  20  by  56  feet.  With  altars,  pews,  etc.,  it  cost  about 
$3,600.  It  has  recently  been  frescoed  and  presents  an  attrac- 
tive appearance.  Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time  on 
Christmas  day,  1884.  It  was  dedicated  August  15,  1888,  by 
Mgr.  F.  M.  Bofif,  V.  G.  The  Mission  is  composed  of  Irish, 
Italians  and  Slavs,  and  numbers  about  25  families;  services  are 
held  twice  a  month. 


LUCKEY,  WOOD  COUNTY. 

ST.   CHARLES'   MISSION   CHURCH. 

Luckey  is  a  small  village  of  about  300  inhabitants,  and  is 
located  13  miles  south  of  Toledo,  on  the  Ohio  Central  Railroad. 
Mass  was  celebrated  there  for  the  first  time  in  1892,  in  the  log 
cabin  occupied  by  James  Powers;  the  Rev.  W.  S.  Kress,  at  that 
time  resident  pastor  of  Genoa,  was  the  celebrant.  After  his 
transfer  to  Bowling  Green,  in  the  same  year,  Luckey  was  attended 
from  Toledo,  by  the  Rev.  T.  F.  McGuire,  who  visited  the  place 
once  a  month,  on  Sunday,  and  once  a  week  on  other  days.  He 
assembled  the  faithful,  numbering  about  45  souls,  in  the  above 
mentioned  log  cabin,  where  he  said  Mass  and  administered  the 
sacraments.  In  18!)3,  for  the  sum  of  $100,  he  bought  a  small 
frame  "meeting  house,"  28  x  40  feet,  that  had  been  used  by  a 
Protestant  sect  in  the  village.  He  had  it  moved  about  one  mile, 
on  a  lot  which  had  been  donated  by  an  owner  of  some  of  the 
lime  kilns  at  Luckey,  Mr.  Thomas  Dougherty,  of  Toledo.  The 
building  was  well  constructed,  and.  after  some  necessary  changes 
were  made,  served  admirably  its  new  purpose — a  Catholic  church. 
It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Charles,  on  July  16.  1893.  From  Decem- 
ber, 1893,  until  May,  1896,  the  Mission  of  Luckey  was  attended 
by  one  of  the  Jesuit  Fathers,  of  St.  Mary's,  Toledo,  the  Rev.  G. 
Burkard.  It  was  then  attached  to  Gibsonburg,  whence  it  has 
since  been  attended  on  week  days.  Since  1897  Luckey  lost  most 
of  its  Catholic  families,  they  having  left  to  seek  employment 
elsewhere.  There  is  no  prospect  for  its  future  growth;  on  the 
contrary,  present  indications  are  that  it  will  soon  have  to  be 
abandoned  as  a  Mission. 


502  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 


McCUTCHENVILLE,  WYANDOT  COUNTY.* 
VISITATION  B.  V.  M.  MISSION  CHURCH. 

McCutchenville  was  attended  as  a  Station,  between  1831 
and  1834,  by  the  Rev.  Edmund  Quinn,  pastor  of  St.  Mary's 
church.  Tiffin,  10  miles  distant,  to  the  north.  It  was  next  attended 
from  Peru,  Huron  county,  until  1839;  again  from  St.  Mary's, 
Tiffin,  until  1847,  and  then  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  at  New 
Riegel,  (Wolf's  Creek)  until  1871. 

In  July,  1834,  William  Arnold,  a  member  of  the  Mission, 
gave  nearly  three  acres  of  land  as  a  site  for  church  and  cemetery. 
The  church,  a  small  but  neat  frame  structure,  was  not  built, 
however,  until  1837,  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  F.  X. 
Tschenhens,  of  Peru.  It  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Purcell,  June 
26,  1841.  Prior  to  1837  divine  service  was  held  in  private 
houses. 

The  little  church  was  always  an  eyesore  to  the  bigoted 
Protestant  villagers.  Finally  in  the  summer  of  1871  it  was  set 
on  fire  by  an  unknown  incendiary,  and  completely  destroyed. 
For  some  years  before  this  dastardly  act  the  once  flourishing 
Mission  had  decreased  to  a  few  families,  owing  to  the  fact  that 
many  had  sought  homes  in  the  far  West,  and  others  had  affiliated 
themselves  with  neighboring  churches  where  services  were  more 
frequently  held.  Hence,  as  had  been  correctly  planned  by 
bigotry,  the  remaining  few  Catholic  families  were  not  able  to 
rebuild  their  church,  and  no  effort  to  do  so  has  been  or  could  be 
made  since  then.  The  Mission  consequently  disappeared,  and 
the  land,  above  mentioned,  is  now  used  solely  as  a  cemetery. 


MADISON,  LAKE  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE    CONCEPTION    MISSION    CHURCH. 

Mass  was  celebrated  at  Madison  for  the  first  time,  in  1863, 
by  the  Rev.  John  Tracy,  then  resident  pastor  of  Ashtabula.  His 
visits  were  made  monthly  until  October,  1869,  and  private  houses 
served  as  assembly  places  for  the  few  Catholic  families,  resident 
in  the  village  of  Madison.     In   1868   Father  Tracy  took   up   a 

*See  pages  30,  33,  43,  this  volume. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  503 

subscription  for  a  church.  The  Protestants  of  the  place  gave 
him  considerable  assistance,  without  which  it  would  have  been 
impossible  to  build  a  church,  as  his  own  people  were  few  in  number 
and  poor  in  purse.  The  church  was  commenced  in  June,  1868, 
and  enclosed  the  same  year.  It  was  used  with  its  interior  unfin- 
ished, until  the  summer  of  1864,  as  lack  of  means  and  a  consider- 
able debt  (about  $2,000)  prevented  its  earlier  completion. 
Between  1868  and  1884  the  priests  who  had  charge  of  the  Mission 
made  repeated  efforts  towards  paying  off  the  debt,  notably  the 
Revs.  J.  C.  Desmond  and  J.  J.  Gocke.  This  was  done  by  collec- 
tions in  a  number  of  churches  in  the  diocese.  Father  Gocke  suc- 
ceeded in  reducing  the  debt  to  less  than  $200,  besides  raising 
enough  means  with  which  to  pay  for  the  completion  of  the 
interior  and  providing  suitable  church  furnishings.  The  neat  brick 
edifice  (40  x  60  feet)  was  ready  for  dedication  by  June,  1884.  The 
ceremony  was  performed  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  Sunday,  July  27, 
following,  and  w^as  witnessed  with  joy  by  the  Catholics,  and  not 
without  interest  by  the  kindly  disposed  Protestants  of  Madison. 

After  Father  Tracy  ceased  attending  Madison,  in  October, 
1869,  it  was  attached  to  Painesville  as  a  monthly  Mission,  until 
1872 ;  then  to  South  Thompson,  (and  for  a  short  time  to  Jeffer- 
son) until  June,  1898.  Since  that  time  it  has  been  attended  from 
Willoughby.    At  present  only  about  10  families  reside  at  Madison. 


MANSFIELD,  RICHLAND  COUNTY. 

ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH. 
Mansfield,  the  county  seat  of  Richland  county,  was  platted 
in  1808,  and  the  first  sale  of  town  lots  took  place  on  October  8, 
of  that  year.  Its  situation  is  beautiful  and  its  commanding  eleva- 
tion overlooks  for  miles  a  charmingly  picturesque  country. 
Catholics  began  to  settle  here  about  1834.*  At  long  intervals 
they  were  visited  by  the  resident  pastors  of  Dungannon  and  St. 
John's,  Canton.  Between  1839  and  1840,  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Mache- 
beuf,  then  stationed  at  St.  Mary's,  Tiffin,  paid  them  a  few  visits, 
as  did  also  the  Rev.  J.  McNamee,  of  the  same  place,  and  the 
Rev.  F.  X.  Tschenhens,  of  Peru.  But  not  until  1848  were  the 
Catholics  of  Mansfield  regularly  attended.     It  w^as  then  that  the 

*See  page  28,   this  volume. 


504  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

residcMit  pastors  of  Shelby  Seltlcnienl  were  coinmissicMied  to  look 
after  their  spiritual  interests,  which  they  did  until  1852,  when 
Mansfield  was  assie:ned  to  Wooster  as  a  Station.  This  arrange- 
ment continued  until  July,   18G1. 

In  July,  1849,  Bishop  Rappe  bought  a  lot  located  at  the 
corner  of  First  Ave.  and  Mulberry  street.  y\t  a  small  expense  the 
frame  Presbyterian  meeting  house  which  stood  on  the  lot  was 
transformed  into  a  church,  and  served  as  such  until  1871. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  F.  Gallagher  w^as  appointed  first  resident 
pastor  of  Mansfield,  in  July,  18()1,  with  charge  of  a  nund)er 
of  Missions  and  Stations.  The  following  priests  were  his  suc- 
cessors: The  Revs.  James  P.  Molony,  September,  18G3,  to  Nov- 
ember, 1865;  Jacol)  Kuhn,  November,  1805.  to  October,  1869; 
Andrew  Magenhann,  October,  1869,  to  January,  1898;  and  the 
present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Ferdinand  A.  Schreiber,  since  January, 
1898. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Gallagher  the  parish  cemetery 
was  bought.  Father  Molony  bought  a  lot  next  to  that  secured  in 
1849,  as  above  stated.  He  also  built  the  brick  pastoral  residence, 
now  in  use,  but  considerably  enlarged  and  modernized  by  Fathers 
Magenhann  and  Schreiber. 

In  1870  Father  Magenhann  built  a  brick  church  (52  x  125 
feet)  on  the  site  of  the  old  structure.  It  was  of  Roman  architec- 
ture, with  a  very  attractive  interior,  and  cost  about  $35,000.  In 
its  day  it  was  considered  a  very  handsome  edifice,  and  one  of  the 
best  appomted  in  that  part  of  the  diocese.  Mysteriously,  and  in  a 
manner  thus  far  unexplained,  the  church  took  fire  on  April  9,  1889, 
and  was  completely  destroyed.  Its  destruction  w^as  a  severe  blow 
to  the  pastor  and  congregation,  who  had  still  to  face  a  considerable 
debt  which  had  been  contracted  in  its  erection.  About  fifteen 
years  before  this  sad  event  Father  Magenhann  had  bought,  at  his 
own  expense,  from  the  City  of  Mansfield,  a  public  school  located 
on  two  lots  opposite  the  ill-fated  church.  The  building  was  made 
to  serve  as  a  parish  school  and  the  large  lot  as  a  playground  for 
the  children.  This  property  he  deeded  to  Bishop  Gilmour  for  the 
use  of  the  parish,  in  June,  1889,  and  built  on  it  the  present  com- 
bination church  and  school,  a  fine  two-story  brick  structure.  It 
contains  a  spacious,  well  arranged  auditorium,  and  four  school 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  505 

rooms.  It  cost  about  $20,000,  and  admirably  serves  its  double 
purpose. 

Owing  to  parish  troubles  and  ill  health  Father  Magenhann 
resigned  in  January,  1898,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  present  pastor, 
the  Rev.  F.  A.  Schreiber.  He  found  a  large  debt  incumbering  the 
parish  property.  In  a  short  time  peace  and  harmony  were  restored, 
and  the  debt  considerably  reduced.  Father  Schreiber  hopes  to 
cancel  the  entire  debt  within  a  few  years. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  in  18G8,  during  the  pastor- 
ate of  Father  Kuhn.  It  was  opened  in  a  small  frame  building 
erected  by  himself,  and  placed  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher.  A  few 
years  later  Father  Magenhann  engaged  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis, 
from  Joliet,  111.,  who  have  had  charge  of  the  school  ever  since. 
About  250  children  are  in  attendance  and  four  Sisters  are 
engaged  as  teachers.  The  parish,  composed  of  Irish,  Germans, 
and  their  descendants,  now  numbers  about  ''^00  families. 


MANTUA,  PORTAGE  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Mantua  was  first  attended  as  a  Station,  from  Holy  Rosary 
(now  Holy  Name)  church,  Cleveland,  between  1864  and  1865.  It 
was  next  attached  to  Niles,  from  1865  to  1870.  Since  then  it  has 
been  attended  monthly  from  Warren.  The  Rev.  Jacob  Kuhn  was 
the  first  priest  in  charge.  In  May,  1864,  he  bought  a  half-acre 
lot  for  a  prospective  church.  But  lack  of  means  prevented  the 
erection  of  the  church  until  1871,  during  the  pastorate  of  the 
■Rev.  E.  J.  Murphy,  then  stationed  at  Warren.  It  is  a  plain  frame, 
building,  25  x  40  feet,  and  cost  about  $1,000.  It  was  dedicated  to 
St.  Joseph,  in  1876.  In  1881  the  church  was  enlarged  by  the  addi- 
tion of  a  sacristy.  In  1891  a  tower  and  gallery  were  built,  and  in 
1900  the  interior  as  well  as  exterior  thoroughly  renovated.  The 
church  has  now  quite  an  attractive  appearance.  The  Mission  is 
composed  of  Irish  and  Italians  and  numbers  about  25  families. 


506  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 


MARBLEHEAD,  OTTAWA  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Catholics  began  to  settle  at  and  near  Marblehead  as  early  as 
1842.  They  received  spiritual  ministration  from  the  resident 
pastors  of  Holy  Angels'  church,  Sandusky,  and  St.  Ann's,  Fre- 
mont, until  186G,  when  the  Rev.  John  Koehn,  of  Port  Clinton, 
was  commissioned  by  Bishop  Rappe  to  attend  Marblehead  as  a 
Station.  In  August,  1867,  he  secured  a  lot,  50  x  100  feet,  and 
built  on  it  a  stone  church,  of  very  simple  design.  The  people 
were  however  so  poor,  and  few  in  number,  that  it  was  with  great 
difficulty  they  finally  paid  for  the  church — nearly  13  years  after 
it  had  been  built. 

Marblehead  was  attended  monthly,  from  Port  Clinton,  as  a 
Mission,  from  July,  1866,  until  January,  1892.  It  was  then  that 
ihe  Rev.  F.  J.  Hroch  was  transferred  from  Port  Clinton  and 
appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Marblehead.  This  arrange- 
ment continued  until  October,  1894,  when  the  order  was  reversed, 
Marblehead  thus  again  became  a  Mission  of  Port  Clinton,  with 
Father  Hroch  in  charge  since  that  time.  For  the  last  six  years  he 
has  attended  Marblehead  every  Sunday  and  Holyday,  a  duty  by  no 
means  easy  of  performance,  as  the  distance,  twelve  miles,  has  to  be 
covered  by  driving  across  the  country,  and  over  a  road  that  during 
the  winter  months  is  often  in  a  wretched  condition. 

The  Mission  is  composed  of  Irish,  Germans,  French,  Slovaks 
and  Hungarians,  all  dependent  on  the  local  lime  kilns  and  stone 
quarries  for  a  livelihood.  Although  a  congregation  of  nearly  100 
families  of  "divers  tongues,"  a  spirit  of  peace  and  unity  has  always 
prevailed  in  the  Mission. 

Whilst  the  Rev.  Joseph  Hoerstmann  attended  Marblehead, 
notable  improvements  and  changes  were  made.  He  discovered 
that  the  title  to  the  church  property  was  gravely  defective ;  that  in 
fact  it  was  not  held  by  the  Bishop,  although  conveyed  to  him  in 
good  faith  by  the  supposed  owner.  The  real  owner,  a  Protestant, 
however,  kindly  assured  the  Bishop  that  he  would  not  enforce  his 
ownership  until  obliged  to  extend  his  adjacent  quarry,  of  which 
the  church  lot  was  a  part.    This  gave  Father  Hoerstmann  sufficient 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  507 

time  to  secure  another  church  site,  which  he  did  in  June,  1888,  by 
purchasing,  at  a  cost  of  $600,  six  nicely  situated  lots,  at  the  inter- 
section of  Barclay  and  Perry  streets.  On  one  of  the  lots  he  built, 
in  1889,  the  present  combination  church  and  school,  a  frame 
structure,  30  x  60  feet.  It  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on 
August  4,  of  the  same  year,  and  with  altar,  pews,  etc.,  cost  about 
$2,000.  The  auditorium  was  used  as  a  school,  the  sanctuary  being 
shut  out  from  view  during  school  hours  by  sliding  doors.  The  old 
church  was  torn  down  in  December,  1891,  and  the  lot  quit-claimed 
to  its  owner.  In  October,  1886,  Father  Hoerstmann  bought  the 
land  now  used  as  a  cemetery.    It  comprises  nearly  two  acres. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  by  Father  Hoerstmann,  in 
September,  1889,  and  conducted  by  two  lay  teachers.  In  1893 
Father  Hroch  built  the  present  two-story  school  house,  a  frame 
building ;  it  was  opened  for  use  on  December  14,  of  that  year.  If 
cost  $2,000,  and  contains  two  large  school  rooms.  In  the  rear  are 
the  living  apartments  for  the  two  Dominican  Sisters,  who  have 
had  charge  of  the  schools  since  September,  1894. 

In  1900  a  well  arranged  house  was  built  of  stone,  at  a  cost 
of  nearly  $2,400,  to  serve  as  a  home  for  the  resident  pastor,  whose 
appointment  is  earnestly  hoped  for  by  the  Catholics  of  Marble- 
head,  but  which  thus  far  had  to  be  deferred,  owing  to  lack  of 
priests. 


MARSHALLVILLE,  WAYNE  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Marshallville,  formerly  known  as  Bristol,  is  one  of  the  oldest 
Catholic  settlements  in  the  diocese,  its  history  as  such  dating 
back  to  the  early  twenties,  when  the  few  Catholic  families  were 
first  visited  by  the  Dominican  Fathers  in  charge  of  Dungannon 
and  Canton.  From  about  1830,  until  1858  the  resident  pastors  of 
St.  John's,  Canton,  Louisville,  Doylestown  (Chippewa),  Wooster 
and  Massillion  attended  Marshallville  as  a  Station,  saying  Mass 
in  private  houses,  a  good  part  of  the  time  in  the  residence  of  Mr. 
Joseph  Rech. 

The  present  church,  a  frame  structure,  38  x  60  feet,  was  com- 
menced by  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Luhr,  of  Canton,  in  1848,  and  finished 


508  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

in  Julv.  184!».     It  is  still  in  good  condition  and  stands  on  a  one-acre 
lot.  part  of  which  is  used  as  a  cemetery. 

The  Mission  had  about  40  families  in  1849.  This  number  had 
decreased  to  less  than  half  by  1860.  Coal  having  been  discovered 
in  the  immediate  neighborhood,  about  ISGT),  the  Catholic  popula- 
tion increased  to  about  60  families,  as  employment  was  afforded 
by  the  opening  of  the  coal  banks.  These  are  now  nearly  exhausted 
and  in  consequence  the  Mission  has  also  greatly  decreased,  and  at 
present  numbers  only  about  15  families.  Marshallville  has  been 
attended  from  Canal  Fulton,  since  1858. 


MASSILLON,  STARK   COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

Prior  to  1854  all  the  Catholics  at  Massillon  were  identified 
with  St.  Mary's  church.  The  congregation  was  made  up  of  Ger- 
mans and  Irish,  and  the  thought  of  a  division  of  the  parish  on 
national  lines  was  under  consideration  for  several  years.  The 
English  speaking  members  were  desirous  of  the  change.  Nothing 
Avas  done,  however,  in  that  respect  until  1854.  In  December, 
1852,  St.  Mar\''s  church,  a  stone  edifice,  was  set  on  fire,  only  a 
portion  of  the  walls  remaining.  Pending  the  erection  of  a  new' 
church,  a  public  hall  in  the  "Stone  Block"  was  rented  by  the 
congregation  and  divine  service  held  in  it  for  about  one  year. 
Meanwhile  the  English  speaking  members  were  permitted  by 
Bishop  Rappe  to  form  a  separate  congregation.  The  Rev.  Louis 
Molon,  pastor  of  St.  Mary's  congregation,  bought  three  lots  on 
South  street,  in  the  summer  of  1853,  as  a  site  for  the  prospective 
church  and  school.  The  Rev.  A.  Campion,  of  St.  John's  church. 
Canton,  was  directed  by  Bishop  Rappe  to  commence  the  church 
during  the  fall  of  1853.  He  also  attended  the  English  speaking 
Catholics  of  Massillon  about  six  months  during  the  same  year, 
separate  services  being  held  in  the  above  mentioned  hall.  The 
church,  a  plain  brick  structure,  45  by  60  feet,  was  completed  in 
the  spring  of  the  following  year,  under  the  direction  of  Father 
Molon,  and  dedicated  by  Bishop  Rappe,  to  St.  Joseph.  Father 
Molon  attended  St.  Joseph's  from  St.  Mary's  church,  Massillon, 
from  July  until  December,  1854.     The  Rev.  Bernard  Carragher, 


ST.    JOSEPH'S    CHURCH,     MASSILLON. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  509 

of  St.  John'.s,  Canton,  was  then  g-iven  char^^e  of  the  Mission,  and 
attended  it  until  April,  1857,  when  St.  Joseph's  was  again  made  a 
Mission  of  St.  Mary's,  Massillon,  with  the  Rev.  Joseph  Lais  in 
charge,  until  February,  1858.  Father  Lais  found  the  church 
deeply  in  debt,  and  the  Mission  so  small  and  ]xjor  that  it  was 
impossible  to  pay  the  clamoring  creditors.  The  result  was  that 
in  February,  1S58,  the  church  was  closed  and  the  property  offered 
for  sale  by  the  county  sheriff.  It  was  a  sad  chapter  in  the  short 
history  of  St.  Joseph's,  and  the  church  remained  closed  for  five 
years.  Meanwhile  the  members  of  the  Mission  attended  St. 
Mary's,  as  in  former  years.  Finally,  through  the  efforts  of  some 
of  the  more  prominent  members  of  St.  Joseph's,  viz.,  Messrs.  S.  P. 
Richard,  H.  Falke,  A.  Hammersmith,  J.  Fries,  P.  Mellon,  and 
John  Nolan,  the  claims  of  the  creditors  were  satisfied,  and  the 
church  property  was  deeded  back  to  the  Bishop  by  the  sheriff,  on 
March  24,  1803.  The  church  was  re-opened  in  July  of  the  same 
year  by  the  Rev.  H.  L.  Thiele,  who  was  then  appointed  first  resi- 
dent pastor  of  St.  Joseph's  parish.  He  bought  a  house  and  two 
lots  nearly  opposite  the  church,  for  his  residence.  They  served 
as  such  until  1892,  when  they  were  sold.  Father  Thiele  remained 
in  charge  until  December,  1804.  Since  that  time  the  following 
priests  have  been  resident  pastors  of  St.  Joseph's  church :  The 
Revs.  Louis  Molon,  January  to  September,  1805 ;  George  A. 
Verlet,  September,  1805,  to  May,  1888.  William  A.  Harks,  May, 
1888,  to  September,  1889;  John  T.  Cahill,  September,  1889,  until 
his  death,  August  11,  1890;  Denis  J.  Stafford,  August,  1890.  to 
August,  1891;  Thomas  F.  Mahon,  August,  1891,  to  June,  1898; 
and  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  Jacob  F.  Kuebler.  since 
June,  1898. 

Nothing  noteworthy  was  done  in  regard  to  the  temporal 
interests  of  the  parish,  from  1805  until  1891,  beyond  cancelling 
the  above  mentioned  debt  and  keeping  the  parish  buildings  in 
proper  repair.  In  March  and  May  of  the  latter  year  the  present 
excellent  and  admirably  located  church  property,  covering  two 
large  lots,  at  the  intersection  of  East  and  South  streets,  was 
bought  by  Father  Stafford.  His  successor.  Father  Mahon,  com- 
menced the  present  beautiful  brick  church,  in  October,  189L  It 
was  completed  during  the  following  year  and  used  for  the  first  time 


510  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

on  Christmas  morning,  1892.  The  church  (70  by  122  feet)  cost 
$30,000,  and  seats  800  persons.  The  architecture  is  Gothic,  and 
the  interior  is  imposing-  in  richness  and  beauty  of  finish.  The 
three  beautiful  altars  are  in  white  and  gold,  and  the  artistic  chancel 
railing  is  constructed  of  marble  and  brass.  The  windows  are 
of  Cathedral  glass,  and  the  chaste  frescoing  shows  excellent  taste. 
The  church  furnisliings,  in  white  oak,  are  models  of  beauty  and 
comfort.  The  church  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on 
Sunday,  April  1,  1894 — a  day  of  unalloyed  joy  for  the  pastor  and 
his  devoted  and  generous  people. 

In  1892  Father  Mahon  built  the  present  pastoral  residence 
next  to  the  new  church,  at  a  cost  of  $3,000.  It  is  a  frame  building, 
of  neat  design,  has  ten  rooms  and  all  the  modern  conveniences. 
In  the  same  year  he  sold  the  old  pastoral  residence  and  applied  the 
proceeds  of  the  sale  towards  the  cost  of  the  new  residence. 

In  June,  1895,  Father  Mahon  bought  about  five  acres  of 
choice  land  for  a  new  parish  cemetery.  It  is  located  on  the  out- 
skirts of  Massillon,  and  is  tastefully  laid  out  and  ornamented. 
The  old  cemetery,  comprising  less  than  two  acres,  was  bought  in 
1868.  The  remains  wdiich  were  interred  in  it  have  been  removed 
to  the  new  cemetery,  and  the  old  is  no  longer  used. 

The  parish  school  was  established  by  Father  Molon,  in  1865, 
in  a  small  frame  building.  This  was  enlarged  by  Father  Verlet, 
about  1870.  For  upwards  of  twenty-two  years  it  was  in  charge  of 
two  lay  teachers.  In  1893  Father  Mahon  had  the  old  church 
remodeled  as  a  school,  and  the  old  school  was  fitted  up  as  a  resi- 
dence for  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  four  of  whom  were  engaged 
as  teachers  in  September  of  the  same  year.  The  school  is  well 
conducted  and  has  an  enrollment  of  about  200  pupils. 

In  1897,  at  an  expense  of  $600,  the  basement  of  the  new 
church  was  changed  into  a  neat,  commodious  chapel  for  week  day 
services,  and  answers  its  purpose  very  well.  In  the  following  year 
Father  Kuebler  secured  the  present  fine  pipe  organ;  it  cost  nearly 
$1,900. 

The  congregation  is  composed  of  the  second  and  third  gene- 
ration of  Irish  and  German  Americans,  and  numbers  now  about 
275  families.  The  parish  property  is  in  excellent  condition,  with 
but  a  small  debt  remaining. 


ST.    MARY'S    CHURCH    AND    SCHOOL,    MASSILLON. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  511 


MASSILLON,  STARK  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH.' 

On  March  11,  1839,  the  few  Catholic  Germans  and  Irish, 
residing  at  Massillon,  then  a  mere  hamlet,  bought  a  small  lot 
fronting  on  Cherry  street;  the  price  was  $400.  It  was  the  first 
purchase  of  the  present  large  and  splendid  property  owned  by  St. 
Mary's  parish.  Owing,  however,  to  the  scarcity  of  priests  at  that 
time  the  Catholics  of  Massillon  had  to  postpone  for  a  few  years 
the  erection  of  the  much  desired  church.  For  some  years  prior 
to  this  time,  and  for  nearly  two  years  after  the  purchase  of  this  lot, 
Mass  was  said  in  private  houses,  by  the  priests  stationed  at  St. 
John's,  Canton,  among  whom  was  the  Rev.  Ferdinand  Kiihr,  D.  D. 
In  1840  the  Rev.  Matthias  Wiirz.  at  that  time  stationed  at 
Canton,  was  directed  by  Bishop  Purcell  to  take  charge  of  Massil- 
lon as  a  Station,  which  he  did  until  January,  1844.  Under  his 
direction  the  first  church  at  Massillon  was  commenced ;  its  corner- 
stone was  blessed  on  July  20,  1842.^  It  was  a  stone  structure,  40 
feet  wide  and  70  feet  long,  exclusive  of  the  sanctuary;  Bishop 
Purcell  dedicated  it  on  August  22,  1847.^ 

The  Rev.  John  J.  Doherty,  pastor  of  St.  John's,  Canton, 
attended  the  English  speaking  members  of  St.  Mary's,  Massillon, 
from  1844  to  1846.  It  was  then  that  the  Rev.  Philip  Foley  was 
appointed  resident  pastor  of  St.  Mary's ;  he  remained  until  1848. 
As  he  could  not  speak  German  the  Rev.  John  Luhr,  of  Canton, 
was  given  charge  of  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  Germans.  He 
visited  them  regularly,  often  weekly,  from  1844  until  1851,  and 
left  on  his  countrymen  the  impress  of  his  zeal  and  earnestness. 
During  most  of  this  period  he  had  the  aid  of  his  assistant,  the  Rev. 
J.  B.  Jacomet,  who  resided  at  Canton.  He  frequently  visited  St. 
Mary's,  Massillon,  when  Father  Luhr  was  unable  to  do  so.  When 
Father  Foley  left  Massillon  in  1848  the  Rev.  Fathers  Luhr  and 
Jacomet  had  full  charge  of  St.  Mary's  as  a  Mission.  The  Rev. 
Julian  Von  Braun  was  next  in  charge  as  resident  pastor,  from 

(1)  The  Church  in  Northern  Ohio,  pages  293,  296,  303. 

(2)  Catholic  Telegraph,  September  13,  1842. 

(3)  Catholic  Telegraph,  September  9.  1847. 


512  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY. 

1851  to  Septcmhei",  lsr>L\  when  the  Rev.  Louis  Alolon  succeeded 
him. 

The  erection  of  the  Httle  church  aroused  a  good  deal  of  latent 
big-otry,  and  in  December.  1852,  it  was  set  on  fire;  nothinj^ 
remained  but  the  smoke-stained  walls.  The  work  of  rebuilding 
the  church  was  commenced  under  the  supervision  of  Father 
Molon,  in  the  spring  of  1858,  services  being  held  meanwhile  in 
Stone's  Hall.  At  this  time  the  English  speaking  members  of  St. 
Mary's  formed  a  separate  congregation.  Although  St.  Mary'^ 
parish  w-as  considerably  weakened  thereby,  the  church  was  rebuilt, 
and  25  feet  added  to  it,  and  was  paid  for  in  a  short  time. 

Father  Molon's  successor  was  the  Rev.  Joseph  Lais,  who  had 
pastoral  charge  of  St.  Mary's  from  July,  1855,  until  March,  1857. 
Since  that  time  the  following  priests  were  resident  pastors  of  St. 
Mary's:  The  Revs.  George  Stein,  from  March  to  June.  1857: 
Stephen  Falk,  from  September,  1857,  to  December,  1858; 
Nicholas  Roupp,  December,  1858,  to  November,  1863 ;  Jacob 
Hamene,  1863,  to  1867;  Joseph  Lais  (second  time),  from  1867, 
until  his  death.  February  5.  1875;  John  Koehn,  March,  1875,  to 
March,  1879;  Jacob  Kuhn,  April,  1879,  until  his  death,  Novem- 
ber 30,  1899;  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Henry  Kaempker, 
since  January,  1899. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  in  the  basement  of  the  first 
church,  in  1849.  It  was  then  transferred  by  Father  Molon  to  a 
large  room  in  the  pastoral  residence.  In  the  autumn  of  1855 
Father  Lais  built  a  brick  school,  about  26  x  38  feet  in  dimensions. 
The  present  two-story  brick  school  was  built  in  1870,  during  the 
second  pastorate  of  Father  Lais.  All  the  available  space  in  the 
building  is  now  occupied,  and  the  present  pastor  contemplates 
enlarging  the  structure  in  the  near  future.  Until  1878  the  school 
was  in  charge  of  lay  teachers.  In  September  of  that  year  it  was 
entrusted  to  six  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  from  Cleveland.  They 
were  succeeded  in  September,  1881,  by  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis, 
from  Tiffin.  In  September,  1899,  they  were  replaced  by  lay 
teachers,  who  managed  the  school  until  the  advent  of  the  Benedic- 
tine Sisters,  from  Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  in  September,  1897.  The 
latter  have  conducted  the  school  since  then,  with  much  success. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  513 

At  present  the  enrollment  is  about  450  children,  who  are  taught 
by  eight  Sisters. 

In  March,  1868,  Father  Lais  bought  a  seven-acre  tract  of 
land,  in  the  rear  of  the  church,  for  burial  purposes;  it  is  still  in 
use.  The  parish  owns  a  fine,  large,  and  well  located  property, 
excelled  by  few  parishes  in  the  diocese.  It  has  a  frontage  of  450 
feet  on  Cherry  street,  and  900  feet  on  Mill  street. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Lais  the  parish  had  outgrown 
its  church.     This  fact  forced  him  and  his  people  to  consider  the 
urgent  necessity  of  building  a  much  larger  church.     But  Father 
Lais  was  not  to  build  it.  as  death  claimed  him,  when  he  was  in  the 
full  vigor  of  his  manhood.     After  a  short  illness  he  passed  to  his 
reward  on  February  5,  1875,  in  his  forty-sixth  year.     His  death 
was  deplored,  not  only  by  his  own  people,  but  also  by  all  the 
citizens  of  Massillon,  whose  esteem  he  had  won  by  his  fidelity 
to  duty.     To  his  successor,   Father  Koehn,   was  committed  the 
onerous  work  of  erecting  the  church,  which  had  been  contem- 
plated for  some  years,  as  already  stated.     Encouraged  by  a  gener- 
ous response  to  his  appeal  for  subscriptions,  he  began  the  excava- 
tion on  April  24,  1875.    The  site  chosen  was  that  of  the  old  church, 
which  was  torn  down.     The  upper  story  of  the  school  house  was 
transformed  into  a  temporary  place  of  worship,  pending  the  erec- 
tion of  the  new  church.    During  the  same  year  the  massive  founda- 
tion was  built  for  the  present  splendid  church.     The  cornerstone 
was  not  blessed  however  until  September  10,  1876,  Bishop  Toebbe, 
of  Covington,  Ky.,  performing  the  ceremony,  which  was  witnessed 
by  a  very  large  number  of  people.     Bishop  Gilmour,  at  that  time 
convalescing  from  a  long  siege  of  illness,  was  also  present.    Owing 
however  to  ill  health.  Father  Koehn  was  not  equal  to  the  great 
task  before  him;   but,   between   attacks  of  sickness   and   partial 
recovery,  he  struggled  on  till  March,  1879,  when  he  resigned  his 
pastorate.     Father  Kuhn  was  appointed  his  successor  in  the  fol- 
lowing month.     He  found  the  walls  raised  nearly  to  the  intended 
height.     In  a  few  months  these  were  finished  and  by  the  following 
winter  the  church  was  brought  under  roof.    During  the  spring  and 
summer  of  1880  the  most  necessary  work  in  the  interior  was  so  far 
completed  as  to  fit  the  building  for  use.    The  church  was  blessed  on 
August  15,  1880,  by  the  Very  Rev.  Vicar  General  BofT,  and  has 


514  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

been  used  for  divine  service  ever  since.  The  solemn  dedication  did 
not  take  place  until  twelve  years  later.  Owing-  to  the  very  large 
debt  contracted  during  the  administration  of  Father  Koehn,  whose 
management  of  the  building  afTairs  was  devoid  of  business  knowl- 
edge, Father  Kuhn  was  obliged  to  proceed  slowly  in  his  efforts  to 
finish  the  interior  according  to  the  original  design.  He  had  also 
to  contend  with  several  financial  depressions  brought  about  by 
strikes  of  coal  miners,  many  of  whom  were  his  parishioners.  By 
his  energy,  supported  by  the  generosity  of  his  people,  Father  Kuhn 
succeeded  in  greatly  reducing  the  debt,  and,  at  the  same  time,  in 
completing  the  interior  of  the  splendid  church.  It  was  dedicated 
on  August  21,  1892,  Bishop  Horstmann,  assisted  by  a  large 
number  of  priests,  performing  the  ceremony.  A  few  years  later 
the  present  temporary  high  altar,  together  with  statues  and  bells 
were  placed  in  position.  They  were  paid  largely  by  the  parish 
societies.  With  the  exception  of  two  towers,  which  will  be  built 
in  the  near  future,  and  the  three  marble  altars  which  are  contem- 
plated, the  church  is  now  complete.  Following  are  the  dimensions 
of  the  imposing  stone  edifice:  length,  185  feet;  width  at  transept, 
85  feet ;  height  to  the  apex  of  the  roof  (which  is  supported  by  14 
stone  pillars),  94  feet.  The  style  of  architecture  is  pure  Gothic. 
The  church  is  one  of  the  finest  and  largest  structures  in  the 
diocese,  and  is  the  just  pride  of  Massillon,  of  which  progressive 
city  it  is  the  most  conspicuous  ornament ;  it  cost  about  $150,000. 

On  November  30,  1898,  Father  Kuhn  died  at  Charity  Hos- 
pital, Cleveland,  after  a  few  weeks'  illness,  due  to  overwork  and 
worry,  and  perhaps  in  some  measure  to  the  unsanitary  condition  of 
his  residence — an  antiquated  structure  that  had  been  in  use  since 
the  pastorate  of  Father  Hamene,  by  whom  it  was  built.  Father 
Kuhn  was  succeeded  in  January,  1899,  by  the  present  pastor,  the 
Rev.  Henry  Kaempker,  who  at  once  took  measures  to  erect  a  new 
residence  of  modern  design.  He  hopes  to  have  it  completed  before 
the  close  of  the  year  1901. 

The  parish  now  numbers  about  400  families  and  is  composed 
chiefly  of  Germans.  There  are  also  some  Irish,  French  and  Poles 
(mostly  descendants  of  old  settlers)  identified  with  St,  Mary's.  As 
nearly  all  the  parishioners  speak  English  Father  Kaempker  has 
found  it  necessary  to  have  part  of  the  extra  liturgical  services  in 
that  language. 


ST.    JOSEPH'S    CHURCH    (1st,   and   2od),    MAUMBE. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  515 

MAUMEE,  LUCAS  COUNTY 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

The  town  of  Maumee,  nine  miles  southwest  of  Toledo, 
has  the  distinction  of  having  enjoyed  a  variety  of  names.  First, 
and  for  many  years,  it  was  known  as  Maumee,  next  as  Maumee 
City,  then,  until  March,  1887,  as  South  Toledo,  and  since  that 
lime  again  as  Maumee.  It  was  platted  in  1817,  and  was  the 
county  seat  of  Lucas  county  until  1847.  It  is  situated  along  the 
Miami  and  Erie  Canal,  opposite  Perrysburg,  on  the  west  bank  of 
the  Maumee  river. 

About  the  year  1835  the  Rev.  Emmanuel  Thienpont,  who 
v\7as  the  assistant  of  the  Rev.  Edmund  Quinn,  at  TifBn,  paid  an 
occasional  visit  to  Maumee  and  the  neighboring  Missions.  Father 
Quinn  also  visited  these  about  the  same  time,  but  soon  after  fell 
a  victim  of  the  so-called  "Maumee  fever,"  then  prevalent  in  that 
section  of  Ohio,  and  died  in  September,  1835. 

Between  1836  and  1839  there  is  no  record  of  Catholicity  in  or 
around  Maumee ;  nor  is  there  any  mention  of  priestly  attendance 
in  that  vincinity,  with  the  exception  that  Father  Thienpont,  sta- 
tioned at  Dayton,  came  again  to  Maumee  in  1838,  to  attend  to 
the  Catholic  laborers  along  the  above  mentioned  canal,  then  in 
course  of  construction. 

The  Rev.  Joseph  McNamee,  pastor  of  St.  Mary's  church,  at 
Tiffin,  and  his  assistant,  the  Rev.  P.  J.  Machebeuf,  attended  to  the 
spiritual  wants  of  the  Catholics  at  Maumee  and  along  the  Miami 
canal,  between  1839  and  1841.  In  the  spring  of  1841  Father 
McNamee  bought  from  the  Episcopalians  of  the  town,  for  the 
j^um  of  $400,  a  frame  meeting  house  (35  by  65  feet),  which  they 
had  partly  finished.*  To  complete  it,  and  make  the  necessary- 
changes  so  as  to  adapt  it  to  its  new  purpose,  required  an  outlay 
of  $1,000.  When  finished,  the  neat  structure  was  dedicated  to 
St.  Joseph. 

In  September,  1841,  Father  McNamee  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe,  who  was  stationed  at  Toledo  until  1847. 
and  for  nearly  five  years  had  sole  charge  of  all  the  Missions  and 

*Catholic  Telegraph,  July  31,  1841.    See  page  44  of  this  volume. 


616  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Stations  in  Northwestern  Ohio.  Jii  January,  IS-iG,  he  received  as 
his  assistant  the  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand,  who  attended  Mau- 
niee  as  a  Mission,  until  January,  1848.  His  successor  was  the 
Rev.  Sebastian  Sanner,  also  of  Toledo.  He  had  charge  of  Mau- 
mee,  from  1848  until  1852,  and  was  the  first  resident  pastor  of 
that  place,  from  1849.  Father  Sanner  also  Iniilt  the  present 
pastoral  residence,  a  frame  structure,  later  considerably  enlarged. 
Maumee  was  again  made  a  Mission  for  some  months,  in  1852, 
and  thus  attended  from  Toledo  by  the  Rev.  N.  Ponchell.  In  July 
of  the  same  year  the  Rev.  Philip  Flum  was  appointed  resident 
pastor,  with  the  Rev.  James  Monahan  as  his  assistant,  both  also 
attending  a  number  of  Missions.  Father  Flum  enlarged  the 
church  about  1853.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  N.  Roupp, 
(September,  1854,  to  June,  1858).  He  established  the  parish 
school  in  1855,  and  engaged  Mr.  James  P.  Molony  (present 
rector  of  St.  Malachy's  church,  Cleveland)  as  its  first  teacher.  The 
Rev.  Seraphin  Bauer  succeeded  Father  Roupp  in  July,  1858,  and 
remained  in  charge  as  resident  pastor,  until  September,  1862, 
attending  at  the  same  time  many  Missions  in  the  western  part 
of  the  diocese.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  J.  Hamene,  who,  in 
turn  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Henry  Behrens  in  December, 
1863.  In  October,  1865,  he  was  relieved  of  the  pastorate  of  Mau- 
mee by  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Bernard  Quinn,  who  remained 
however  only  until  July,  1866,  when  the  Rev.  John  Marschal  was 
sent  to  Maumee. 

Following  is  a  list  of  Father  Marschal's  successors :  The 
Revs.  Walter  J.  Gibbons,  June,  1867,  to  September,  1870 ;  Peter 
Becker,  to  May,  1879;  John  B.  Biirkel,  to  July.  1882;  Frederick 
Rupert,  to  April,  1885;  John  B.  Mertes,  to  July,  1900;  and  the 
present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Francis  J.  Pfyl,  since  July,  1900. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Behrens  a  second  (frame) 
school  was  built  at  a  cost  of  $500,  Father  Ponchel  having  secured 
the  first  at  his  own  expense.  Father  Becker  bought  the  present 
cemetery,  comprising  nearly  seven  acres.  It  is  beautifully  located, 
and  at  the  time  he  left  Maumee  it  was  considered  the  finest  and 
best  kept  burial  grounds  in  the  western  part  of  the  diocese.  With 
its  improvements  it  cost  about  $10,000.  He  also  bought  three 
fine  bells,  and  at  the  time  of  his  departure  for  Cleveland  he  left 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  517 

the  parish  in  a  flourishing  condition.  His  successor,  Father 
Biirkel,  placed  a  large  marble  cross  in  the  center  of  the  cemetery, 
at  a  cost  of  $1,400. 

Father  Rupert  engaged  the  Franciscan  Sisters,  of  Tiffin,  in 
September,  1882,  to  take  charge  of  the  school,  which  till  then 
had  been  conducted  by  lay  teachers.  In  1883  he  bought  two  lots 
for  a  new  church  site ;  they  cost  $700,  and  are  located  nearly  op- 
])osite  the  original  church  property.  The  frame  house  on  the  lots 
was  fitted  up  as  a  residence  for  the  Sisters.  About  this  time 
Father  Rupert  also  bought  some  of  the  stone  for  the  foundation 
of  the  prospective  church,  besides  collecting  $1,600  for  the  same 
purpose.  But,  before  he  was  able  to  begin  the  building  he  was 
transferred  to  another  charge,  much  to  the  regret  of  his  parish- 
ioners, whose  confidence  and  esteem  he  had  won.  At  an  expense 
of  about  $500,  Father  Mertes,  his  successor,  practically  rebuilt  the 
school,  which  was  considerably  out  of  repair.  In  1888  he  also 
put  the  pastoral  residence  in  better  condition. 

On  June  24,  1888.  Bishop  Gilmour  blessed  the  corner-stone 
of  the  present  very  neat  brick  church,  which  was  enclosed  by 
December  of  the  same  year.  Although  not  completed,  services 
were  held  in  the  new  church  for  the  first  time,  on  Christmas  day, 
1889.  By  degrees  the  altars,  pews,  etc.,  were  provided,  all  of 
which  made  the  interior  very  attractive.  The  church  is  54  by  125 
feet  in  size,  of  Romanesque  architecture,  has  a  tower  150  feet  in 
height,  and  550  sittings.  It  cost  about  $24,000  and  is  a  credit  to 
Father  Mertes  under  whose  supervision  it  was  built,  and  to  the 
parish  whose  generous  aid  never  failed  him.  The  church  was 
dedicated  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  F.  M.  Bofif,  V.  G.,  on  June  11, 
1892,  and  on  "dedication  day,"  the  debt  was  nearly  canceled. 

In  1891  Father  Mertes  bought  another  lot,  upon  which  he 
had  the  Sisters'  residence  moved.  In  September  of  the  following 
year.  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  from  Cleveland,  were  placed  in 
charge  of  the  parish  school,  to  succeed  the  Franciscan  Sisters. 
In  order  to  procure  additional  school  facilities,  especially  for  the 
more  advanced  pupils,  the  old  church  was  remodeled  for  that  pur- 
pose, which  it  serves  admirably.  With  a  new  pastoral  residence, 
whose  erection  is  now  contemplated,  St.  Joseph's  parish,  number- 
ing about  125  families  at  present,  will  be  as  fully  and  well  equipped 
as  any  of  its  size  in  the  diocese. 


618  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 


MEDINA,  MEDINA  COUNTY. 
ST.  FRANCIS  XAVIER'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Although  Medina  County,  of  which  Medina  is  the  County  Seal, 
contains  some  of  the  most  productive  land  in  Northeastern  Ohio, 
the  Puritanic  spirit,  which  is  still  very  strong  in  this  section,  has 
thus  far  succeeded  in  preventing  Catholics  from  settling  there  to 
any  great  extent.  In  conequencc  of  this  fact  there  are  not  over 
100  Catholic  families  within  the  limits  of  the  county  and  only  two 
churches — one  at  Liverpool  and  the  other  at  Medina.  About  the 
year  1860  the  Rev.  John  Van  den  Broek,  C.  PP.  S.,  then  pastor  of 
Liverpool,  began  to  visit  Medina ;  he  was  the  first  priest  to  do  so 
He  said  Mass  in  the  house  of  Patrick  Feeney.  In  1864  Medina 
was  assigned  to  Grafton  as  a  Station  and  so  remained  until  1S71. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Halley  bought  a  house  and  lot  in  the  village, 
for  $150.  He  remodeled  the  house  as  a  temporary  place  of  wor- 
ship; which  purpose  it  served  for  nearly  15  years.  From  1871 
until  1876  Medina  was  again  attended  from  Liverpool.  In  the 
latter  year  the  pastor  of  Wakeman,  Rev.  F.  X.  Nunan,  was  com- 
missioned to  attend  Medina,  which  he  did  until  January,  1878. 
An  advantageous  exchange  of  the  church  lot  for  one  on  the  prin- 
cipal street  of  the  town  was  ofifered  to  Father  Nunan  and  readily 
accepted  by  him.  The  exchange  was  effected  on  August  20. 
1877.  He  immediately  took  up  a  subscription  to  pay  the  balance 
due  on  the  lot  and  to  erect  a  frame  church  thereon.  In  this  he 
was  generously  aided  by  the  Protestants  of  the  town.  But  before 
he  was  able  to  finish  the  building  he  had  commenced,  and  on 
which  about  $800  had  been  expended,  he  was  transferred  to 
another  charge  in  January,  1878.  The  Rev.  G.  F.  Houck  then 
attended  the  Mission  of  Medina,  monthly,  from  Cleveland,  until 
July  of  the  same  year.  Meanwhile  he  finished  the  interior  of  the 
church,  and  fitted  up  the  sanctuary.  Bishop  Gilmour  dedicated 
the  neat  little  structure  to  St.  Francis  Xavier,  on  July  18,  1878. 
and  on  the  same  occasion  introduced  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Galvin,  of 
Wellington,  to  the  Catholics  of  Medina  as  their  pastor.  Father 
Galvin  attended  Medina  from  Wellington  until  September.  1887, 
when  the  Rev.  M.  Philippart  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  519 

During  that  year  a  frame  house  was  built  next  to  the  church,  for 
his  residence;  it  cost  about  $900.  Father  Philippart  was  removed 
in  September,  1889.  Medina  had  no  priestly  attendance  from 
that  time  until  January,  1890,  when  the  Rev.  N.  W.  Horst  was 
appointed  pastor.  In  April,  of  the  same  year,  he  was  directed 
by  Bishop  Gilmour  to  change  his  residence  to  Wellington,  from 
which  place  Medina  has  since  been  attended. 


MENTOR,  LAKE  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Mentor  was  attended  from  Painesville  as  a  Station  for  up- 
wards of  ten  years — until  1867,  when  Bishop  Rappe  assigned  it  to 
Euclid,  with  the  Rev.  A.  T.  Martin  in  charge.  He  visited  Mentor 
monthly,  until  1875.  The  pastor  of  Painesville  was  then  com- 
missioned to  look  after  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  few  Catholic 
families  living  there.  Since  June,  1898,  Mentor  has  been  at- 
tended monthly  from  Willoughby. 

The  church  is  a  small  and  very  plain  frame  structure,  20x40 
feet.  It  was  built  in  1868,  and  with  the  lot  on  which  it  stands, 
cost  about  $1,200.  About  15  families  are  identified  with  the 
Mission. 


MILAN,  ERIE  COUNTY. 
ST.  ANTHONY'S  CHURCH. 

The  Catholics  at  Milan  were  identified  with  St.  Peter's  parish. 
Norwalk,  five  miles  distant,  until  1862.  The  Rev.  F.  X..Ober- 
miiller,  pastor  of  that  parish,  then  visited  them  at  regular  inter- 
vals, until  October,  1865,  and  for  a  short  time  said  Mass  in  pri- 
vate houses.  He  bought  a  lot  on  which  stood  an  old  frame  house : 
this  he  changed  into  a  temporary  place  of  worship.  The 
present  church,  a  frame  structure,  40  by  70  feet,  was  built  in  1866. 
Bishop  Rappe  dedicated  it  to  St.  Anthony  of  Padua,  on  Novem- 
ber 16,  1866.  The  church  fronts  on  Main  street,  and  cost  about 
$6,000.  In  the  same  year  another  lot,  with  a  frame  house  on  it, 
which  fronted  on  Center  street,  was  bought  for  $800.  This  served 
as  the  pastoral  residence  until  the  erction  of  the  present  handsome 


520  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

frame  building,  in  1875,  by  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Piitz;  it  cost  nearly 
$2,200.  The  present  school,  also  a  frame  structure,  was  built  in 
1872,  at  a  cost  of  $1,200.  It  has  always  been  in  charge  of  lay 
teachers. 

The  cemetery  (comprising  about  four  acres,  one  of  which  had 
been  bought  in  1866)  and  a  beautiful  cemetery  cross,  of  stone, 
were  blessed  on  September  ll,  1884,  by  the  Very  Rev.  Vicar  Gen- 
eral Boff.  In  1885  two  large  bells  were  purchased  to  replace  the 
small  one  which  had  done  service  for  many  years.  In  1888,  dur- 
ing the  pastorate  of  Father  Gocke,  stained  glass  windows  were 
put  in  the  church,  its  interior  was  neatly  frescoed  and  a  furnace  set 
up,  the  improvements  costing  nearly  $1,000. 

On  New  Year's  day,  1891,  shortly  after  High  Mass.  fire  broke 
out  in  the  church,  and  destroyed  its  interior;  the  damage,  amount- 
ing to  about  $1,500,  was  nearly  all  covered  by  the  insurance.  The 
fire  was  caused  by  a  defective  flue.  While  the  church  was  being  re- 
paired, services  were  held  in  the  school  house.  A  pipe  organ, 
costing  $735,  was  placed  in  the  church  in  1891 ;  a  beautiful  set  of 
Stations  and  a  complete  set  of  vestments  were  bought  at  that 
time.  Since  then  many  additional  improvements  and  repairs  have 
been  made  in  the  church,  school,  pastoral  residence,  and  ceme- 
tery. The  extensive  grounds  around  the  parochial  buildings  have 
also  been  beautified,  thus  making  the  parish  property  quite  at- 
tractive in  appearance.  Electric  lights  were  placed  in  the  church, 
school,  and  pastoral  residence  in  December,  1900.  The  congre- 
gation is  composed  of  about  75  families,  mostly  Germans,  and 
of  the  farming  class.  The  parish  is  without  debt,  and,  spiritually 
as  well  as  financially,  is  in  excellent  condition.  The  following 
priests  had  charge  of  St.  Anthony's  parish  as  resident  pastors: 
The  Revs.  G.  Peter,  from  January,  1865,  to  October,  1868;  C. 
Seltzer,  to  September,  1871;  C.  Barbier,  to  August,  1872;  G.  Ru- 
dolph, to  January,  1875 ;  J.  P.  Piitz,  to  June,  1885 ;  J.  J.  Gocke, 
till  his  much  lamented  death,  January  31,  1890;  G.  C.  Schoene- 
mann,  to  September,  1897 ;  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  A.  J. 
Schwertner,  since  September  16,  1897. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  521 


MILLER  CITY,  PUTNAM  COUNTY. 

ST.  NICHOLAS'  CHURCH. 

Miller  City,  a  Station  on  the  "Nickel  Plate"  Railway,  is  situ- 
ated about  8  miles  west  of  Leipsic.  In  1886  the  Rev.  Joseph 
Rosenberg,  then  pastor  of  New  Cleveland,  organized  the  pres- 
ent flourishing  parish.  The  first  church,  a  frame  building,  35  by 
70  feet,  was  begun  by  Father  Rosenberg,  in  1887,  and  completed 
in  the  following  year,  under  the  direction  of  his  successor,  the 
Rev.  J.  Eyler;  it  cost  about  $2,000.  Mr.  Nicholas  Noirot,  a 
generous  member  of  the  Mission,  presented  two  lots,  fronting  on 
Main-Cross  Street,  for  the  church  site.  Besides  donating  nearly 
$400  to  the  Mission  of  Miller  City,  St.  John's  parish,  of  Glandorf, 
also  gave  the  pews,  formerly  used  in  their  church.  Mgr.  F.  M. 
Boff,  V.  G.,  dedicated  the  church  of  Miller  City,  on  August  26, 
1888,  placing  it  under  the  patronage  of  St.  Nicholas. 

Miller  City  was  attended  as  a  Mission,  from  New  Cleveland 
until  January,  1891,  and  then  from  Leipsic  until  the  appointment 
of  the  first  resident  pastor,  in  July,  1899 — the  Rev.  Charles  Wag- 
ner, who  has  since  then  been  in  charge. 

During  the  time  the  Rev.  J.  Bertemes  attended  Miller  City 
from  Leipsic  (1889-99),  he  visited  it  every  Sunday  and  Holyday. 
In  1889  he  purchased  two  acres  of  land  for  a  cemetery,  which  was 
blessed  on  June  11.  1893.  He  also  bought  three  lots,  on  Novem- 
ber 30,  1896,  as  a  site  for  a  future  school  and  pastoral  residence. 

Father  Wagner  built  the  present  pastoral  residence,  a  small 
frame  building,  in  the  fall  of  1899,  and  has  occupied  it  since 
November  of  that  year. 

On  September  4,  1898,  the  church  was  struck  by  lightning 
and  greatly  damaged.  This  required  considerable  repairing  which 
was  paid  for  by  the  companies  which  had  insured  the  church. 

The  cornerstone  for  a  brick  church,  54  by  124  feet,  to  replace 
the  present  structure,  was  blessed  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on 
October  28,  1900.  It  will  be  of  Gothic  architecture  and  its  cost 
is  estimated  at  $23,000.  Father  Wagner  hopes  to  have  it  com- 
pleted and  nearly  paid  for  by  May,  1902.  The  parish  numbers 
about  70  families,  mostly  German  farmers. 


522  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 


MILLERSVILLE,  SANDUSKY  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

Twenty-five  German  families,  who  had  been  identified  for 
many  years  with  St.  Joseph's  parish,  at  Fremont,  eight  miles  dis- 
tant from  Millersville  (formerly  known  as  Greensburg),  were 
authorized  by  Bishop  Rappe,  in  1857,  to  form  a  separate  parish. 
On  October  17,  1857,  Mr.  M.  Jung  donated  a  two-acre  tract 
of  land  for  their  prospective  church  and  school.  They  built  a  plain 
stone  church,  36  x  50  feet,  during  the  following  year,  at  a  cost 
of  about  $1,800.  From  1859  until  July,  1863.  the  Mission  of 
Greensburg  (Millersville)  was  attended  from  Fremont,  viz.,  from 
St.  Ann's  church,  in  1859,  and  then  from  St.  Joseph's.  The  Rev. 
Louis  Hofifer,  assistant  at  St.  Ann's,  was  the  first  priest  to  visit 
the  Mission;  he  attended  it  from  April  to  September,  1859.  The 
first  pastoral  residence,  a  frame  structure,  was  built  under  the 
direction  of  the  Rev.  S.  Bauer,  soon  after  the  church  was  built. 
In  July,  1863,  the  Rev.  F.  Ankly  was  appointed  the  first  resident 
pastor  of  Greensburg.  His  successors  were  the  Rev.  H.  Behrens, 
(November,  1865,  to  June,  1866) ;  and  F.  H.  Volm,  (June,  1866, 
to  March,  1867). 

About  1874  a  railroad  (now  a  branch  of  the  Pennsylvania 
system)  was  built  through  the  hamlet  of  Greensburg,  from  Mans- 
field to  Toledo.  The  name  of  Greensburg  was  then  changed  to 
Millersville,  that  being  the  name  of  the  nearest  station. 

After  the  departure  of  Father  Volm,  Millersville  was  without 
a  pastor  for  about  six  months.  The  Rev.  C.  Barbier  was  the  next 
resident  pastor,  but  his  stay  was  of  short  duration — less  than  six 
months,  in  1868,  when  St.  Mary's  church,  Millersville,  again  be- 
came vacant  for  some  months.  It  was  next  attended  from  Fos- 
toria,  as  a  Mission,  by  the  Rev.  M.  Piitz,  from  April,  1869,  until 
the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Jung,  in  August,  1870,  as  resi- 
dent pastor.  He  remained  in  charge  until  March,  1871.  The 
following  priests  have  filled  the  same  position  at  Millersville,  since 
the  departure  of  Father  Jung:  The  Revs.  T.  Litterst,  from 
March,  1871,  to  April,  1873;  J.  Sproll,  to  April,  1877;  J.  Blaser,  to 


FN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  523 

January,  1888;  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  M.  Dechant,  since 
January,  1888. 

During  the  short  pastorate  of  Father  Jung  a  frame  school 
was  built,  but  was  not  opened  for  use  until  September,  1873,  when 
it  was  put  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher.  In  September,  1877,  Father 
Blaser  transferred  the  school  to  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  from 
Cleveland,  and  they  continued  in  charge  until  1890,  when,  owing 
to  the  small  attendance,  they  resigned  it.  Since  then  a  lay  teacher 
has  conducted  the  school. 

In  1882  Father  Blaser  enlarged  the  church  considerably,  its 
present  dimensions  being:  length,  including  the  sanctuary,  95  feet, 
width,  35  feet.  At  a  cost  of  about  $5,000  he  also  made  other 
important  improvements,  which  included  a  spire,  new  roof,  stained 
glass  windows,  pews,  etc.  The  renovated  and  beautified  church 
was  rededicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  on  May  6,  1884.  Father 
Dechant  secured  the  present  beautiful  high  altar  and  a  furnace, 
both  costing  nearly  $1,900. 

Father  Blaser  also  built,  in  1878,  the  present  fine  pastoral 
residence,  a  frame  structure,  at  a  cost  of  about  $3,000.  The  former 
residence  is  now  occupied  by  the  teachers  in  charge  of  the  parish 
school. 

The  parish  numbers  about  65  families;  it  is  composed  almost 
exclusively  of  farmers,  and  is  without  debt. 


MINERAL  RIDGE,  TRUMBULL  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  William  O'Connor,  pastor  of  St.  Columba's  church, 
Youngstown,  was  the  first  priest  to  minister  to  the  spiritual  wants 
of  the  few  Catholic  families  at  Mineral  Ridge. 

Mineral  Ridge  was  attended  as  a  Station,  from  the  following 
places:  Youngstown  (1858-65);  Niles  (1865-70);  as  a  Mission 
from  Brier  Hill,  (1870-79);  Niles  1879-80);  Salem,  (1880-86); 
again  from  Niles,  (1886-92);  and  from  Girard,  since  May,  1892. 

In  1870  the  Rev.  Patrick  McCaffrey,  of  Brier  Hill,  made  an 
attempt  to  build  a  church  at  Mineral  Ridge,  but  failed  because 
of  ill  health,  and  for  want  of  means;  he  had  already  selected  a 
lot  and  secured  some  of  the  lumber.     His  successor,  the  Rev. 


524  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

F.  J.  Henry,  also  of  Brier  Hill,  bought  a  half-acre  lot  in  August, 
1872,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  year  built  the  present  church.  It  is  a 
frame  structure,  30  by  50  feet,  and  with  its  furnishings  cost  about 
$8,000. 

In  1899  the  church  was  tastefully  frescoed,  stained  glass 
windows  replaced  the  old  plain  glass.  Stations  of  the  Cross  and 
artistic  statuary  were  bought — with  the  result  that  the  interior  of 
ihe  church  has  been  made  quite  attractive.  The  Mission  is  without 
debt,  and  numbers  about  30  families.  The  Rev.  James  J.  Stewart 
has  been  attending  Mineral  Ridge  since  May,  1892. 


MONROEVILLE,  HURON  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

To  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Obermi-iller  is  due  the  organization  of 
St.  Joseph's  parish,  at  Monroeville.  In  September,  1861,  he 
visited  the  Catholics  of  that  place  for  the  first  time.  He  was  then 
resident  pastor  of  St,  Peter's  church,  Norwalk.  Prior  to  1861 
Monroeville  was  attended  from  Peru  as  a  Station.  Father  Ober- 
miiller  engaged  Mr.  J.  Carabin's  Hall,  and  fitted  it  up  as  a 
temporary  place  of  worship.  It  served  as  such  until  January, 
1863,  when  he  purchased  a  lot  with  a  Methodist  meeting  house 
on  it,  fronting  on  Broad  street.  In  a  short  time  he  had  the  build- 
ing, a  plain  brick  structure,  changed  into  a  neat  church,  amply 
large  for  the  needs  of  the  new  parish.  One  month  later  he  pur- 
chased two  additional  lots,  adjoining  the  first  and  extending  from 
Broad  to  Sandusky  streets,  and  bounded  on  the  west  by  Chapel 
street.  The  three  lots  form  the  larger  part  of  the  present  fine 
property,  which  is  located  in  one  of  the  most  desirable  parts  of 
Monroeville. 

In  July,  1863,  Father  Obermiiller  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
Anthony  J.  Abel,  who  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor  of 
Monroeville.  Father  Abel  bought  a  frame  house,  had  it  moved 
on  one  of  the  parish  lots,  and  fitted  up  as  his  residence.  In 
August,  1863,  he  bought  four  acres  of  land  for  a  cemetery. 

Father  Abel  was  succeeded  in  October,  1864,  by  the  Rev.  J. 
Martin  Piitz.  The  congregation  steadily  increased  so  that  within 
less  than  ten  years  after  the  appointment  of  Father  Piitz,  it  had 


'^^^t^mim^^^^^^^  '.'..ii^^t^., 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  526 

more  than  doubled  in  size,  and  consequently  outgrown  its  church. 
The  proposition,  to  build  a  larger  and  better  equipped  church,  was 
cordially  approved  by  the  people  of  St.  Joseph's  parish,  a  prompt 
and  liberal  subscription  giving  tangible  proof  of  their  wish.  Father 
Piitz  therefore  had  plans  drawn  for  a  brick  church,  54  feet  in  width, 
125  feet  in  length,  and  of  composite  Roman  and  Gothic  architec- 
ture; its  cost  was  estimated  at  $28,000.  The  cornerstone  was 
blessed  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  October  12,  1873',  The  church  was 
dedicated  to  St.  Joseph,  on  May  14,  1876,  by  Bishop  Dwenger,  of 
Fort  Wayne,  Bishop  Gilmour  being  then  ill  and  in  Europe.  At  the 
lime  of  its  dedication  the  church  was  one  of  the  finest  and  best 
appointed  in  that  section  of  the  diocese,  and  even  now  holds  a 
prominent  place.  During  the  time  the  church  was  building  the 
effects  of  the  financial  panic  of  1873  were  keenly  felt  in  Monroe- 
ville.  As  a  result  many  Catholics  moved  away,  in  the  hope  of 
bettering  their  condition  elsewhere.  In  consequence  the  parish 
was  reduced  from  150  families,  in  1873,  to  about  95  families 
in  1876;  and  these  had  to  face  a  debt  of  nearly  $7,000  when  the 
church  was  finished.  By  degrees  however  better  times  returned 
and  by  degrees  also  the  debt  was  cancelled. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  by  Father  Obermuller  in 
1862.  Owing  to  lack  of  means  it  had  a  fitful  existence,  but  since 
1870  it  has  continued  without  interruption.  In  1870  Father  Piitz 
bought  an  abandoned  public  school  building,  which  he  changed 
to  serve  as  a  parochial  school.  It  was  thus  used  until  1877,  when 
the  old  church  was  remodeled  for  school  purposes,  and  is  still  in 
use  as  such.  The  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  from  Cleveland,  have 
had  charge  of  the  school  since  September,  1899.  Prior  to  that 
time  it  was  conducted  by  lay  teachers,  till  1889 ;  by  the  Sisters  of 
St.  Francis,  Tiffin,  till  June,  1896;  and  by  the  Sanguinist  Sisters, 
from  Thompson,  until  June,  1899. 

In  May,  1885,  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Schmitz, 
succeeded  Father  Piitz.  After  cancelling  the  debt,  which  had  been 
reduced  by  Father  Piitz  to  $1,100,  Father  Schmitz  made  a  number 
of  notable  improvements  in  and  about  the  church  property.  These 
included  a  steam  heating  apparatus  for  the  church  (1892),  and  a 
large  pipe  organ  (1893).  Two  beautiful  side  altars  have  graced 
the  sanctuarv  since  1895. 


526  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

In  June  of  the  same  year  Father  Schmitz  bought  five  acres  of 
land  in  a  beautiful  location,  just  outside  the  corporate  limits  of 
Monroeville,  for  a  cemetery — to  replace  the  old  burying  ground 
which  had  become  objectionable,  owing  to  the  distance  and  loca- 
tion. The  new  cemetery  has  been  platted  and  put  in  excellent 
condition. 

St.  Joseph's  parish  numbers  at  present  about  80  families. 


MUD  CREEK,  DEFIANCE  COUNTY. 
IMMACULATE   CONCEPTION    MISSION   CHURCH. 

Mud  Creek  Settlement  derives  its  odd  name  from  the 
streamlet  passing  near  by,  and  is  about  eight  miles  north  of 
Defiance.  The  Mission  was  established  in  1866,  by  the  Rev.  A.  I. 
HoefTel,  then  pastor  of  St.  John's  church,  Defiance.  A  tract  of 
land,  comprising  nearly  nine  acres,  was  bought  for  $350,  in  1866, 
although  the  deed  for  it  was  not  given  until  December,  1872.  The 
frame  farm  house  on  the  land  was  changed  into  a  chapel,  and 
served  as  such  until  1876,  when  the  Rev.  Joseph  Blaser  built  the 
present  frame  church  (30  by  50  feet),  at  a  cost  of  about  $2,000. 
The  Mission,  though  small  numerically,  has  always  shown  a  gener- 
ous spirit.  It  is  composed  of  German  farmers  and  now  numbers 
about  30  families.  Since  its  organization,  in  1866,  Mud  Creek 
has  been  attended  as  follows:  From  St.  John's,  Defiance,  until 
1873;  from  North  Ridge,  until  1878.  and  from  Delaware  Bend, 
since  August,  1878. 

NAPOLEON,  HENRY  COUNTY. 

ST.  AUGUSTINE'S  CHURCH. 
Napoleon,  the  county  seat  of  Henry  county,  had  been 
attended  as  a  Station  as  far  back  as  1845,  by  the  Revs.  Amadeus 
Rappe  and  Louis  De  Goesbriand,  at  that  time  residing  in  Toledo.* 
Later  on,  beginning  about  1852,  the  respective  pastors  of  St. 
John's,  Defiance,  visited  Napoleon,  at  long  intervals  at  first,  and 
then  regularly  every  month,  until  1861.  It  was  not  until  1856. 
however,  shortly  after  Bishop  Rappe's  first  episcopal  visit  to 
Napoleon,  that  the  erection  of  a  church  was  seriously  considered 

*Thc  Catholic  Telegraph,  Dec.  11,  1845;   "Church  in  Northern  Ohio,"  p.  299. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  527 

by  the  few  Catholics  of  the  place,  who  were  very  poor  and  num- 
bered then  but  eight  families.  Augustine  Pilliod,  a  native 
of  France  and  a  fervent  Catholic,  who  later  in  life  became  quite 
prominent  and  a  man  of  means,  settled  at  Napoleon  in  1853.  He 
and  James  Brennan  started  a  subscription,  in  1856,  for  the  pur- 
chase of  a  lot  and  the  erection  of  a  church.  A  small  lot  was  then 
bought  on  South  Main  street,  but  was  not  deeded  to  the  Bishop 
until  May,  1865.  The  church,  a  frame  structure,  25  x  40  feet,  was 
built  in  the  fall  of  1856,  but  owing  to  lack  of  means  its  interior 
was  not  finished  until  1858.  As  Mr.  Pilliod  was  the  most  gen- 
erous contributor  he  was  given  the  privilege  of  naming  the 
church.     His  choice  was  the  name  of  his  patron,  St.  Augustine. 

Napoleon  continued  to  be  attended  from  Defiance,  until 
1861,  when  it  was  assigned  to  Providence.  The  Rev.  J.  M.  Piitz 
was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Napoleon,  in  June,  1864. 
He  had  attended  Napoleon  from  Providence  since  1863.  His 
successor  was  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Carroll  (October,  1864,  to  October, 
1868).  He  built  the  spire,  and  an  addition  of  24  feet  to  the  church 
to  accommodate  the  increasing  membership  of  the  parish.  In 
April,  1868,  Father  Carroll  bought  a  lot  on  East  Main  street, 
and  on  it  erected  a  frame  school,  26  x  36  feet.  The  parochial 
school  was  opened  in  September  of  the  same  year.  The  first 
teacher  was  Father  Carroll's  sister,  Miss  Ellen  Carroll,  now  an 
Ursuline  nun.  The  school  was  taught  by  lay  teachers  until  1878, 
when  it  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Notre  Dame  Sisters,  of  Cleve- 
land, under  whose  care  it  has  continued  ever  since. 

Father  Carroll  was  succeeded  in  November,  1868,  by  the 
Rev.  Nicholas  A.  Moes.  He  remained  however  only  until  Septem- 
ber, 1870,  when  he  was  appointed  rector  of  the  Diocesan  Sem- 
inary, which  important  and  responsible  po.sition  he  has  filled  since 
then.  His  successor  at  Napoleon,  appointed  in  October,  1870, 
was  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Michael  Piitz,  who  paid  ofif  the 
balance  of  the  parish  debt,  incurred  during  the  administration  of 
Father   Carroll;   it  then  amounted   to   about  $1,100. 

As  the  pastor  and  people  were  dissatisfied  with  the  location 
of  the  church,  Father  Piitz  succeeded  in  purchasing  for  the  sum 
of  $4,000  the  present  property,  which  has  a  frontage  of  165  feet 
on  Monroe  street,  and  the  same  on  Clinton  street,  and  is  located 


528  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

in  the  central  portion  of  the  town.  The  property  was  paid  for 
within  three  years  after  its  purchase. 

In  1878  the  present  school,  a  frame  two-story  structure,  was 
built,  to  replace  the  old  one  which  had  become  too  small ;  it  cost 
about  $2,000.  At  the  same  time  a  neat  frame  house  was  also 
built  as  a  residence  for  the  Sisters.     It  was  enlarged  in  1892. 

The  next  important  work  which  Father  Piitz  and  his  people 
undertook  was  the  erection  of  a  larger  and  better  church,  to  meet 
the  wants  of  a  growing  congregation.  The  question  was  seri- 
ously discussed  for  the  first  time,  in  January,  1880.  At  a  meet- 
ing of  the  congregation,  then  held,  it  was  determined,  by  an  almost 
unanimous  vote,  to  build  a  brick  church,  to  cost  about  $15,000. 
A  subscription  was  raised  for  that  purpose,  and  before  a  few 
months  had  passed  it  reached  the  generous  sum  of  $11,250.  Thus 
encouraged,  Father  Piitz  and  his  building  committee  engaged  a 
competent  architect  to  draw  plans  for  the  new  church,  which 
were  approved  by  Bishop  Gilmour.  In  the  spring  of  1881  the 
foundation  was  begun,  and  on  the  19th  of  June  following  the 
same  Prelate  laid  the  cornerstone.  The  church  was  enclosed  by 
December,  1881.  In  the  following  spring  work  on  the  interior 
was  commenced  and  brought  to  completion  by  February,  1883. 
The  church  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  on  Sunday,  June 
17,  1883,  just  two  years  after  he  laid  the  cornerstone. 

The  church  is  a  beautiful  brick  structure,  of  Gothic  archi- 
tecture. Its  dimensions  are:  Length,  117  feet;  width,  50  feet; 
height  of  the  graceful  spire,  176  feet.  Including  pews,  organ,, 
stained  glass  windows,  etc.,  it  cost  nearly  $22,000,  of  which  sum 
but  $275  remained  as  a  debt  on  the  day  the  church  was  dedi- 
cated— a  record  that  reflects  most  creditably  on  the  pastor  and 
his  generous  people.  Altars,  Stations  and  furnace  were  put  in 
the  church  a  few  years  later  at  a  cost  of  $6,000. 

The  parish  now  owns  all  the  necessary  buildings  excepting  a 
pastoral  residence,  which  is  the  property  of  the  pastor. 

The  parochial  cemetery  is  located  in  the  suburbs  of  Napoleon 
and  comprises  one  and  one-half  acres. 

At  present  the  parish  numbers  85  families  of  which  about 
two-thirds  are  of  German,  and  the  remainder  of  Irish  birth  or 
descent. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  529 


NAVARRE,  STARK  COUNTY. 

ST.    CLEMENT'S   CHURCH. 

Catholicity  in  the  village  of  Navarre  (known  as  Bethlehem 
prior  to  1885)  dates  back  to  about  the  year  1832.  For  at  least 
eight  years  the  Catholic  population  there  did  not  exceed  20  fam- 
ilies. They  were  attended  from  St.  John's,  Canton,  until  1841, 
when  the  pastor  of  Doylestown  was  given  charge  of  Bethlehem 
for  about  one  year.  It  was  again  attended  from  St.  John's,  from 
1842  to  1845,  when  it  became  a  Mission  of  St.  Peter's  church. 
Canton,  and  so  continued  until  1851. 

Mass  was  said  at  Bethlehem  for  the  first  time,  in  1832,  m 
the  house  of  Anthony  Winterhalter,  by  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Henni. 
pastor  of  St.  John's,  Canton.  In  the  following  year  two  lots 
were  secured  and  the  log  house  which  stood  on  one  of  them  was 
transformed  into  a  chapel,  to  serve  as  a  temporary  place  of  wor- 
ship. The  lots  form  part  of  the  present  church  property,  and 
were  deeded  to  Bishop  Purcell  on  June  24,  1839.  In  1844,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Luhr,  a  brick  church,  42  by  65 
feet,  was  erected  on  one  of  the  lots,  and  the  log  chapel  was  changed 
into  a  school.  In  1851  Bethlehem  was  made  a  Mission  of  St. 
Mary's,  Massillon,  whence  it  was  attended  until  December,  1858, 
when  for  the  third  time  it  was  assigned  to  Canton,  with  the  Rev. 
J.  B.  Uhlmann,  of  St.  Peter's,  in  charge.  In  April,  1859,  the 
Rev.  Gabriel  M.  Lochert  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor 
of  Bethlehem,  but  being  in  poor  health  death  ended  his  pastorate 
on  July  13  following.  Again  Bethlehem  became  a  Mission  of 
St.  Mary's,  Massillon,  and  so  remained  from  July,  1859,  till  April 
1862,  when  the  Rev.  Otto  H.  Borgess  was  made  resident  pastor. 
His  stay  was  short— until  February,  1863.  From  that  time  till 
June,  1867,  Bethlehem  was  again  attended  from  Massillon,  viz., 
from'  St.  Mary's,  until  December,  1864,  and  then  from  St. 
Joseph's.  The  Rev.  Michael  Dechant  was  appointed  resident 
pastor,  in  June,  1867,  since  which  time  Bethlehem  ceased  to  be 
a  Mission.  Following  is  a  list  of  priests  who  had  pastoral  charge 
of  Bethlehem  (Navarre)  after  the  departure  of  Father  Dechant. 
in  August,  1871:  The  Revs.  Jacob  Heidegger,  to  December, 
1873:  John  A.  Michenfelder,  to  July,  1876;  Francis  Mettermch, 


580  A    HISTORY    OF   CATHOLICITY 

to  January.  189-5:  Nicholas  Kirch,  from  January  to  June,  1893; 
Wimar  Miillcr,  to  June,  1898;  Michael  Becker,  to  March,  1900; 
and  since  then  the  Rev.  John  H.  Hennes. 

In  1851.  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  L.  Molon,  the  present 
church,  a  plain  brick  structure,  40  by  100  feet,  was  built,  to  replace 
the  one  built  a  few  years  before,  which  had  become  much  too 
small,  so  rapidly  did  the  parish  grow.  During  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Metternich,  in  the  spring  and  summer  of  1881,  the  church 
was  entirely  remodeled.  The  walls  were  raised  10  feet,  stained 
glass  windows  replaced  the  old  ones,  a  spire  was  built,  the  ceiling 
was  raised  and  groined,  and  new  altars  and  pews  were  bought. 
These  improvements  cost  about  $2,000,  and  made  the  church 
practically  a  new  structure.  It  was  re-dedicated  three  years  later, 
by  Bishop  Gilmour,  on  the  Feast  of  Corpus  Christi,  June  12,  1884. 
In  1883  Father  Metternich  also  built  the  present  very  neat  and 
commodious  pastoral  residence;  it  is  a  frame  structure  and  cost 
about  $4,000.  By  removing  the  old  pastoral  residence  and  set- 
ting back  the  new  one,  two  sides  of  a  square  have  been  formed 
with  a  street  through  the  center,  the  church  and  pastoral  residence 
fronting  each  other.  The  parish  property  is  in  the  most  eligible 
position  in  the  town. 

A  frame  school  was  built  in  1872,  on  a  lot  bought  for  the 
purpose  in  March  of  that  year.  It  has  always  been  in  charge  of 
lay  teachers.     A  second  school  was  opened  in  1877. 

The  cemetery,  a  tract  of  about  5  acres,  was  bought,  platted 
and  beautified  in  1891;  it  was  blessed  by  Mgr.  T.  P.  Thorpe,  on 
May  29,  1892. 

The  parish,  now  numbering  about  100  families,  is  composed 
almost  entirely  of  miners  who  find  employment  in  the  neighbor- 
inor  coal  banks. 


SACRED    HEART    OP    JESUS'   CHURCH,    NEW    BAVARIA. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  531 


NEW  BAVARIA,  HENRY  COUNTY. 

SACRED  HEART  OF  JESUS'  CHURCH. 
Until  about  15  years  ago  the  hamlet  of  New  Bavaria  was 
known  as  Poplar  Ridge.  The  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe  was  the  first 
priest  to  visit  the  Catholics  of  this  locality.  His  first  visit  was  in 
1843,  and  from  that  time  until  the  spring  of  1847  he  came  about 
four  times  a  year.  The  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand,  Father 
Rappe's  assistant,  then  took  charge  of  Poplar  Ridge,  as  one  of 
hi.s  many  Stations.  In  September.  1847,  he  bought  the  present 
church  grounds  which  comprise  two  acres,  one  of  which  is  the 
cemetery.  Father  De  Goesbriand  said  Mass  in  the  log  house  of 
one  of  the  families  at  Poplar  Ridge  (as  did  Father  Rappe  also) 
until  the  purchase  of  the  above  mentioned  property.  He  then 
built  a  log  chapel,  of  most  primitive  design,  on  the  acre  of  ground 
near  the  cemetery. 

Poplar  Ridge  continued  as  a  Mission  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales' 
church,  Toledo,  until  1850.  It  was  then  attended  from  St.  John's, 
Defiance,  until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  A.  Magenhann  as 
first  resident  pastor,  in  July,  1861.  He  remained  about  one  year, 
when  Poplar  Ridge  was  again  attended  from  St.  John's,  Defiance, 
until  1863.  The  Rev.  Charles  Barbier  was  the  next  resident 
pastor,  from  1863  to  1865.  He  began  the  erection  of  a  frame 
church,  48  by  84  feet,  in  1865,  but  owing  to  a  spirit  of  discord  in 
the  parish  he  was  unable  to  finish  the  structure,  and  asked  to  be 
removed.  His  successor,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Reinhardt,  finding  the 
same  spirit  still  active,  had  not  the  courage  nor  the  means  to 
finish  the  church,  and  quite  disheartened  left  Poplar  Ridge  in 
May,  1867,  less  than  two  years  after  his  appointment  as  pastor. 
Hts  successor  was  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Moes,  whose  prudence  and 
patience  soon  wrought  a  change  for  the  better  in  the  parish.  He 
also  finished  the  church  and  left  it  free  from  incumbrance.  His 
pastorate,  which  ended  in  February,  1873,  was  eminently  success- 
ful. The  Rev.  Nicholas  Flammang  was  the  next  to  take  charge 
of  the  parish,  but  his  stay  was  very  short— from  February  to  July, 
1873.  For  nearly  five  months  Poplar  Ridge  was  again  attended 
from  Defiance,  when  the  Rev.  Charles  Wardy  became  the  resi- 
dent pastor.     The  following  priests  filled  the  same  position,  after 


532  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

Father  Wardy's  removal,  in  1875  :  The  Revs.  A.  Mertes,  until 
March,  1879;  J.  A.  Michenfelder,  from  May,  1879,  to  May,  1888; 
G.  A.  Verlet,  till  his  death,  August  3,  1889;  W.  A.  Harks,  till 
June,  1900;  and  since  then  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  L.  Heiland. 

On  February  22,  1886.  the  church  and  pastoral  residence, 
both  frame  strnctures,  were  destroyed  by  fire.  The  loss  was 
practically  complete,  the  insurance  being  very  little.  Pending 
the  erection  of  a  permanent  church,  a  temporary  frame  structure, 
26  by  50  feet,  was  erected.  A  brick  pastoral  residence  was  also 
built  at  once;  it  cost  about  $1,500.  Father  Michenfelder,  then 
in  charge  of  the  parish,  raised  a  subscription  of  $17,000,  in  1886, 
for  a  brick  church,  54  feet  wide,  125  feet  long  and  72  feet  in  the 
transept. 

Bishop  Gilmour  blessed  the  cornerstone  on  Sunday,  June 
12,  1887,  and  on  January  18,  of  the  following  year,  he  dedicated 
the  very  neat  edifice.  It  cost  $18,000  and  was  nearly  paid  for 
when  dedicated.  The  church  has  stained  glass  windows,  fine 
altars  and  pews,  and  three  bells.  Owing  to  defective  construc- 
tion it  was  found  necessary,  in  1892,  to  strengthen  the  walls,  roof 
and  ceiling,  by  means  of  pillars.  During  the  same  year  Father 
Harks  bought  the  present  beautiful  set  of  Stations  at  a  cost  of 
$800. 

The  parish  is  composed  almost  entirely  of  farmers,  all  of 
German  birth  or  descent,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  French, 
and  numbers  about  150  families.  It  is  also  the  parent  parish  of 
Hamler,  Holgate,  Miller  City  and  North  Creek. 

A  Catholic  "District  School''  is  located  within  the  parish 
limits,  and  is  supported  by  public  taxation,  as  almost  all  the  tax- 
payers in  that  section  are  Catholics.  Three  teachers  are  in  charge 
of  the  school.  The  present  building  is  a  handsome  two-story 
structure.  It  was  erected  in  1900,  and  cost  $4,000.  The  few  non- 
Catholics  living  in  the  same  school  district  have  a  separate  school 
for  their  children.  Thus  the  question  of  a  denominational  school, 
supported  by  the  State,  has  been  solved  at  New  Bavaria,  in  a 
manner  satisfactory  to  all  concerned. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  533 


NEW  BERLIN,  STARK  COUNTY. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH. 
New  Berlin  was  attended  from  St.  John's.  Canton,  as  a 
Station,  from  1845  to  1848.  On  May  20.  1845.  the  present 
church  lot,  of  one  and  one-half  acres,  was  bought.  Two  years 
later  the  present  church,  a  plain  brick  building,  was  erected  at 
a  cost  of  $2,000.  Its  cornerstone  was  laid  by  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Luhr. 
of  Canton,  in  August,  1845.  The  church  was  enlarged  in  1872. 
its  length  being  54  feet,  and  its  width  40  feet.  Between  1848  and 
1850,  New  Berlin  was  attended,  monthly,  from  St.  Vincent's, 
Akron,  by  the  Rev.  C.  Mouret;  from  Harrisburg,  between  1851 
and  1854;  from  St.  Peter's.  Canton,  1854  to  1856;  from  St.  John's. 
Canton,  1856  to  1875;  again  from  St.  Peter's,  Canton,  by  the 
Rev.  J.  B.  Biirkel,  1875  to  1870;  from  .\lliance.  1876  to  1877; 
from  Harrisburg,  1877  to  1882 ;  and  again  from  St.  Peter's,  Can- 
ton, by  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Biirkel,  from  1882  to  November,  1896,  when 
he  was  appointed  resident  pastor,  which  position  he  has  held  smce 
that  time. 

In  1894  Mr.  W.  Wackerly  donated  a  1,500  pound  bell,  which 
was  blessed  by  the  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck  on  March  7  of  that 
year. 

It  has  not  been  found  possible  to  establish  a  parochial  school 
owing  to  the  small  number  of  children  that  could  attend. 

The  parish  numbers  at  present  about  50  families. 

NEW  CLEVELAND,  PUTNAM  COUNTY. 

HOLY    FAMILY   CHURCH. 

The  congregation  of  the  Holy  Family,  at  New  Cleveland, 
an  outgrowth  of  St.  John's,  Glandorf,  was  organized  in  1861,  by 
the  Rev.  Sebastian  Ganther,  of  the  Sanguinist  Society.  He 
attended  it  from  Glandorf  as  a  Mission,  from  1861  to  1868,  when 
he  was  succeeded  by  the  Revs.  Engelbert  Ruf  and  Jacob  Marte, 
of  the  same  Society.  The  former  was  in  charge  until  1872.  and 
the  latter  until  April,  1873. 

In  August,  1861,  Mr.  John  Weis  donated  a  two-acre  tract 
of  land  to  the  Mission,  to  serve  as  the  site  for  a  church,  pastoral 


584  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

residence  and  cemetery.  The  church,  still  in  use,  was  built  in 
the  fall  of  the  same  year.  It  is  a  plain  wooden  structure,  and  cost 
about  $1,700.  Its  original  size  was  45  by  60  feet,  but  it  was 
enlarged,  in  1881,  by  an  addition  of  25  feet. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Barbier  (April,  1873,  to  March,  1874)  was 
the  first  resident  pastor.  He  built  the  priest's  house, — also  a 
wooden  structure — in  1873;  it  cost  about  $1,000.  The  following- 
priests  were  Father  Barbier's  successors  in  the  pastorate  of  New 
Cleveland:  The  Revs.  H.  Kaempker,  from  October,  1874,  to 
April,  1878;  E.  Hipelius,  to  June,  1880;  J.  Rosenberg,  to  April, 
1888;  J.  Eyler,  to  January.  1889;  J.  Bertemes,  to  February,  1891; 
and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Amadeus  Dambach,  since 
September,  1891.  During  the  several  brief  periods  when  New 
Cleveland  had  no  resident  pastor,  the  congregation  was  attended 
from  Glandorf. 

A  frame  parish  school  was  built  in  1876,  opposite  the  church, 
on  a  lot  bought  in  August,  1875.  It  was  opened  in  September, 
1876,  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis,  of  Tiflfin, 
who  conducted  it  and  the  neighboring  District  School  until  June, 
1889.  Since  that  time  all  the  children  attend  the  Catholic  Dis- 
trict School,  which  is  taught  by  lay  teachers,  who  are  paid  out 
of  the  public  funds. 

The  congregation  is  composed  of  German  farmers  and  at 
present  numbers  about  65  families. 


NEW  LONDON,  HURON  COUNTY. 

OUR  LADY  OF  LOURDES'  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  Michael  Healy,  the  present  pastor  of  St.  Mary's, 
Tif^n,  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  the  Catholics  residing  at  New^ 
London.  This  he  did  while  resident  pastor  of  Elyria,  from  1853 
to  1859.  New  London  was  attended  from  Elyria  as  a  Station 
until  1863;  then,  as  a  monthly  Mission,  from  Grafton,  until  1870. 
The  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Halley,  pastor  of  the  Immaculate  Concep- 
tion church,  at  Grafton,  bought  a  house  and  lot  in  the  village  of 
New  London,  in  1865.  He  had  the  frame  house  fitted  up  as  a 
place  of  worship.  As  the  location  of  the  property  proved  unsat- 
isfactory, it  was  sold  by  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Heiland,  in  1872.     Four 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  535 

lots  were  then  secured  on  High  street,  in  the  outskirts  of  the  vil- 
lage. The  deed  was  not  given  however  until  March  22,  1878. 
when  the  lots  were  paid  for  in  full ;  the  purchase  price  was  $1,600. 
The  frame  house  on  one  of  the  lots  was  transformed  into  a  chapel, 
so  far  as  the  interior  was  concerned,  the  exterior  retaining  the 
appearance  of  a  private  house.  The  building  served  its  purpose 
for  nearly  twenty-three  years. 

The  Rev.  John  B.  Heiland  attended  New  London  from 
Shelby  Settlement,  from  1S72  to  1S76.  In  June,  1875,  he  bought 
the  present  cemetery ;  it  covers  two  acres.  New  London  was 
next  attended  from  Shelby,  between  1876  and  1878,  and  since 
July,  1878,  it  has  been  a  Mission  of  Wellington. 

Again  the  church  property  proved  undesirable,  because  of 
its  out-of-the-way  location.  Two  of  the  vacant  lots  were  conse- 
quently sold  in  1881.  and  the  other  two  in  1896.  In  July  of  the 
latter  year,  the  Rev.  John  J.  Powers,  then  in  charge  of  the  Mis- 
sion, bought  the  present  church  lot,  at  a  cost  of  $250.  It  fronts 
on  James  street  and  is  in  a  desirable  location.  He  also  built  on 
the  lot  the  present  very  neat  frame  church,  30  by  50  feet,  at  a  cost 
of  $1,600,  exclusive  of  altar,  pews,  etc.,  and  it  was  paid  for  when 
completed,  in  November,  1898.  During  the  year  1900  the  church 
was  frescoed  and  furnished  with  electric  lights. 

The  Mission  of  New  London  comprises  but  18  families  at 
present.  Considering  its  small  membership,  the  generosity  of 
the  people,  which  made  the  erection  of  the  pretty  little  church 
a  possibility,  and  that  without  any  incumbrance,  is  worthy  of 
special  record. 


NEW  RIEGEL,  SENECA  COUNTY. 

ST.  BONIFACE'S  CHURCH. 

The  hamlet  of  New  Riegel  was  formerly  known  as  Wolf's 
Creek.  It  was  so  called  on  account  of  a  creek  of  the  same  name 
nearby.  About  1844  a  number  of  Catholic  families  from  the  vil- 
lage of  Riegel,  in  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Baden,  Germany,  settled 
at  Wolf's  Creek  and  renamed  it  New  Riegel, 

Catholics  first  settled  at  Wolf's  Creek  in  1833,  then  a  dense, 
unbroken    forest.     Their    names    were    Matthias    \\^eisenberger. 


536  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Anthony  Sanders  and  John  Houck,  Sr.  Two  years  later  they 
were  joined  by  the  Wagner,  Schindler,  Dockweiler,  Brosemer  and 
Gase  families.  Sadly  missing  the  consolations  of  religion  which 
they  had  enjoyed  in  their  distant  Fatherland,  they  made  every 
efifort  to  have  a  priest  visit  them  from  time  to  time.  The 
Redemptorist  Father,  F.  X.  Tschenhens,  was  the  first  priest  to 
attend  to  their  spiritual  wants.  He  came  from  Peru,  Huron 
county,  for  the  first  time,  in  1833,  and  continued  to  visit  these 
Catholic  pioneers  at  long  but  regular  intervals  until  1839,  and 
again  from  1841  until  1842.  Between  1839  and  1841,  the  Revs. 
J.  McNamee  and  P.  J.  Machebeuf  also  came  occasionally  from 
Tiffin.  Mass  was  said  and  the  sacraments  administered  in  various 
log  cabins  until  1839,  when  under  the  direction  of  Father 
Tschenhens  a  small  log  chapel  was  built  in  honor  of  St.  Boniface, 
at  the  south-east  corner  of  a  six  acre  tract  of  land  donated  to  the 
Mission  by  Valentine  Brosemer  and  Anthony  Schindler,  who 
deeded  it  to  Bishop  Purcell  in  November,  1841.  It  is  the  same 
property  now  used  by  the  parish,  and  includes  the  site  for  the 
church,  school  and  cemetery.  In  1840  the  Revs.  H.  D.  Juncker 
and  M.  Wiirz,  both  of  Canton,  attended  the  Mission.* 

The  Rev.  Matthias  Alig,  another  Redemptorist  Father, 
stationed  at  Peru,  had  charge  of  Wolf's  Creek  as  a  Mission,  until 
1843,  and  the  Rev.  Matthias  Wiirz  again  attended  it  for  some 
months  in  1844.  In  December  of  the  same  year  Bishop  Purcell 
commissioned  the  Very  Rev.  F.  S.  Brunner,  first  Provincial  of 
the  Sanguinist  Society  in  this  country,  to  take  pastoral  charge  of 
New  Riegel.  Since  that  time  the  Fathers  of  that  Society  have 
continued  the  good  work,  begun  by  their  Provincial,  who  at  this 
time  established  a  Mission  House  for  the  Sanguinist  Fathers  at 
New  Riegel,  whence  they  attended  a  number  of  neighboring 
congregations  and  Stations.  He  also  founded  there  at  the  same 
time  the  present  flourishing  convent  of  Sanguinist  Sisters,  of 
whom  a  more  detailed  account  will  be  given  in  a  separate  sketch. 

Under  the  fostering  care  of  the  Sanguinist  Fathers  the  con- 
gregation flourished  and  steadily  increased.  In  1845  it  numbered 
150  families,  according  to  the  parish  records.  The  log  chapel 
liad  become  much  too  small  and  hence  Father  Brunner  and  his 


*CathoHc  Telegraph,  July  4,  1840;  Church  in  Northern  Ohio,  4th  ed.  p.  279. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  537 

people  resolved  to  build  a  larger  and  better  church  of  brick.  It 
was  begun  in  1848,  and  finished  in  1849.  Bishop  Rappe  dedi- 
cated it  to  St.  Boniface  in  the  summer  of  1849;  there  is  no  record 
of  the  date.  The  church  was  then  considered  one  of  the  better 
class  in  the  diocese,  and  was  used  for  nearly  30  years;  it  was  45 
feet  wide  and  100  feet  long,  and  cost  about  $6,000. 

In  1856  a  very  neat  Mortuary  chapel  and  fourteen  small 
chapels  for  the  Stations  Avere  erected  in  the  cemetery  nearby — 
the  only  cemetery  in  the  diocese  thus  adorned.  The  Station 
chapels  however  had  to  be  torn  down  in  1898,  owing  to  their 
dilapidated  condition. 

About  1873  it  was  found  that  the  church  had  become  unsafe, 
owing  to  defective  construction.  Rather  than  attempt  to  repair 
the  defect,  with  but  little  assurance  that  it  would  be  remedied,  it 
was  thought  more  prudent  to  build  a  new  church  of  larger  dimen- 
sions and  of  more  modern  architecture  than  the  old.  The  Rev. 
Alphonse  Laux,  then  in  charge,  solicited  subscriptions  for  that 
purpose  and  met  with  a  generous  response.  The  building  was 
begun  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Laux,  in  May,  1875,  near 
the  site  of  the  old  church.  The  Very  Rev.  Vicar  General  Bofif 
laid  the  cornerstone  on  the  following  27th  of  June.  The  church 
was  rapidly  pushed  to  completion  during  1877 ;  Bishop  Gilmour 
dedicated  it  on  Sunday,  May  12,  1878.  The  edifice  is  built  of 
brick,  with  a  liberal  ornamentation  of  stone  trimmings,  and  cost 
about  $30,000.  Its  dimensions  are:  Length,  130  feet;  width, 
50  feet;  its  architecture  is  Roman.  The  church  ranks  with  the 
finest  country  churches  in  the  diocese,  and  would  be  a  credit  to 
any  of  the  larger  and  wealthier  city  congregations. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  about  1856.  The  boys 
were  always  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher,  and  the  girls  in  charge  of 
the  Sanguinist  Sisters.  The  present  school  house,  a  two-story 
brick  structure,  was  built  in  1861. 

The  parish  now  numbers  about  150  German  families,  nearly 
all  of  the  farming  class. 

The  following  Sanguinist  Fathers  have  had  pastoral  charge 
of  St.  Boniface's  congregation  since  the  time  of  Father  Brunner : 
The  Revs.  John  Wittmer,  1847-48;  E.  Ruff,  1848-53 ;  A.  Reichert, 
1853-61;  A.  Kramer,  1861-64;  A.  Herbstritt,  1864-65;  H.  Drees, 


538  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITV 

1865-66;  F.  X.  Griessmayer,  1866-68:  A.  Laux,  1868-76;  T. 
Eisenring,  1876-78;  C.  Roessner,  1878-80;  B.  Russ,  1880-91;  E. 
Jakob,  1891-95;  A.  Malin,  1895-97;  and  tin-  ])rosent  pastor,  the 
Rev.  A.  Voag,  since  February,  1897. 

NEW  WASHINGTON,  CRAWFORD  COUNTY. 

ST.    BERNARD'S    CHURCH. 

[n  May,  1844,  about  twelve  families,  residing  in  and  near  the 
village  of  New  Washington,  were  detached  from  St.  Stephen's, 
Seneca  county,  and  formed  into  a  separate  Mission.  The  Very 
Rev.  F.  Brunner,  Provincial  of  the  Sanguinists,  was  the  first  priest 
to  visit  them.  For  two  years  he  said  Mass  for  them  in  private 
houses.  In  May,  1846,  a  lot  was  secured  and  a  small  wooden 
church  built  on  it  in  the  same  year.*  New  Washington  was 
attended  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  at  first  from  Peru,  where 
they  were  stationed  between  1844  and  1845 ;  then  from  Thomp- 
son, until  1859.  In  December  of  1859,  the  Rev.  A.  Dambach 
was  appointed  first  resident  pastor.  He  remained  in  charge  until 
Tune,  1865.  In  the  following  month  he  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  Michael  Becker.  Soon  after  his  arrival  in  New  Washington 
Father  Becker  took  up  a  subscription  for  a  new  church,  the  old 
one  having  become  much  too  small.  He  also  found  that  the 
church  site  then  in  use  was  inconveniently  located.  It  was  there- 
fore sold  by  him  and  the  present  elegant  property,  comprising  ten 
lots,  fronting  on  Mansfield  street,  was  bought  in  March,  1868,  for 
$1,400.  In  April  of  the  same  year  Father  Becker  began  the 
foundation  for  a  brick  church,  which  was  completed  in  the  follow- 
ing year;  it  is  the  one  now  in  use.  The  dimensions  are:  Length, 
110  feet;  width,  46  feet.  Its  architecture  is  Gothic,  and  its  interior 
is  beautifully  stuccoed.  It  has  neat  altars,  two  of  them  being  of 
marble;  also  stained  glass  windows,  white  oak  pews  and  com- 
munion railing.  Exclusive  of  its  furnishings  it  cost  about 
S25,000.  The  church  was  dedicated  to  St.  Bernard  by  Bishop 
Gilmour,  on  October  9,  1879,  although  it  had  been  in  use  for 
nearly  ten  years  before. 

In  1875  Father  Becker  built  the  present  brick  pastoral  resi- 
dence, at  a  cost  of  about  $4,000. 

*The  Catholic  Telegraph,  July  2,  1846.    The  Church  in  Northern  Ohio,   4th  ed.  p.  302. 


ST.     STEPHEN'S    CHURCH    AND    SCHOOL,    NILES. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  539 

The  parish  school  was  organized  by  Father  Kreusch,  in  1855, 
in  a  small  frame  building,  but  owing  to  lack  of  means  the  parish 
could  not  afford  to  have  it  open  for  more  than  a  few  months  each 
year.  When  Father  Becker  took  charge  he  induced  the  people 
to  support  the  school  more  generously.  Since  1866  it  has  con- 
tinued without  intermission.  It  was  taught  by  lay  teachers,  until 
1889,  but  since  then  it  has  been  in  charge  of  two  Sisters  of  St. 
Francis,  of  Tiffin.  The  second  school  house,  a  frame  building, 
was  erected  by  Father  Becker,  in  1867. 

Father  Becker  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Lawrence  Heiland, 
in  July,  1881.  During  his  pastorate,  which  ended  in  January, 
1888,  he  reduced  the  parish  debt  from  $7,000  to  $750,  besides 
making  a  number  of  improvements  in  the  church  and  on  the 
property  to  the  amount  of  about  v$2,000. 

The  Rev.  J.  G.  Vogt  succeeded  Father  Heiland  in  January, 
1888.  In  the  following  year  the  entire  debt  was  cancelled.  In 
1895  Father  Vogt  built  the  present  brick  school,  a  well  appointed 
and  commodious  two-story  structure,  at  a  cost  of  $6,000. 

The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Kunnert,  succeeded  Father 
Vogt  in  September,  1899. 

The  parish  is  now  composed  of  about  75  German  families. 


NILES,  TRUMBULL  COUNTY. 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH. 

Niles  was  attended  from  Dungannon  as  a  Station,  as  early 
as  1853.  The  Rev.  Francis  Stroker  was  the  first  priest  to  minister 
1o  the  few  Catholic  families  then  residing  there.  He  was  trans- 
ferred to  Summitville  in  1855,  but  continued  his  pastoral  visits 
to  Niles  until  1856,  when  he  was  succeeded  in  both  places  by  the 
Rev.  Michael  Prendergast.  In  1858  Niles  was  attached  to  St. 
Columba's,  Youngstown,  as  a  Station,  and  later  (1864)  as  a  Mis- 
sion, and  thus  remained  until  July,  1865. 

In  the  spring  of  1864,  the  Rev.  E.  M.  O'Callaghan,  of 
Youngstown,  and  at  that  time  attending  Niles,  bought  two  lots 
at  the  corner  of  James  (now  Park  avenue)  and  Mechanic  streets. 
During  the  same  year  he  built  a  frame  church  (38  by  70  feet)  on 
the  corner  lot.     It  was  a  very  plain  structure  which  cost  about 


540  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

$3,000.  Improvements  were  added  to  the  church  from  time  to 
lime,  thus  making  it  fairly  attractive. 

The  Rev.  A.  R.  Sidley  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of 
Niles  in  July,  1865.  He  built  the  present  pastoral  residence,  a 
frame  house,  shortly  after  his  appointment  to  Niles.  In  February 
of  the  following  year  he  also  bought  five  acres  of  land  for  a  ceme- 
tery, which  is  still  in  use.  Father  Sidley  was  succeeded  in  Jan- 
uary, 1868,  by  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Conway.  His  pastorate  however 
was  of  short  duration — until  the  following  April,  when  the  Rev. 
B.  B,  Kelley  was  appointed  pastor  of  Niles.  He  organized  the 
school  in  September,  1868,  and  in  doing  so  met  with  considerable 
opposition,  as  his  parishioners  believed  they  could  not  afford  to 
support  the  school.  But  that  feeling  soon  passed  away  and  the 
school  was  continued  in  charge  of  lay  teachers  without  any  further 
difficulty.  Father  Kelley  was  removed  in  May,  1871,  and  Niles 
was  then  attended  from  the  Cathedral  by  the  Rev.  M.  Ivers,  until 
August  of  the  same  year,  when  the  Rev.  T.  M.  Mahony  was 
appointed  resident  pastor.  He  remained  in  charge  until  Novem- 
ber, 1873,  when  the  Rev.  M.  A.  Scanlon  succeeded  him.  After 
Father  Scanlon's  removal,  in  July,  1870,  the  following  priests  had 
pastoral  charge  of  Niles:  The  Revs.  J.  Monahan,  from  July, 
1880,  till  his  death.  September  6,  1884;  D.  P.  O'Brien,  from 
September,  1884,  to  April,  1888;  J.  C.  Desmond,  to  May,  1889; 
and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  Felix  M.  Scullin,  since  May, 
1889. 

In  August,  1872,  Father  Mahony  bought  two  lots  for  a  school 
site.  They  adjoin  the  church  lots  at  the  south  end  and  front  on 
Furnace  street. 

Between  1885  and  1888  there  was  a  steady  growth  of  the 
parish.  It  was  brought  about  by  the  employment  of  a  large 
number  of  men  at  good  wages,  offered  by  the  iron  mills  at  Niles, 
which  are  the  main  support  of  the  town.  Of  those  so  employed 
the  Catholic  element  received  a  fair  share.  In  consequence  of 
this  increase  the  church  then  in  use  became  much  too  small. 
Provision  had  therefore  to  be  made  for  a  larger  church.  Father 
O'Brien  took  up  a  subscription  for  that  purpose  in  the  summer 
of  1888,  and  received  every  encouragement  from  his  generous 
parishioners.  After  Father  O'Brien's  departure.  Father  Desmond 
continued  to  solicit  subscriptions,  with  the  same  success.     Plans 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  541 

were  then  drawn  by  a  competent  architect,  and  approved  by 
Bishop  Gilmour,  for  a  handsome  brick  church,  of  Romanesque 
architecture,  to  be  built  on  the  site  of  the  old  church.  The  foun- 
dation was  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1888  by  Father  Desmond, 
and  finished  by  Father  Scullin  in  the  summer  of  the  following 
year.  As  Father  Scullin  did  not  wish  to  urge  his  people  too  much 
for  subscriptions,  he  "made  haste  slowly,"  paying  for  the  work 
as  it  was  done.  In  consequence  of  this  prudent  delay,  the  cere- 
mony of  blessing  the  cornerstone  did  not  take  place  until  Sunday, 
May  11,  1890;  Bishop  Gilmour  performed  the  ceremony.  During 
the  same  year  the  church  was  enclosed,  and  the  interior  was  com- 
pleted in  1891.  On  Christmas  day,  1891,  Mass  was  said  in  the 
new  church  for  the  first  time.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Stephen,  by 
Bishop  Horstmann,  on  Sunday,  May  8,  1892.  Its  total  cost, 
including  altars,  pews,  etc.,  was  about  $30,000,  and  it  was  fully 
paid  for  when  dedicated.  This  is  a  very  creditable  record  for 
both  pastor  and  people.  The  church  is  the  most  conspicuous  and 
attractive  building  in  Niles,  and  deserves  to  be  ranked  with  the 
grand  galaxy  of  fine  churches  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  Its 
dimensions  are :  Length,  100  feet ;  width,  49  feet ;  height  of  spire, 
175  feet.  It  is  built  of  clear  red  brick,  trimmed  with  sandstone. 
It  has  elegant  stained  glass  windows,  all  donated  by  parishioners 
and  societies.  The  frescoing  and  the  furnishings  show  excellent 
taste. 

In  1893  the  old  church,  which  was  moved  to  make  room  for 
the  new  edifice,  was  changed  into  two  school  rooms.  It  served 
its  new  purpose  until  the  erection  of  the  present  splendid  school, 
built  in  1900,  at  a  cost  of  $25,000.  Until  1880  the  parish  school 
was  taught  by  lay  teachers,  but  since  then  it  has  been  in  charge  of 
the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary,  who  have  conducted  it  most 
successfully.  The  same  Sisters  also  conduct  an  academy,  since 
1898 — separate  from  the  parish  school,  and  thus  far  have  met  with 
gratifying  support.  The  school  has  an  enrollment  at  present  of 
about  200  pupils. 

St.  Stephen's  parish  property  is  in  excellent  condition,  and 
without  a  dollar  of  debt. 

According  to  the  diocesan  census,  published  for  1900,  St. 
Stephen's  numbers  210  families. 


542  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 


NORTH  AMHERST,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

The  villagers  of  North  Amherst  depend  for  their  support 
almost  exclusively  on  the  adjacent  and  well-known  stone  quarries. 
These  were  first  opened  about  1864  and  the  good  wages  paid  by 
the  owners  attracted  quite  a  number  of  quarrymen  from  the  East. 
Among  them  was  a  fair  proportion  of  Catholics  who  settled  at 
North  Amherst.  Their  spiritual  interests  were  looked  after  from 
that  time  until  1871,  by  the  Rev.  Louis  Molon,  of  Elyria,  and  then 
by  the  Rev.  James  Rouchy,  of  Vermilion,  until  July,  1875. 
Father  Molon  said  Mass  in  the  residence  of  J.  Plato,  Sr.,  at  North 
Amherst,  until  1868.  when  he  bought  two  lots,  fronting  on  the 
north  side  of  Fenney  street.  They  were  deeded  to  Bishop  Gil- 
niour  in  May,  1872.  On  one  of  these  lots  he  built  a  small  wooden 
church.  It  was  ready  for  use  in  the  early  fall  of  18G8,  and  dedi- 
cated to  St.  Joseph.  As  Father  Molon  found  it  difficult  to  attend 
North  Amherst,  together  with  his  home  duties,  he  was  relieved  of 
that  charge  in  March,  1871,  by  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  James 
Rouchy,  pastor  of  Vermilion.  About  that  time  the  Mission  had 
outgrown  its  church,  hence  Father  Rouchy  built  an  addition  in 
1873,  making  its  dimensions  30  by  75  feet,  as  they  are  at  present. 
Father  Rouchy  was  replaced  in  July,  1875,  by  the  Rev.  Joseph 
Romer,  who  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  North  Amherst, 
which  charge  he  held  until  November,  1891.  He  built  the  pres- 
ent pastoral  residence,  in  1875.  It  is  a  plain  wooden  structure, 
and  cost  $1,300.  He  also  secured  three  altars  and  had  the  interior 
of  the  church  renovated.  In  February,  1880,  he  bought  the 
present  cemetery,  which  covers  one  and  one-half  acres.  In  1883 
he  organized  the  parish  school,  which  has  been  taught  since  that 
time  by  lay  teachers.     Its  present  enrollment  is  about  60  pupils. 

Father  Romer  was  succeeded  in  November,  1891,  by  the 
Rev.  Henry  D.  Best,  who  built  the  spire  and  bought  the  two  bells 
now  in  use.  Father  Romer  was  again  appointed  pastor  of  North 
Amherst  in  January,  1893,  and  remained  in  charge  until  June, 
1899,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev. 
August  H.  Alten,  a  native  of  French  Creek,  Lorain  county.  He 
enlarged  the  frame  school  and  cancelled  the  parish  debt.     During 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  543 

the  last  few  years  the  parish  has  lost  quite  a  number  of  families. 
This  is  owing-  to  the  fact  that  only  a  few  of  the  stone  quarries  are 
operated,  and  that  at  low  wages.  Thus  the  Catholic  employes 
were  compelled  to  seek  more  lucrative  employment  elsewhere. 
The  parish  now  numbers  only  about  60  families,  and  its  future  is 
not  very  promising". 


NORTH   BALTIMORE,   WOOD   COUNTY. 

ST.    AUGUSTINE'S    CHURCH. 

Although  less  than  15  years  in  existence,  North  Baltimore 
is  quite  a  thriving-  little  city.  It  owes  its  origin  and  rapid  growth 
to  the  -fact  that  it  is  located  almost  in  the  center  of  the  natural 
gas  and  oil  section  in  Wood  county.  About  1890  the  few  Cath- 
olics there  resident  made  an  effort  to  build  a  church, i  but  failed 
for  want  of  means.  They  were  attended  by  the  resident  pastors 
of  Bowling  Green  from  January,  1891,  to  January,  1893,  the  Rev. 
M.  Philippart  being  the  first  priest  to  visit  them.  He  said  Mass 
a  few  times  in  a  small  building  formerly  used  as  a  school.  Father 
Philippart's  successor,  in  January,  1892,  was  the  Rev.  W.  S.  Kress 
who,  after  a  few  visits  to  North  Baltimore,  engaged  the  Opera 
House  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship,  as  the  increasing  number 
of  attendants  could  no  longer  be  accommodated  in  the  abandoned 
school  building.  In  July.  1892,  Father  Kress  bought  two  lots 
with  a  frontage  of  285  feet  on  Oak  avenue,  and  extending  from 
Second  to  Third  streets;  the  purchase  price  was  $700.  On  one 
of  these  lots  he  built  the  present  frame  church,  38  by  75  feet.  It 
was  commenced  in  July,  1892,  finished  by  December  of  the  same 
year,  and  dedicated  to  St.  Augustine,  by  Bishop  Horstmann,  on 
May  23.  1893.  With  its  furnishings  the  church  cost  about 
$3,000. 

The  Rev.  I.  J.  Wonderly  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor 
of  North  Baltimore,  in  January,  1893.  During  his  pastorate  the 
parish  sustained  a  considerable  loss  of  membership  by  the  removal 
of  one  of  the  local  glass  factories,  and  the  destruction  by  fire  of 
another.  In  both  of  these  many  Catholics  were  employed,  but 
were  now  obliged  to  seek  a  livelihood  elsewhere.  However,  in 
spite  of  this  loss.  Father  Wonderly  succeeded  in  not  only  cancelling 


544  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

the  parish  debt  of  about  $2,000,  but  at  the  time  he  left,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1895,  there  was  also  a  fair  sized  balance  in  the  church  treas- 
ury. The  Rev.  J.  B.  Alten  was  Father  Wonderly's  successor. 
In  1897  he  built  the  present  frame  pastoral  residence,  at  a  cost  of 
about  $1,500.  It  was  paid  for  at  the  time  he  left  North  Balti- 
more. His  successor  is  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Hau- 
pert.  He  was  appointed  to  take  charg-e  in  September,  1897,  and 
at  once  had  the  church  put  in  proper  repair,  which  it  greatly 
needed,  owing  to  its  defective  construction.  He  had  it  covered 
with  new  siding  and  the  roof  repaired.  In  1898  the  debt,  incurred 
by  this  very  necessary  renovation,  was  cancelled,  and  the  church 
was  also  neatly  frescoed.  The  structure  is  now  in  good  condition 
and  quite  attractive  in  its  appearance. 

The  parish  at  present  has  about  30  families. 


NORTH  CREEK,  PUTNAM  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  Catholic  families  in  and  near  the  hamlet  of  North  Creek, 
which  is  situated  in  the  northern  part  of  Putnam  county,  were 
identified  with  the  parish  of  New  Bavaria,  eight  miles  distant,  until 
January,  1889.  They  were  desirous  for  some  years  previous  of 
having  a  church  of  their  own,  as  they  found  it  difficult  to  attend 
Mass  at  New  Bavaria,  both  on  account  of  the  long  distance  to  be 
traversed,  and  the  bad  roads  from  fall  until  spring.  Bishop  Gil- 
mour  acceded  to  their  wish  in  April,  1887,  Mr.  Ferdinand  Ball 
having  donated,  a  few  weeks  previous,  three  acres  of  land  as  a 
site  for  the  proposed  church  and  a  cemetery.  The  church,  a 
frame  structure,  35  by  50  feet,  was  built  in  1887,  on  the  land 
donated,  and  its  cost  was  $1,200.  The  congregation  of  Glandorf 
donated  the  pews,  and  that  of  Fort  Jennings  the  pretty  altar  and 
a  supply  of  vestments.  For  lack  of  priests,  however,  Bishop 
Gilmour  was  unable  to  appoint  one  to  take  charge  of  the  Mission. 
Hence,  for  more  than  a  year  after  the  church  was  finished  it  was 
not  used  for  its  sacred  purpose,  and  the  people  who  had  made 
such  sacrifices  for  the  erection  of  their  pretty  little  church  were 
obliged  to  continue  their  affiliation  with  the  parish  of  New 
Bavaria.        Finally,    in    January,    1889,    the    resident    pastor    of 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  545 

Holgate,  was  directed  to  attend  the  Mission,  which  he  did  till 
the  following-  March,  when  he  was  transferred  to  Toledo.  The 
Mission  was  then  without  attendance  until  June,  of  the  same  year, 
when  it  was  again  attached  to  Holgate,  from  which  place  it  has 
since  been  attended  monthly. 

Owing  to  lack  of  means,  and  the  small  number  of  children 
living  near  the  church,  there  is  no  parochial  school  at  North 
Creek. 

The  Mission  numbers  now  about  35  families. 


NORTH  LAWRENCE,  STARK  COUNTY. 

ST.  PATRICK'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

North  Lawrence  is  a  village,  located  in  the  coal-mining  dis^ 
trict,  in  the  northern  part  of  Stark  county.  Before  1889  the 
Catholics  of  the  village  attended  Mass  at  Canal  Fulton,  four  miles 
distant.  As  none  could  boast  the  ownership  of  a  conveyance,  all 
had  to  walk  the  distance.  Finding  this  very  inconvenient,  espe- 
cially for  the  children,  in  bad  weather  and  often  over  worse  roads, 
they  petitioned  Bishop  Gilmour  for  permission  to  secure  a  church 
for  themselves.  When  assured  that  they  were  able  to  raise  the 
necessary  means  he  readily  granted  their  petition,  and  directed  the 
Rev.  E.  J.  Vattmann,  pastor  of  Canal  Fulton,  to  put  it  into  eflfect. 
This  he  did  by  purchasing  for  $805,  on  August  2,  1889,  the  vacant 
frame  public  school  of  the  village,  and  the  three  lots  (200  by  150 
feet)  on  which  it  stood.  The  school  was  remodeled  for  church 
purposes  and  was  dedicated  to  St.  Patrick  on  Sunday,  October 
27,  of  the  same  year,  by  the  Rev.  T.  P.  Thorpe,  as  Bishop  Gil- 
mour's  delegate.  A  church  fair,  held  during  the  same  month, 
netted  sufficient  funds  to  pay  for  the  property  and  remodeling 
the  building. 

The  Mission  was  attended  from  Canal  Fulton  until  January, 
1891.  It  was  then  attached  to  West  Brookfield,  whence  it  was 
attended  until  March,  1899.  It  was  again  made  a  monthly  Mis- 
sion of  Canal  Fulton  in  May,  1899,  and  since  has  so  continued. 

In  1892  the  Mission  numbered  about  thirty  families,  all 
depending"  on  work  in  the  coal  mines  for  their  support.     In  1894- 


546  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

the  great  national  strike  of  the  coal  miners,  brought  about  by 
starvation  wages,  most  seriously  affected  the  North  Lawrence 
mines,  reducing  many  of  the  miners  to  abject  poverty.  Those 
who  could  left  for  coal  regions  where  there  was  promise  of  at 
least  living  wages.  This  resulted  in  considerably  reducing  the 
number  of  families  and  making  the  existence  of  the  Mission  a 
serious  struggle.  But  happily  a  better  though  far  from  satisfac- 
tory condition  of  things  has  prevailed  since  the  memorable  strike. 

On  Sundays,  when  there  is  no  divine  service,  the  people 
assemble  in  the  church  at  an  appointed  hour  for  private  devotions. 
The  children  are  taught  Christian  doctrine  every  week.  As  the 
Mission  is  unable  to  support  a  parish  school  the  children  attend 
the  public  school  of  the  village.  North  Lawrence  being  without 
a  Catholic  cemetery,  the  interments  are  made  at  Canal  Fulton, 
where  the  funeral  services  also  take  place. 

The  Mission  now  numbers  about  25  families. 


NORTH  RIDGE,   DEFIANCE  COUNTY. 
ST.   MICHAEL'S   CHURCH. 

North  Ridge  is  a  small  settlement  composed  of  Catholic 
German  and  Bohemian  farmers,  and  is  located  about  9  miles  north- 
east of  Defiance.  Prior  to  1871  they  were  attended  successively 
from  St.  John's  church  at  Defiance,  Napoleon,  Providence,  again 
from  Defiance,  and  from  Antwerp.  The  Rev.  A.  Herbstritt,  C. 
PP.  S.,  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  them  from  Defiance,  about  1855. 

In  the  fall  of  1861,  whilst  the  Rev.  A.  I.  Hoeffel,  of  Defiance, 
had  charge,  the  first  church,  a  frame  structure,  30  by  50  feet,  was 
built  on  a  one-acre  parcel  of  land,  donated  to  the  Mission  by 
Michael  Lutz.  • 

The  Rev.  A.  Eilert  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of 
North  Ridge,  October,  1873 ;  he  had  attended  it  as  a  Mission, 
since  October,  1871.  Besides  procuring  a  bell  and  two  side 
altars  he  also  built  a  frame  parochial  residence.  In  December, 
1873,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Blaser  succeeded  Father  Eilert.  Towards 
the  close  of  Father  Blaser's  pastorate  there  was  some  opposition 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  547 

to  him  on  the  part  of  a  few  factious  members  of  the  congregation, 
who  tried  to  usurp  his  rights  in  managing  the  affairs  of  the  parish. 
But  in  this  they  signally  failed,  as  by  far  the  larger  number  stood 
by  the  pastor.  However,  for  the  sake  of  peace,  he  resigned  his 
charge  in  April,  1877.  Since  that  time  the  following  priests  were 
resident  pastors  of  North  Ridge:  The  Revs.  J.  Sproll,  from 
April  to  August,  1877;  T.  P.  McCarthy,  1877-78 ;  J.  Christophory, 
J  878-81;  J.  H.  Miihlenbeck,  1881-86;  G.  C.  Schoenemann,  1886- 
90;  (attended  from  Holgate  between  February  and  June,  1890); 
W.  S.  Kress,  June-August,  1890;  (vacant  from  September,  1890, 
to  March,  1891);  J.  W.  Bell,  1891-93:  and  the  present  incumbent, 
the  Rev.  J.  B.  Heiland,  since  January,  1893. 

In  the  fall  of  1877  Father  McCarthy  organized  a  parochial 
school,  using  for  that  purpose  the  church  gallery.  For  lack  of 
means  to  secure  better  accommodations  the  school  was  soon  dis- 
continued. Father  Miihlenbeck  built  the  present  school  house 
in  1882,  and  placed  it  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher.  It  was  closed 
in  1890,  but  reopened  in  1893  by  the  present  pastor. 

Father  Miihlenbeck  enlarged  the  church  by  an  addition  of 
28  feet.  He  also  enlarged  and  practically  rebuilt  the  pastoral 
residence.  The  latter  was  burnt  to  the  ground  January  4,  1886. 
On  a  lot  donated  by  Mr.  M.  Lutz,  Father  Schoenemann  built  the 
present  frame  residence  during  the  summer  and  fall  of  the  same 
year;  it  cost  about  $2,100. 

As  the  old  church  property  proved  undesirable.  Father  Heil- 
and bought  a  six-acre  tract  of  land  in  April,  1897,  as  a  site  for  a 
much  needed  new  church,  as  also  for  a  pastoral  residence,  school 
and  cemetery.  The  part  used  for  the  cemetery  covers  nearly  two 
acres  and  is  well  laid  out,  and  neatly  ornamented  with  shrubs,  etc. 

Preparations  are  now  being  made  for  the  erection  of  a  fine 
brick  church,  which  Father  Heiland  expects  to  build  within  the 
next  two  years. 

The  parish  now  numbers  about  65  families. 


548  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 


NORTH  RIDGEVILLE,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 

ST.    PETER'S   CHURCH. 

St.  Peter's  congregation,  at  North  Ridgeville,  was  organized 
in  1875.  Its  orig^inal  members  numbered  about  40  families,  and 
had  been  identified  with  French  Creek,  or  Avon.  They  petitioned 
for  a  separation  from  the  parent  parishes  because  of  the  too  great 
distance  they  were  obliged  to  travel  in  order  to  hear  Mass.  The 
Very  Rev.  Administrator  Boff,  then  in  charge  of  the  diocese, 
owing  to  Bishop  Gilmour's  illness  and  absence,  granted  the 
request.  In  April,  1875,  they  bought,  in  the  village  of  North 
Ridgeville,  a  lot  on  which  stood  a  frame  house.  This  was  used 
later  on  as  the  pastoral  residence.  The  price  paid  for  the  prop- 
erty was  $1,500.  A  subscription  for  a  church  was  raised  during 
the  following  summer,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  J.  Heideg- 
ger, pastor  of  Avon.  The  church,  a  frame  structure,  35  by  60 
feet,  was  built  on  the  same  lot  above  mentioned.  It  cost  about 
$3,000  and  was  dedicated  to  St.  Peter  in  the  fall  of  1875  by  the 
Very  Rev.  F.  M.  Bol¥. 

The  Mission  of  North  Ridgeville  was  attended  from  Avon 
until  June,  1879,  when  the  Rev.  V.  Haussner  was  appointed  the 
first  resident  pastor.  Owing  to  ill  health  he  was  obliged  to  resign 
in  December,  1880.  North  Ridgeville  was  then  again  attended 
from  Avon,  until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  H.  D.  Best,  in 
November,  1881.  He  remained  in  charge  till  February,  1887. 
Again  the  pastor  of  Avon  (at  this  time  the  Rev.  N.  Pfeil)  was 
directed  to  attend  North  Ridgeville  as  a  Mission,  until  March, 
1891,  when  the  Rev.  S.  Rebholz  was  appointed  resident  pastor. 
Father  Rebholz's  pastorate  ended  in  April,  1893.  when  for  the 
third  time  North  Ridgeville  became  a  Mission  of  Avon,  from 
April  to  November,  1893,  with  the  Rev.  N.  Pfeil  in  charge.  The 
next  resident  pastor  was  the  Rev.  N.  Kirch,  from  November, 
1893,  to  July,  1900,  when  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  M. 
Becker,  succeeded  him. 

The  parish  school,  with  55  pupils  enrolled,  was  organized  by 
Father  Best,  in  1886,  and  placed  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher.  In 
June,  1887,  Father  Pfeil  bought  a  lot,  112  by  190  feet,  near  the 
church,  and  had  the  two-story  frame  house  on  it  converted  into 


A  A      ^ 


ST.    MARY'S    CHURCH,    NORWALK. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  549 

a  commodious  school;  the  property  cost  $900.  In  September, 
1891,  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis,  of  Tiffin,  were  placed  in  charge 
of  the  school,  and  remained  until  June,  1893.  In  the  following 
September  they  were  succeeded  by  a  lay  teacher,  who  taught  for 
one  year.  In  September,  1895,  two  Dominican  Sisters  were 
engaged,  but  they  remained  only  until  the  following  June.  Since 
then  the  parish  school  has  again  been  taught  by  a  lay  teacher. 

In  the  summer  of  1889,  Father  Pfeil  had  the  church  consid- 
erably enlarged,  supplied  with  new  pews,  and  its  interior  thor- 
oughly and  tastily  renovated,  all  at  a  cost  of  nearly  $1,800.  The 
present  dimensions  of  the  church  are :     Length,  100  feet ;  width, 

35  feet. 

The  parish  is  composed  mostly  of  German  farmers,  and  now 

numbers  about  90  families. 


NORWALK,  HURON  COUNTY. 

ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

On  October  12,  1853,  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Roupp,  then  pastor 
of  St.  Peter's  church,  Norwalk,  bought  for  the  sum  of  $200  a 
tract  of  land,  4  by  16  rods,  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Milan  and 
St.  Mary's  streets,  for  the  use  of  the  English  speaking  Catholics 
of  Norwalk.     As  at  that   time   they   numbered   less  than   thirty 
families  they  were  financially  and  numerically  unable  to  build  a 
church   for  themselves,   but   continued  their  affiliation  with   St. 
Peter's    parish.     In    the   summer    of    1856,    the    Rev.  Narcissus 
Ponchell,  Father  Roupp's  successor,  felt  that  the  time  had  come 
when  a  second,  and  exclusively  English,  parish  should  be  organ- 
ized  in  Norwalk,   as   St.   Peter's  church,   being  in   the   suburbs, 
was    too    inconveniently    located    for    the    Catholics    livmg    m 
the   town.     Bishop    Rappe    sanctioned    Father    Ponchell's   views 
and  authorized  him  to  form  a  new  parish,  as  proposed.     He  raised 
a  subscription  for  a  brick  church,  to  be  erected  on  the  property 
bought  by  Father  Roupp.     The  church  (40  by  60  feet)  was  com- 
menced in  the  summer  of  1857,  but  owing  to  lack  of  means  the 
building  was  not  brought  under  roof  until  the  following  year. 
Although   still   unfinished   interiorly.   Mass  was  celebrated   in   it 
for  the  first  time  by  Father  Ponchell  on  Easter  Sunday,  1859. 


550  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Before  the  completion  of  the  church  Father  Ponchell  was  called 
to  his  eternal  reward,  on  September  IT),  1800.  His  death  was 
a  severe  blow  to  St.  Peter's  parish,  as  well  as  to  the  Mission  he 
had  organized.  His  loss  was  deeply  mourned  by  all  the  citizens 
of  Norwalk,  irrespective  of  race  or  creed,  as  that  of  a  zealous  and 
devoted  minister  of  God,  a  broad-minded  and  public  spirited 
citizen. 

From  September  to  December,  1860,  the  Rev.  E.  M.  O'Cal- 
highan  attended  the  Mission  of  St.  Mary's,  Norwalk,  from  Cleve- 
land. The  Rev.  John  Ouinn  v^^as  then  appointed  first  resident 
pastor.  He  remained  in  charge  from  December,  1860,  until  April, 
1864.  He  finished  the  church  during  the  spring  and  summer  of 
1861.  With  temporary  altars,  pews,  etc.,  it  cost  about  $12,000. 
Bishop  Rappe  dedicated  it  to  St.  Mary  some  time  during  the 
same  year,  but  there  is  no  record  of  the  date  of  dedication.  Tn 
March,  1862,  Father  Quinn  bought  three  and  one-half  acres  of 
land  near  the  outskirts  of  Norwalk  for  a  parish  cemetery;  it  was 
blessed  by  Bishop  Rappe  in  the  summer  of  that  year.  In  October, 
1863,  he  also  bought  two  lots  opposite  the  church  property,  as  the 
site  for  a  pastoral  residence.  The  house  then  serving  that  pur- 
pose was  a  small  frame  building  on  Milan  street,  some  distance 
from  the  church.  Father  Thorpe  finished  and  paid  for  the  resi- 
dence begun  by  his  predecessor.  When  completed  and  furnished 
it  cost  about  $3,000.  It  is  a  two  story  brick  building  and  is  still 
used  for  its  original  purpose.  During  the  Rev.  T.  P.  Thorpe's 
pastorate,  which  began  in  April,  1864,  new  altars  were  placed 
in  the  church,  and  a  brick  school  was  built,  in  1865.  The 
parish  school  was  opened  in  September  of  the  same  year.  He 
raised  all  the  money  for  the  buildings  commenced,  improved  or 
finished  by  him,  and  at  the  time  of  his  departure  from  Norwalk, 
in  March,  1868,  there  was  a  balance  of  about  $1,000  in  the  parish 
treasury  for  the  proposed  and  needed  enlargement  of  the  church. 

The  next  pastor  in  charge  was  the  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Halle}^ 
who  received  his  appointment  in  March,  1868.  As  the  congre- 
gation increased,  and  a  majority  of  the  people  settled  in  the  west- 
ern portion  of  the  town,  it  was  deemed  expedient  to  change  the 
location  of  the  church  and  school.  With  this  object  in  view 
Father  Halley  bought  three  lots,  at  the  northw'est  corner  of 
League  and  State  streets,  in  March,  1875;  the  price  paid  for  them 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND. 


551 


was  $3,800.  Their  location  was  not  only  most  desirable  but  also 
convenient,  because  practically  in  the  center  of  the  parish.  In 
1878  Father  Halley  built  the  present  school  on  these  lots.  Tt 
is  a  two-story  brick  structure,  40  by  60  feet,  and  cost  nearly 
$4,000.  The  school  was  in  charge  of  lay  teachers  until  1886, 
when  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  were  engaged;  they  have  taught 

it  ever  since. 

Death  ended  Father  Halley's  pastorate  on  January  4,  1885. 
His  successor,  the  Rev.  Charles  V.  Chevraux,  was  appointed  a 
few  days  later.  At  that  time  the  parish,  which  began  with  30 
families  in  1857,  numbered  about  130  families  and  was  free  of 

debt. 

St.  Mary's  church  having  now  become  much  too  small,  and 
no  longer  centrally  located,  Father  Chevraux  and  his  generous 
people  therefore  determined  to  build  in  a  more  desirable  quarter 
a  church  which  would  be  an  ornament  not  only  to  the  beautiful 
city  of  Norwalk,  but  to  the  diocese  as  well.     In  the  early  sprmg 
of  1889  plans  for  the  proposed  church  were  drawn  by  Architect 
Ginther  and  approved  by  Bishop  Gilmour.     Ground  was  broken 
for  the  foundation  on  May  29,  and  the  cornerstone  was  blessed 
and  laid  by  the  same  Prelate  on  Sunday,  September  29,  1889. 
Towards   fall   of   the   following   year  the   church  was   enclosed. 
The  graceful  spire  was  slated  in  the  summer  of  1891  and  the  stone 
steps  in  front  of  the  church  were  built  in  1892.     In  the  sprmg 
of  1893  the  f^ne  large  bell,  bought  during  the  pastorate  of  Father 
Halley    was  placed  in  the  tower.     During  the  summer  of  the 
same  year  the  church  was  plastered,  frescoed  and  furnished  wMh 
beautiful  stained  glass  memorial  windows— all  in  excellent  taste. 
The  windows  were  donated  by  individual  members  of  the  parish, 
and  by  societies.  . 

The  church  and  furnishings,  exclusive  of  organ  and  Stations, 
cost  about  $35,000,  although  it  could  not  be  duplicated  today 
for  less  than  $50,000,  owing  to  the  fact  that  at  the  time  it  was 
erected  building  materials  were  much  below  normal  pnces.  Ihe 
beautiful  Gothic  stone  structure  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Horst- 
mann,  on  Sunday,  September  2,  1894.  Needless  to  say,  it  was 
a  day  of  supreme  rejoicing  for  pastor  and  people. 

Following  are  the  dimensions  of  the  church :  Length,  121 
feet-  width,  55  feet;  height  of  center  ceiling,  47  feet,  and  it  has 


552  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

sittings  for  700  persons.  It  is  one  of  the  most  attractive  struc- 
tures in  Norwalk,  and  for  symmetry  and  architectural  effect  it  is 
excelled  by  none  in  that  attractive  city. 

In  November,  1893,  Father  Chevraux  bought  two  lots  next 
to  the  new  church,  for  the  future  pastoral  residence ;  they  cost 
Sl,600. 

Owing-  to  financial  depression  that  swept  the  country  in  1893, 
and  made  its  effects  strongly  felt  in  Norwalk  as  well,  Father  Chev- 
raux found  it  very  difficult  to  cope  with  the  debt,  contracted  in 
good  faith  and  with  bright  hopes.  Many  of  his  parishioners  were 
forced  to  seek  employment  elsewhere,  thus  largely  diminishing 
the  numerical  strength  of  the  parish  which  had  to  face  the  debt. 
Year  by  year,  however,  pastor  and  people  worked  together  to 
reduce  the  burden.  As  St.  Ann's  parish  at  Fremont  became 
vacant,  Father  Chevraux  was  appointed  to  take  charge  of  it  in 
September,  1897,  the  Rev.  J.  J.  Quinn  succeeding  him  at  Norwalk. 
He  continued  along  the  same  lines  as  did  Father  Chevraux,  in 
regard  to  the  reduction  of  the  debt,  and  succeeded  in  diminishing 
it  considerably  during  his  successful  pastorate,  which  ended  in 
January,  1900,  when  his  successor,  the  Rev.  F.  A.  Malloy,  the 
present  pastor,  was  appointed. 

Since  1898  the  financial  condition  of  Norwalk,  and  with  it  also 
that  of  St.  Mary's,  has  much  improved,  so  that  with  the  present 
prospects  realized,  in  a  few  years  the  parish  will  have  its  beautiful 
church  clear  of  debt. 

The  parish  at  present  numbers  about  95  families. 


NORWALK,  HURON  COUNTY. 

ST.  PAUL'S  CHURCH. 

With  the  intention  of  organizing  a  parish  more  centrally 
located,  about  8  families  severed  their  connection  with  St.  Peter's, 
Norwalk,  early  in  1868.  On  February  9,  1868,  they  bought  two 
large  lots  on  Hester  street,  for  $1,300.  On  one  of  these  they 
immediately  began  the  erection  of  a  two-story  brick  building,  44 
by  90  feet,  to  serve  for  church  and  school  purposes;  it  cost  about 
$8,000.  The  building  was  dedicated  to  St.  Peter,  the  Apostle,  in 
October,   1868.     To  distinguish  it  from  the  old  church  of  the 


ST.    PAUL'S   CHURCH.    NORWALK. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  553 

same  name,  common  parlance  called  it  "new  St.  Peter's."  The 
Rev.  A.  Magenhann,  pastor  of  the  parent  parish,  attended  the 
new  church  as  a  Mission,  celebrating  one  Mass  in  it  every  Sunday. 
A  parochial  school,  with  an  enrollment  of  about  90  pupils,  was 
opened  in  the  second  story  of  the  building  immediately  after  it 
was  dedicated.  The  Rev.  Jacob  Kuhn  succeeded  Father  Magen- 
hann in  October,  1869,  and  attended  the  Mission  from  old  St. 
Peter's  until  August,  1871.  He  bought  the  present  St.  Paul's 
cemetery,  comprising  nearly  six  acres,  for  $1,100,  in  November, 
1870,  although  it  was  not  deeded  to  the  Bishop  until  May  17, 
1872.  The  Rev.  M.  Dechant,  successor  to  Father  Kuhn,  was 
the  next  priest  in  charge  of  the  Mission  until  July,  1872,  when  he 
was  appointed  its  first  resident  pastor. 

Although  more  than  $10,000  had  been  expended  for  grounds, 
building  and  furniture,  it  was  resolved  by  the  pastor  and  the  rapid- 
ly growing  parish  of  St.  Paul's  to  abandon  their  parish  property 
and  seek  a  more  favorable  location.  For  this  purpose  Father 
Dechant  bought,  on  October  22,  1872,  the  present  church  site, 
consisting  of  two  lots,  each  66  by  264  feet,  at  the  corner  of  East 
Main  and  Wooster  streets,  and  extending  to  Monroe  street.  The 
purchase  price  was  $7,000.  The  title  was  first  vested  in  a  lay 
■'trustee,"  but  was  deeded  by  him  to  Bishop  Gilmour  on  January 
7,  1873.  The  frame  house  located  on  the  property  was  made 
the  pastoral  residence  in  December,  1872.  The  Rev.  A.  Eilert 
succeeded  Father  Dechant  in  the  pastorate  of  St.  Peter's  in 
December,  1873 — re-named  St.  Paul  about  that  time.  In  1876 
Father  Eilert  built  the  present  two-story  brick  school  (42  by  95 
feet),  fronting  on  Monroe  street.  The  ground  floor  served  as  a 
temporary  place  of  worship  and  the  second  story  was  fitted  up  for 
school  purposes.  The  building  and  furniture  cost  about  $12,000. 
The  first  Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  on  the  Sunday  before  Christ- 
mas, 1876.  About  this  time  also  the  property  on  Hester  street 
was  sold  for  $5,000. 

The  parochial  school  vv^as  opened  in  the  new  building,  in 
September,  1878,  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  Notre 
Dame;  they  have  taught  it  ever  since.  Prior  to  their  arrival  from 
Cleveland,  a  two-story  frame  house  had  been  built  on  Monroe 
street,  near  the  school,  for  their  residence. 

In  March,  1885.  Father  Eilert  bought  the  present  pastoral 


554  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

residence,  an  clcg-ant  two-story  brick  buildins:.  for  $4,300.  Tt 
stands  next  to  the  lots  bought  by  Father  Dechant  in  1872,  and 
fronts  on  East  Main  street.  He  also  oreatly  improved  the  ceme- 
tery at  an  expense  of  about  $4,000. 

Father  Eilert's  successor  was  the  Rev.  J.  A.  Michenfelder, 
who  received  his  appointment  in  May,  1888.  It  was  now  decided 
to  build  a  much  needed  church,  large  enough  to  accommodate 
the  steadily  growing  congregation,  and  worthy  of  its  numbers 
and  means.  As  a  preliminary  step  a  subscription  was  taken  up 
in  1889,  amounting  to  about  $10,000.  Several  successful  parish- 
fairs  were  also  held  for  that  object.  The  foundation  for  the 
church  was  begun  in  May,  1800,  and  the  cornerstone  was  laid  by 
Mgr.  F.  M.  Bof¥,  V.  G.,  on  September  14,  of  the  same  year.  The. 
church  was  brought  to  completion  by  December,  1892.  It  was 
dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  Sunday,  January  22,  1893. 
The  beautiful  church  is  a  stone  structure.  54  by  134  feet.  The 
walls  are  35  feet  high  above  the  water  table,  and  the  stone  work 
of  the  tower  is  90  feet;  the  height  of  the  spire  is  170  feet.  At 
the  time  Father  Michenfelder  left  St.  Paul's,  at  the  end  of  Jan- 
uary, 1894,  the  church  with  its  altars,  pews  and  electric  lighting, 
cost  nearly  $40,000.  The  Rev.  G.  H.  Rieken  was  appointed 
Father  Michenfelder's  successor,  in  February,  1894.  During  his 
short  pastorate  which,  at  his  own  request,  ceased  in  October  of 
the  same  year,  he  expended  about  $3,300  to  enlarge,  remodel  and 
beautify  the  pastoral  residence.  He  also  bought  the  pulpit  and 
confessionals  now  in  use.  The  Rev.  Frederick  Rupert,  the  present 
pastor,  took  charge  of  St.  Paul's  on  October  24,  1894.  He  found 
a  debt  of  about  $16,000,  exclusive  of  unpaid  interest.  This  debt 
no  doubt  would  have  been  paid,  or  at  least  largely  reduced,  had 
not  the  financial  crisis  of  1893  so  seriously  affected  Norwalk,  and 
consequently  also  St.  Paul's  parish.  The  defective  workmanship, 
in  the  erection  of  the  church  also  became  alarmingly  apparent 
now,  and  called  for  immediate  attention.  With  the  "hard  times" 
and  only  125  families  able  to  contribute,  Father  Rupert  had  no 
easy  problem  to  solve.  But  by  prudence,  patience  and  persever- 
ance he  succeeded  in  arousing  in  his  parishioners  good  will  and 
generosity,  although  the  latter  had  necessarily  been  taxed  to  the- 
utmost  during  the  previous  years.        Contributions  were  againt 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  555 

freely  made,  either  by  subscriptions  or  fairs,  two  of  the  latter 
netting  each  nearly  $3,000.  Besides  putting  the  church  in  safe 
condition,  at  an  expense  of  about  v$l,000.  the  financial  obligations 
of  the  parish  were  promptly  met.  The  debt  was  steadily  reduced, 
peace  and  harmony  united  the  parish  as  of  old;  pastor  and  flock 
were  of  one  accord,  and  that  is  the  record  of  St.  Paul's  today.  It 
owns  a  splendid  church  property,  including  a  well  furnished 
school  and  a  neatly  kept  cemetery — all  worth  at  least  $60,000, 
with  a  debt  of  less  than  $2,000  remaining. 


NORWALK,  HURON  COUNTY.* 

ST.  PETER'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

About  1830,  Catholics  first  settled  at  Norwalk,  the  county 
seat  of  Huron.  They  attended  divine  service  at  St.  Alphonsus' 
church,  Peru,  three  miles  distant,  until  183C.  The  Rev.  Peter 
Czakert,  C.  SS.  R.,  was  at  that  time  stationed  at  Peru  with  the 
Rev.  F.  X.  Tschenhens.  Both  these  Redemptorist  Fathers 
attended  many  places  as  Missions  and  Stations  in  Huron  and 
neighboring  counties.  Among  these  was  Norwalk,  which  place 
was  in  charge  of  Father  Czakert,  between  1836  and  1838.  He 
said  Mass  in  a  log  house  on  East  League  street,  in  Norwalk.  then 
but  a  village.  He  found  quite  a  number  of  families,  mostly  Ger- 
mans, and  all  desirous  of  building  a  church  for  themselves.  Father 
Czakert  was  ready  to  give  his  assistance  in  the  matter,  and  in 
fact  had  appointed  a  committee  of  twelve  men  to  solicit  subscrip- 
tions and  select  a  site  for  the  intended  church.  Father  Tschenhens 
however  opposed  the  project,  fearing  that  it  might  injure  the 
parish  in  Peru. 

In  November,  1840.  the  Rev.  Joseph  Freigang  was  appointed 
resident  pastor  of  Peru.  In  defiance  of  Bishop  Purcell's  positive 
prohibition  he  said  Mass  in  Nonvalk  every  alternate  Sunday, 
about  200  people  attending  regularly.  He  possessed  fine  oratori- 
cal powers  and  had  great  influence  over  his  people,  and  thus 
succeeded  in  arousing  them  to  feverish  enthusiasm,  in  favor  of 
building  a  church.  They  secured  a  lot,  8  by  14  rods,  on  West 
Main  street,  near  the  corporate  limits  of  Norwalk.     It  is  the  same 


*The  Church  In  Northern  Ohio,   4th  ed.   pp.   268,   285,   286,   301. 


556  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

property  now  used  by  St.  Peter's.  The  title  to  the  lot  was  vested 
in  self-constituted  "trustees."  By  June,  1841,  a  frame  church, 
40  by  65  feet,  was  enclosed,  floored,  and  ready  for  plastering. 
On  the  21st  day  of  that  month  Bishop  Purcell  arrived  at  Peru, 
interdicted  the  church  at  Norwalk,  and  formally  excommunicated 
the  Rev.  Freigang,  who  had  been  suspended  in  April,  but  failed 
to  heed  the  suspension. 

The  church  remained  closed  until  the  arrival  of  the  Rev. 
Matthias  Alig,  C.  SS.  R.,  in  July,  1842.  He  petitioned  the  Bishop 
for  permission  to  open  and  complete  the  church.  The  permission 
was  granted  on  the  promise  that  the  title  to  the  property  be  trans- 
ferred to  the  Bishop  of  the  Diocese  of  Cincinnati.  About  Septem- 
ber of  the  same  year  work  on  the  church  was  resumed.  The 
Catholic  population  of  Norwalk  had  increased  considerably  by 
this  time,  thus  necessitating  an  enlargement  of  the  church.  This 
was  done  by  adding  25  feet  to  its  length,  and  the  basement  was 
excavated  for  a  temporary  school.  Although  the  church  was  not 
quite  finished.  Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time,  on 
January  1,  1843.  In  the  early  spring  of  the  same  year  the  parish 
school  was  opened  with  an  attendance  of  about  60  pupils.  Father 
Alig's  connection  with  St.  Peter's  ended  in  August,  1843,  and  for 
five  months,  owing  to  lack  of  priests,  the  Mission  remained  with- 
out attendance. 

In  January,  1844,  the  Very  Rev.  F.  S.  Brunner,  Provincial 
of  the  Sanguinist  Society,  was  given  pastoral  charge  of  St. 
Alphonsus'  church  at  Peru,  and  of  St.  Peter's,  Norwalk,  as  a 
Mission.  In  the  same  year  the  title  to  the  church  property  at 
Norwalk  was  transferred  to  the  Bishop,  thus  ending  "trusteeism" 
and  the  dissensions  that  arose  from  it.  The  church  was  com- 
pleted about  May,  1846,  and  dedicated  to  St.  Peter,  the  Apostle, 
by  Bishop  Purcell  on  the  Feast  of  Corpus  Christi,  the  11th  of 
the  following  month.  The  adjoining  cemetery  was  also  blessed 
on  the  same  day. 

St.  Peter's  was  attended  from  Peru  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers 
until  December,  1847.  when  they  were  transferred  to  Thompson, 
whence  the  Mission  was  attended  until  August,  1851,  notably  by 
the  Revs.  M.  Kreusch  and  F.  X.  Obermiiller.  The  Rev.  Charles 
Evrard,  pastor  of  Peru,  was  given  charge  of  St.  Peter's,  as  a  Mis- 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  557 

sion  in  vSeptember,  1851,  and  was  the  first  priest  to  say  Mass  there 
every  Sunday. 

About  this  time  over  200  German  and  English  speaking 
Catholic  families  were  identified  with  St.  Peter's.  They  petitioned 
Bishop  Rappe  for  a  resident  pastor,  whom  they  were  willing  and 
fully  able  to  support.  Their  petition  was  granted  in  June,  1853, 
by  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Nicholas  Roupp,  as  their  first 
resident  pastor,  who  remained  until  September,  1854.  Owing 
to  a  scarcity  of  priests,  St.  Peter's  was  then  again  made  a  Mission 
of  Peru,  and  thus  remained  until  July,  1855,  when  the  Rev.  Nar- 
cissus Ponchell  was  given  pastoral  charge  of  it  as  a  resident  pastor. 

In  July,  1856,  the  English  speaking  members  of  St.  Peter's 
were  authorized  by  Bishop  Rappe  to  organize  as  a  distinct  parish. 
Pending  the  erection  of  their  own  church,  to  be  known  as  St. 
Mary's,  Father  Ponchell  gave  them  separate  services  in  St. 
Peter's.  From  September,  1859,  until  July,  1860,  he  had  as  his 
assistant  the  Rev.  A.  L.  Mauclerc. 

In  the  summer  of  1859  the  present  brick  school  was  built 
at  a  cost  of  about  $1,000,  and  was  placed  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher 
in  September  of  that  year. 

Father  Ponchell  remained  in  charge  until  his  lamented  death, 
September  16,  1860,  when  St.  Peter's  was  again  attached  to  Peru 
as  a  Mission,  until  September  of  the  following  year.  It  was  then 
that  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Obermiiller,  formerly  a  Sanguinist,  but  at 
this  time  a  secular  priest,  was  appointed  resident  pastor.  During 
Iiis  pastorate  of  St.  Peter's,  until  July,  1865,  he  organized  Missions 
at  Monroeville  and  Milan,  thus  considerably  reducing  the  mem- 
bership of  his  parish.  In  February,  1865,  he  bought  for  his  resi- 
dence a  lot  with  a  two-story  brick  house,  opposite  the  church. 
The  purchase  price  was  $2,000.  Father  Obermiiller  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Rev.  A.  Dambach,  in  July,  1865,  and  he  in  turn 
had  as  his  successor,  in  May,  1867,  the  Rev.  A.  Magenhann.  In 
the  spring  of  1868  about  two-thirds  of  the  parish,  being  dissatis- 
fied with  the  out-of-the-way  location  of  the  church,  left  St.  Pe'er's, 
organized  as  a  separate  parish,  and  bought  several  lots  in  the  center 
of  Norwalk  for  a  church  site,  as  stated  in  the  preceding  sketch 
of  St.  Paul's  church.  This  division  largely  reduced  the  member- 
ship of  St.  Peter's,  and  caused  much  ill  feeling  among  those  that 


558  A   HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

remained  with  the  parent  parish.  The  Rev.  Jacob  A.  Kuhn  was 
the  next  resident  pastor  of  St.  Peter's,  from  October,  1869,  until 
August,  1871.  Since  that  time  the  following  priests  had  pastoral 
charge  of  St.  Peter's:  The  Revs.  M.  Dechant,  August,  1871,  to 
July,  1872;  G.  Drolshagen.  to  September,  1873;  G.  Peter,  to 
October,  1875;  P.  Kolopp.  to  June,  1881;  F.  C.  Ludwig,  from 
October,  1882,  to  January,  1883,  and  A.  Dambach,  as  the  last 
resident  pastor,  from  August,  1886,  until  September,  1891.  Dur- 
ing several  short  periods  between  June,  1881,  and  August,  1886, 
:St.  Peter's  was  attended  from  Monroeville.  Since  September, 
1891,  St.  Peter's  has  been  attended  from  St.  Paul's,  Norwalk,  of 
which  it  was  made  a  "chapel  of  ease,"  Mass  being  celebrated  in 
it  every  Saturday  for  the  convenience  of  the  aged  people  residing 
in  that  vicinity. 

The  church  and  cemetery  are  kept  in  excellent  condition, 
:and  the  Mission  has  no  debt. 


OAK  HARBOR,  OTTAWA  COUNTY. 

ST.   BONIFACE'S   CHURCH. 

The  village  of  Oak  Harbor,  formerly  known  as  Hartford, 
is  situated  on  the  northern  division  of  the  "Lake  Shore"  Railroad, 
about  24  miles  east  of  Toledo.  The  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe,  resi- 
dent pastor  of  Toledo,  was  the  first  priest  to  minister  to  the  spirit- 
ual wants  of  the  few  Catholics  living  in  and  near  this  village.  His 
visits,  made  at  regular  intervals,  extended  from  1846  to  1847. 
Oak  Harbor  continued  to  be  a  Station  for  Father  Rappe's  suc- 
cessors at  Toledo  until  1853,  when  it  was  attached  to  St.  Ann's, 
Fremont,  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  Rev.  Julian  Bourjade,  who 
also  attended  a  number  of  neighboring  Missions  and  Stations. 
Oak  Harbor  was  next  attended  from  Port  Clinton,  between  1856 
and  1872,  and  from  Elmore,  between  1872  and  1885.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1866,  two  lots  at  the  corner  of  Church  and  Oak  streets  were 
purchased  as  a  church  site,  but  for  lack  of  means  the  erection  of 
a  house  of  worship,  of  even  the  humblest  type,  had  to  be  post- 
poned. During  most  of  these  years  Mass  was  said  in  private 
houses.  In  1873,  the  Rev.  W.  McMahon,  then  in  charge  of 
Oak  Harbor,  succeeded  in  raising  a  part  of  the  needed  funds  for 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  559 

a  frame  church,  40  by  65  feet,  which  he  built  on  the  above  men- 
tioned lots.  For  some  months  he  held  Divine  service  in  a  public 
school  and  in  a  Lutheran  church,  then  not  in  use.  His  successor, 
the  Rev,  H.  Kolopp,  reduced  the  debt  still  due  on  the  building. 
He  also  established  a  parish  school,  which,  however,  was  soon 
closed,  for  want  of  support  and  attendance.  The  Rev.  John 
Klute  succeeded  Father  Kolopp  in  1876.  He  paid  the  remain- 
ing debt  and  improved  the  church  to  a  considerable  extent.  The 
next  priest  in  charge  of  the  Mission  was  the  Rev.  G.  H.  Rieken, 
from  May,  1880,  to  February,  1885.  In  July,  1881,  he  purchased 
the  lots  immediately  west  of  the  church  and  on  one  of  them  built 
the  present  pastoral  residence,  a  frame  structure.  The  Rev. 
James  J.  Farrell  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Oak  Harbor, 
in  February,  1885.  but  in  consequence  of  an  un-Catholic  oppo- 
sition remained  only  until  the  following  October,  when  the  Rev. 
Charles  Griss  was  sent  as  his  successor.  Father  Griss  soon  suc- 
ceeded in  bringing  about  a  change  for  the  better,  and  in  harmon- 
izing the  discordant  elements.  At  a  cost  of  about  $1,400  he 
enlarged  the  church,  by  an  addition  of  24  feet,  and  re-established 
the  parochial  school  in  a  frame  building  which  he  had  erected 
for  that  purpose.  The  school  was  taught  by  lay  teachers  until 
1895,  when  it  was  discontinued  for  lack  of  proper  support,  and 
because   of   opposition. 

The  pastorate  of  Father  Griss  ended  in  March,  1891,  and  in 
the  following  month  the  Rev.  Michael  Becker  was  appointed  his 
successor.  He  in  turn  was  succeeded  by  the  present  incumbent, 
the  Rev.  Jacob  Christophory,  in  December,  1892. 

For  a  number  of  years  prior  to  1895  the  saw-mills  and  stave 
factories  at  Oak  Harbor  gave  employment  to  a  large  number  of 
the  villagers,  and  many  of  those  employed  were  Catholics.  As 
the  supply  of  timber  began  to  lessen  steadily,  the  owners  of  the 
mills  and  factories  were  obliged  to  locate  elsewhere.  In  conse- 
quence of  this  the  employes  were  likewise  compelled  to  seek 
a  livelihood  in  other  localities.  This  fact  also  made  large  inroads 
on  the  membership  of  the  parish,  as  about  45  families,  or  nearly 
half,  left  Oak  Harbor  between  1895  and  1896.  At  present  the 
parish  numbers  about  60  families. 


560  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

OBERLIN.  LORAIN  COUNTY. 
SACRED   HEART   OF  JESUS'   MISSION    CHURCH. 

Oberlin  has  a  national  and  almost  worldwide  fame  as  the 
home  of  "Oberlin  College,"  a  large  and  influential  institution 
founded  by  the  Congregationalists.  in  1832.  During  the  Civil 
War  it  became  noted  also  as  a  place  of  refuge  for  slaves  who 
escaped  from  the  southern  states,  with  the  result  that  many  of 
them  made  Oberlin  their  permanent  home.  Although  Cath- 
olics settled  in  various  parts  of  Lorain  county,  and  established 
many  flourishing  parishes  within  its  limits,  the  town  of  Oberlin 
never  welcomed  but  merely  tolerated  the  very  few  that  settled 
there.  In  consequence  of  this  lack  of  welcome  on  the  part  of 
Oberlin's  exclusive  and  almost  intolerant  denizens,  the  Catholic 
element  was  always,  as  it  is  now,  greatly  in  the  minority.  About 
the  year  1863  the  few  Catholic  families,  and  the  Catholic  servant 
girls  employed  in  the  village  households,  were  visited  for  the  first 
time  by  the  Rev.  Thomas  F.  Halley,  resident  pastor  of  Grafton, 
from  which  place  they  were  attended  until  1865,  when  Oberlin 
was  attached  to  Elyria  as  a  Station.  Mass  was  said  in  private 
houses  for  nearly  twenty-five  years.  In  June,  1880,  the  Rev. 
J.  T.  Schafifeld,  resident  pastor  of  Elyria,  began  to  visit  Oberlin 
at  stated  intervals  on  week  days.  He  did  so  for  ten  years,  until 
January,  1900,  when  the  Rev.  T.  F.  McGuire,  of  St.  John's, 
Lorain,  was  appointed  his  successor.  On  December  16,  1887, 
Father  Schaffeld  bought,  for  $700,  two  lots  at  the  corner  of  South 
Groveland  and  Pleasant  (now  West  College)  streets — in  the  very 
center  of  the  beautiful  village  of  Oberlin.  However,  for  lack  of 
means,  the  long-looked-for  church  was  not  commenced  until 
three  years  later.  The  cornerstone  was  blessed  by  Mgr.  Boflf, 
V.  G.,  on  September  14,  1890.  On  the  following  Christmas, 
Father  SchafTeld  celebrated  Mass  in  the  new  but  unfinished 
church  for  the  first  time.  By  degrees,  and  as  means  became 
available,  the  interior  was  embellished  and  fitted  out  with  neat 
furnishings.  Although  completed  in  1892,  the  church  was  not 
dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann  until  May  13,  1900.  The  cere- 
mony was  witnessed  by  a  large  number  of  interested  spectators, 
many  of  whom  were  not  of  the  Fold.     It  was  a  memorable  day 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  561 

for  Oberlin,  as  it  was  the  first  time  a  Catholic  Bishop  was  ever 
seen  in  that  stronghold  of  Protestantism. 

The  church,  though  small,  is  a  very  neat  brick  structure,  30 
by  50  feet.  It  has  a  slate  roof,  and  is  adorned  with  stained  glass 
windows,  and  artistic  frescoing.  It  cost  about  $5,000.  Much  of 
this  amount  was  collected  from  various  parishes  throughout  the 
diocese  by  Father  Schaffeld.  He  has  every  reason  to  be  grati- 
fied with  the  successful  outcome  of  his  untiring  efforts  in  erecting 
so  beautiful  a  house  of  worship  to  Almighty  God,  in  spite  of  the 
many  financial  difificulties  with  which  he  had  to  contend. 

The  Mission  now  numbers  about  24  families,  and  is  attended 
monthly  from  Lorain,  by  the  Rev.  T.  F.  McGuire. 


OLMSTED,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
The  first  and  only  Catholic  family  to  settle  at  Olmsted  (for- 
merly known  as  Olmsted  Falls),  prior  to  1849,  was  that  of  Thomas 
Reynolds.  In  that  year  the  building  of  the  Cleveland,  Columbus 
and  Cincinnati  railroad  through  Olmsted  Falls  brought  an  influx 
of  Catholic  employes,  who  eventually  made  that  village  their 
home.  One  of  these  was  Mr.  James  Hickey,  now  the  oldest 
Catholic  and  one  of  the  most  respected  citizens  of  Olmsted. 
About  this  time  they  were  visited  by  one  of  the  Cathedral  curates, 
whose  name  however  is  not  on  record.  He  said  Mass  at  Olmsted 
in  a  barn  belonging  to  a  Protestant,  named  Calvin  Geer.  Two 
years  later  the  Rev.  W.  O'Connor,  and  after  him,  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Walsh,  both  stationed  at  the  Cathedral,  attended  Olmsted,  the 
former  from  1851  to  1853,  and  the  latter  till  1854.  Each  cele- 
brated Mass  and  administered  the  Sacraments  in  a  log  school 
house  which  belonged  to  the  village.  The  next  priest  in  charge, 
from  1854  to  1856,  was  the  Rev.  M.  Healy,  of  Elyria,  who  came 
every  two  months  and  said  Mass  in  Mr.  Hickey's  house  during 
that  time.  The  Rev.  Louis  J.  Filiere  Avas  appointed  first  resident 
pastor  of  Olmsted  in  1856,  with  charge  of  Berea  as  a  Mission. 
During  his  pastorate  he  said  Mass  for  two  years  in  a  vacant  house 
owned  by  Richard  Pollard,  and  for  nearly  one  year  in  a  frame 
house  which  he  purchased  and  fitted  up  as  a  temporary  church  and 
pastoral  residence.     In  the  spring  of  1858  Father  Filiere  bought  a 


562  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

lot  and  on  it  erected  a  small  wooden  church  of  |)lainest  design.  He 
was  transferred  to  St.  Mary's,  Berea,  in  1862,  but  continued  to 
attend  Olmsted  as  a  Mission  until  March,  1873,  when  the  Rev. 
E.  J.  Murphy  was  appointed  resident  pastor.  In  May  of  the  same 
year  Father  Murphy  purchased  five  lots,  and  one  month  later, 
another  and  larger  lot  adjoining  the  first,  all  fronting  on  Hamlin 
near  Columbus  street.  On  one  of  these  lots  stood  a  stone  house, 
which  was  remodeled  as  a  pastoral  residence.  During  this  time 
the  adjacent  stone  quarries  were  in  full  operation  and  gave  lucra- 
tive and  steady  employment  to  many  men,  a  considerable  number 
of  them  being  Father  Murphy's  parishioners.  They  contributed 
generously  and  thus  made  the  purchase  of  the  church  property 
possible.  The  frame  church  built  by  Father  Filiere  was  moved 
•on  one  of  the  lots  fronting  on  Columbus  street  and  enlarged  by 
Father  Murphy,  making  its  dimensions  30  by  60  feet.  He  also 
bought  the  village  public  school  building,  a  frame  structure,  and 
had  it  transformed  into  a  parochial  school.  It  had  to  be  closed 
shortly  after,  however,  because  of  the  financial  panic  which  made 
its  dire  influence  felt  throughout  the  country.  The  school  has 
never  since  been  re-opened. 

The  following  priests  succeeded  Father  Murphy  as  resident 
pastors:  The  Revs.  James  Cullen,  November,  1876,  to  October, 
1879,  and  John  T.  Cahill,  November,  1879,  to  October,  1880. 
Since  the  last  mentioned  date  Olmsted  has  been  attended  from 
St.  Mary's,  Berea,  as  a  Mission.  The  present  priest  in  charge, 
since  March,  1886,  is  the  Rev.  F.  J.  O'Neill,  who  attends  Olmsted 
every  Sunday. 

The  Mission  now  numbers  about  40  families. 


OTTAWA,  PUTNAM  COUNTY. 
STS.  PETER  AND  PAUL'S  CHURCH. 

Until  1872  the  Catholics  residing  at  Ottawa,  the  county  seat 
of  Putnam  county,  were  identified  with  St.  John's  church,  at 
Glandorf,  two  m.iles  distant.  For  some  years  previous  to  that 
time  they  had  petitioned  to  be  allowed  to  build  a  church  of  their 
own.  Mr.  Matthias  Miiller,  a  Catholic  resident  of  Ottawa,  had 
donated  one  acre  of  land  at  the  corner  of  4th  and  Sugar  streets 
for   a  church   site,   as  early  as   January,    1861.      Bishop   Rappe 


IN   THE   DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  563 

^^ranted  their  request  in  1868,  and  commissioned  the  Rev.  A. 
Reichert,  pastor  of  Glandorf.  to  solicit  subscriptions  for  that 
object.  The  cornerstone  for  the  church  was  laid  on  June  14, 
1868,  but  the  church  was  not  finished  until  four  years  later.  It 
was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  August  15,  1872,  and  placed 
under  the  patronage  of  the  Apostles,  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul.  It  is  a 
handsome  brick  structure,  50  by  130  feet,  fronts  on  4:th  street,  and 
cost  about  $18,000,  exclusive  of  its  furnishings.  In  1882  the 
present  fine  organ  was  bought  for  $1,800. 

In  1887  a  brick  school  and  residence  for  the  teachers  (San- 
guinist  Sisters)  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  about  $4,500.  Previous  to 
the  opening  of  the  parochial  school  the  children  of  the  parish 
attended  the  so-called  Catholic  district  schools,  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, but  which  were  Catholic  only  in  so  far  as  the  teachers  and 
pupils  were  such.  The  latter  received  little  or  no  religious  train- 
ing and  hence  the  great  need  of  a  distinctly  Catholic  school 
became  apparent  and  had  to  be  met ;  and  it  was  successfully  met 
in  the  face  of  strong  opposition,  which,  however,  has  long  since 
passed  away. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Abbrederis  the  parish  debt, 
contracted  in  the  erection  of  the  church,  was  greatly  reduced 
and  many  substantial  improvements  were  added  to  the  building. 
The  debt  was  cancelled  in  1889,  during  the  pastorate  of  Father 
Boebner,  by  means  of  a  very  successful  fair,  which  netted  about 
$3,000.  Father  Dick  had  the  church  neatly  frescoed  and  fur- 
nished with  stained  glass  windows.  He  also  built  the  present 
spacious  brick  pastoral  residence  in  1892,  at  a  cost  of  nearly 
$3,000.  Prior  to  this  time  the  attending  priests  resided  at 
Glandorf. 

In  February,  1876,  a  two-acre  tract  of  land  was  secured  for 
a  cemetery,  to  which  two  acres  were  added  in  1878.  A  part  of  the 
cemetery  is  laid  out  in  burial  lots  and  in  the  center  stands  a 
beautiful  large  stone  cross. 

All  the  church  property  is  in  excellent  condition,  and  is  not 
burdened  with  debt.  An  excellent  spirit  prevails  in  the  parish. 
The  congregation  is  composed  chiefly  of  Germans,  or  their 
decendants,  and  now  numbers  about  150  families. 

The  following  Sanguinist  Fathers  have  had  charge  of  the 


564  A   HISTORY  OF  CATHOIJCITV 

parish:  The  Revs.  A.  Reichert  and  J.  Marty.  1808-73;  F.  Schalk. 
1873-76;  C.  Roessner,  1876-78;  R.  Abbrederis,  1878-8:5;  B. 
Boebner,  1883-91;  A.  Dick,  1891-97;  Bernard  Riiss.  from  1897 
till  he  was  forced  to  resign  in  April,  1900,  because  of  ill  health. 
(He  died  in  California.  July  17,  of  the  same  year.)  Since  April. 
1900,  the  j^resent  pastor,  the  Rev.  A.  Dentinger,  has  had  charge. 


OTTOVILLE,  PUTNAM  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE   CONCEPTION    CHURCH. 

Ottoville  is  a  hamlet  about  six  miles  north  of  Delphos,  on 
the  "Clover  Leaf"  Railway  and  the  Miami  and  Erie  Canal.  Its 
population  is  exclusively  Catholic  and  German.  The  present 
large  and  flourishing  congregation  was  founded  by  the  Rev.  John 
Otto  Bredeick,  who  was  resident  pastor  of  Delphos,  from  1844 
till  his  death  in  1858.  He  visited  the  few  Catholics  of  the  hamlet 
for  the  first  time  in  1850.  He  found  but  six  families ;  they  were 
living  a  life  of  privation  on  small  farms  that  had  been  wrested 
from  the  "forest  primeval."  Hence  there  was  but  little  hope  for 
the  erection  of  a  church  at  that  time  or  in  the  near  future.  He 
therefore  said  Mass  for  them  in  the  house  of  Mr.  J.  C.  Foumier, 
and  ministered  to  their  spiritual  wants  faithfully  for  eight  years. 
He  also  furnished  out  of  his  own  means  everything  needed  for  the 
celebration  of  the  Divine  Mysteries.  About  1850  he  bought  forty 
acres  of  land  in  the  hamlet,  then  known  as  "Section  Ten,"  and 
laid  it  out  in  town  lots.  The  most  eligible  of  these  he  retained 
for  church  purposes  and  the  rest  he  sold,  but  set  aside  the  proceeds 
of  their  sale  for  the  benefit  of  the  church  he  hoped  to  build.  But 
before  he  could  put  his  cherished  plans  into  execution,  death 
claimed  this  good  and  self-sacrificing  priest  on  August  19,  1858. 
"Section  Ten"  was  renamed  Ottoville,  in  recognition  of  Father 
Otto  Bredeick's  benefactions  to  the  hamlet  and  its  Catholic 
settlers.  The  next  priest  in  charge  was  the  Rev.  F.  Westerholt, 
who,  like  his  lamented  predecessor,  attended  Ottoville  from 
Delphos.  The  Catholic  population  having  increased  considerably 
by  this  time  Father  Westerholt  undertook  the  task  of  buildmg  a 
much  needed  church,  on  the  site  and,  in  part,  with  the  means 
provided  by   Father  Bredeick.     The   foundation   was  blessed  by 


IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  CHURCH,    OTTOVILLB.    PUTNAM    COUNTY. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  565 

Father  Westerholt  on  September  1),  1860.  Although  its  interior 
was  not  quite  finished  the  church  was  used  for  the  first  time  in 
the  spring  of  the  following  year.  It  was  a  frame  structure,  40  by 
80  feet,  and  of  attractive  appearance.  Father  Westerholt  attended 
the  Mission  until  about  May,  1861,  when  it  was  assigned  to  the 
Rev.  J.  J.  Goebbels,  pastor  of  Fort  Jennings,  who  had  charge  of 
it  until  1864.  He  was  succeeded  in  October  of  that  year  by  the 
Rev.  A.  J.  Abel,  who  was  the  first  resident  pastor  of  Ottoville 
until  July,  1865,  when  it  was  again  attended  from  Fort  Jennings, 
until  June,  1866.  The  Rev.  H.  D.  Best  was  the  next  resident 
pastor,  until  February,  1868.  The  Rev.  Michael  Miiller  succeeded 
him  in  the  following  month,  and  remained  in  charge  until  his 
death,  January  27,  1900.  From  June,  1898,  he  had  as  his  assistant 
the  Rev.  H.  Wichmann,  who  attended  the  Mission  of  Cloverdale, 
He  also  had  temporary  charge  of  Ottoville  after  Father  Muller's 
death,  until  the  appointment  of  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  J.  B. 
Mertes,  in  June,  1900. 

Father  Goebbels  finished  the  interior  of  the  church,  com- 
menced by  Father  Westerholt.  He  also  commenced  the  first 
pastoral  residence,  a  plain  frame  structure :  it  was  finished  by 
Father  Abel,  in  the  fall  of  1864. 

Shortly  after  Father  Miiller  arrived  at  Ottoville  he  added  the 
spire  to  the  church.  He  also  bought  an  1800-pound  bell,  and  a 
fine  organ,  both  of  which  are  still  in  use.  Under  his  direction  the 
church  was  greatly  improved  in  and  outside. 

The  excellent  land  in  the  neighborhood  of  Ottoville  induced 
many  Catholic  Germans  to  become  its  owners  and  tillers,  with  the 
result  that  the  parish  grew  rapidly  in  numbers.  Most  of  its  mem- 
bers also  became  financially  prosperous  farmers.  Hence  Father 
Miiller  foresaw  that  he  would  soon  be  obliged  to  provide  better 
and  far  more  ample  church  facilities  than  those  then  afforded. 
With  this  object  in  view  he  raised  a  subscription  for  the  erection 
of  a  church  in  keeping  with  the  means  of  his  people.  His  call  on 
their  generosity  met  with  a  prompt  and  most  kindly  response. 
Architect  Druiding,  of  Chicago,  was  commissioned  to  draw  plans 
for  a  church  of  pure  Gothic  design.  They  were  approved  by 
Bishop  Gilmour,  the  pastor  and  councilmen.  The  foundation 
was  begun  in  the  early  spring  of  1885,  and  the  cornerstone  was 


566  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

laid  on  June  7,  following,  by  the  Very  Rev.  Administrator  Boff, 
then  in  charge  of  the  diocese,  owing  to  the  absence  of  the  Bishop, 
who  was  in  Europe  at  that  time. 

As  rapidly  as  means  and  building  material  were  available  the 
work  was  pushed  towards  completion.  All  the  parishioners  vied 
with  each  other  in  giving  assistance,  not  only  by  generous  sub- 
scriptions but  also  by  free  labor  and  building  material.  In  con- 
sequence of  this  generosity  the  cost  of  the  church  was  reduced  by 
many  thousands  of  dollars.  In  the  summer  of  1888  the  grand  and 
imposing  structure  was  ready  for  dedication  but  the  impressive 
ceremony,  performed  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  did  not  take  place  until 
September  23,  of  that  year.  The  following  account  of  the  dedica- 
tion of  the  church,  with  additional  comment  in  reference  to  the 
parish,  was  written  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  in  his  terse  and  character- 
istic style,  and  was  published  by  him  in  the  Catholic  Universe,  of 
September  28,  1885 : 

"Last  Sunday  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  dedicated,  at  10  a.  m.,  the 
beautiful  new  church  at  Ottoville.  *  *  The  church  is  174  by 
78  feet,  and  90  feet  in  the  transept,  with  two  fine  towers  180  feet 
high.  The  pillars  and  groined  ceiling  are  painted  and  frescoed 
with  much  taste;  a  large  and  commodious  sanctuary,  fine  sacris- 
ties, handsome  pulpit  and  confessionals,  rich  stained  glass 
windows — presenting  as  a  whole  a  beautiful  and  striking  appear- 
ance, exteriorly  and  interiorly;  all  at  a  cost  of  $60,000,  with  a 
debt  of  but  $6,000  to  pay,  while  there  is  an  unpaid  balance,  in 
notes,  of  $10,000  subscription,  so  that  practically,  when  the  church 
was  dedicated,  it  was  paid  for.  This  is  surely  creditable  to  the 
pastor,  Father  Miiller,  and  to  the  congregation.     *     * 

"This  congregation  is  wholly  composed  of  well-to-do  farmers 
who  began  with  honest  hearts  and  sturdy  hands,  and  have  cut 
out  of  the  forest  homes  for  themselves  and  their  children.  A 
healthy  feature  of  the  growth  of  this  congregation  is  the  buying 
by  the  parents  of  farms  in  the  surrounding  country  for  their 
children,  thus  widening  the  circle  of  the  Catholic  farmer  popula- 
tion, and  giving  stability  and  a  future  to  both  fathers  and  chil- 
dren. *  *  They  are  wise  men  who  get  on  the  land,  and  wiser 
still  who  have  pluck  1o  stay  on  it  when  they  get  there." 

The  church  at  Ottoville,  for  size,  finish  and  cost,  ranks  with 
the  best  and  finest  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  and  is  deservedly 
a  monument  to  the  projector  and  builders,  who  erected  so  beauti- 
ful a  temple  to  the  honor  and  glory  of  God. 

Father  Miiller  had  a  steam  apparatus  installed  in  the  church, 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  567 

in  1890,  at  a  cost  of  $2,100.  Two  years  later  an  artistic  set  of 
Stations  was  placed  in  position  at  a  cost  of  $2,200.  In  1898  the 
temporary  hisrh  altar  was  replaced  by  the  present  splendid  altar, 
at  an  expense  of  about  $3,000.  The  church  is  now  fully  equipped 
and  its  furnishings  are  of  the  best. 

Shortly  after  the  advent  of  Father  Mertes  plans  were  adopted 
for  a  fine  brick  pastoral  residence,  in  keeping  with  the  adjacent 
church.     It  will  be  built  in  1901. 

The  children  attend  the  District  public  schools  and  are  taught 
by  eight  Catholic  teachers.  The  schools  are  of  the  same  class  as 
those  mentioned  in  the  sketches  of  Fort  Jennings  and  Glandorf- 

The  parish  is  composed  at  present  of  about  275  families. 


PAINESVILLE,  LAKE  COUNTY. 

ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

The  Rev.  Peter  McLaughlin,  resident  pastor  of  old  St.  Mary's 
church  on  the  ''Flats,"  in  Cleveland,  was  the  first  priest  to  minister 
to  the  very  few  Catholics  in  Lake  county.  Those  that  settled  in 
the  beautiful  town  of  Painesville  (the  county  seat  of  Lake),  were 
visited  by  him  about  four  times  a  year,  from  1841  to  1845.  In 
the  following  year  the  Rev.  Maurice  Howard,  also  of  Cleveland, 
succeeded  him,  and  visited  Painesville  at  stated  intervals,  until 
1848,  when  the  Very  Rev.  L.  De  Goesbriand  and  the  Rev.  J. 
Monahan,  both  of  the  Cathedral,  had  charge  until  1850.  All  these 
priests  said  Mass  in  the  residences  of  P.  McGarey,  C.  Mahony, 
or  Patrick  Shelby.  In  September,  1850,  the  Rev.  Peter  Peude- 
prat  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Painesville.  Shortly 
after  his  arrival  he  bought  a  lot  on  South  State  street.  He 
transformed  into  a  temporary  church  the  old  frame  carpenter 
shop  which  stood  on  the  lot.  It  served  its  new  purpose  for  nearly 
seven  years.  The  Rev.  Charles  M.  Coquerelle  succeeded  Father 
Peudeprat  in  the  fall  of  1852  and  remained  until  September,  1869, 
when  he  resigned,  because  of  ill  health,  and  returned  to  his  native 
France.  Father  Coquerelle  bought  the  present  fine  church 
property  on  North  State  street,  in  September,  1856,  and  in  1857 
built  on  it  the  brick  church,  now  in  use;  it  cost  about  $8,000.  As 
soon  as  it  was  finished  he  moved  to  the  new  site  the  temporar)' 


568  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

frame  church,  above  mentioned,  and  chane^ed  it  into  a  residence 
for  himself. 

The  Rev.  John  Tracy  succeeded  Father  Coquerelle  in 
October,  1869.  He  purchased,  in  June,  1872,  the  lot  and  residence 
occupied  by  the  Sisters.  It  adjoins  the  church  lot,  on  the  north. 
In  the  following-  year  Father  Tracy  bought  six  and  one-half  acres 
of  land  near  the  corporate  limits  of  the  town  for  a  parish  cemetery 
j;nd  had  part  of  it  laid  out  in  burial  lots.  He  also  provided  it 
with  a  public  vault  in  1879. 

The  present  parish  school,  a  two-story  frame  building,  was 
erected  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Coquerelle.  between  1862 
and  1863,  at  a  cost  of  about  $8,500.  It  was  opened  in  September, 
1863,  and  placed  in  charge  of  two  lay  teachers.  Father  Tracy 
replaced  them  by  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  in  1872.  They  were 
succeeded  in  January,  1878,  by  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of 
Mary,  who  have  taught  it  ever  since ;  four  Sisters  have  charge  of 
the  school. 

The  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Conway,  succeeded  Father 
Tracy,  in  August,  1887.  Three  years  later,  at  a  cost  of  nearly 
$9,000,  he  had  the  church  considerably  enlarged,  thoroughly 
renovated,  frescoed,  and  provided  with  new  oak  pews,  which  are 
models  of  comfort  and  elegance.  The  three  altars  were  also 
re-decorated  and  the  sanctuary,  which  is  the  original  design,  was 
much  improved.  When  the  w^ork  was  completed  the  church  was 
practically  a  new  structure  and  presented,  as  it  does  still,  a  very 
attractive  appearance.  It  was  re-dedicated  on  July  30,  1893,  by 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  T.  P.  Thorpe,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate. 

Father  Conway  has  at  all  times  paid  much  attention  to  the 
interests  of  the  parish  school,  w^hich  is  in  a  very  flourishing  condi- 
tion. About  200  are  enrolled,  and  four  well  appointed  rooms 
give  school  facilities  equal  to  the  best. 

The  parish  is  in  excellent  condition  and  now  numbers  about 
165  families. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  569 

PARMA,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 

HOLY  FAMILY  MISSION  CHURCH. 
The  Mission  of  Parma  was  organized  in  1872  by  the  Rev. 
p.  F.  Qiiigley.  at  that  time  resident  pastor  of  St.  Mary's,  Rock- 
port,  and  for  a  time  he  .said  Mass  in  the  residence  of  Conrad  Rohr- 
bach.  During-  the  spring  of  1873  a  frame  church  was  built  on 
a  small  lot.  the  deed  for  which  was  given  in  December  of  that 
year.  The  little  church  was  dedicated  to  the  Holy  Family,  on  June 
21.  1873,  and  was  in  charge  of  the  respective  pastors  of  Rockport 
for  about  seven  years.  It  was  then  attended  from  the  Franciscan 
Monastery,  the  Jesuit  College,  the  Seminary.  Independence  and 
Brighton,  between  1880  and  1900.  Since  September,  1900,  it 
has  been  a  Mission  of  Independence.  About  ten  families  com- 
pose the  Mission.  Most  of  them  have  at  all  times  been  very  gen- 
erous in  their  support  of  the  church,  notably  the  family  of  Mr.  C. 
Rohrbach. 

The  parochial  school  was  organized  in  1875,  but  for  lack  of 
means  and  attendance  it  w^as  closed  two  years  later. 

PAULDING.  PAULDING  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSON  CHURCH. 
The  flourishing  town  of  Paulding  is  the  county  seat  of  Pauld- 
ing county,  and  is  located  on  the  Cincinnati  and  Northern  Rad- 
road.  Prior  to  1802  the  few  Catholics  then  residing  at  Paulding 
were  obliged  to  attend  Mass  at  Latty.  or  at  Cecil,  the  latter  place 
being  six  miles  distant.  In  April.  1892,  Paulding  was  made  a 
Station,  and  as  such  attended  monthly  from  Payne,  where  the 
Rev.  J.  P.  McCloskey  was  resident  pastor.  Mass  was  celebrated 
in  private  houses  until  1894,  when  the  Rev.  M.  O'Brien  secured 
a  hall,  but  it  afforded  poor  acconmiodations.  Meanwhile  the 
question  of  securing  a  proper  site  and  building  a  church  was 
favorably  discussed.  A  subscription  was  raised  in  the  town  and 
many  of  the  Protestants  gave  substantial  aid  to  their  Catholic 
fellow  citizens.  On  July  11,  1893,  a  one-acre  lot.  situated  between 
Williams  street,  Garfield  avenue  and  Main  street,  was  purchased 
for  $240.     By  June.  1896.  a  frame  church,  28  by  82  feet,  fronting 


570  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

on  Williams  street,  was  under  construction.  It  was  completed 
at  a  cost  of  $3,500  and  was  dedicated  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G., 
on  Simday,  September  6,  1896.  It  was  a  joyful  day  for  the  Cath- 
olics of  Paulding,  and  for  Father  O'Brien,  under  whose  direction 
the  church  was  built.  In  December  following  he  was  succeeded 
in  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  Mission  by  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Schaffeld, 
who  greatly  reduced  the  debt,  secured  a  supply  of  vestments,  etc., 
and  bought  the  present  organ  and  bell,  the  latter  the  largest  in 
Paulding. 

The  Mission  of  Paulding  has  about  35  families  and  is  still 
attended  monthly  from  Payne.  In  the  very  near  future,  however, 
a  resident  pastor  will  be  appointed. 


PAYNE,   PAULDING  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOHN  THE   BAPTIST'S  CHURCH. 

Payne  is  a  thriving  village,  located  on  the  "Nickel  Plate" 
Railroad,  about  4  miles  east  of  the  Indiana  State  line.  Prior  to 
1882  the  few  Catholics  near  Payne  (formerly  known  as  Mallotts- 
ville)  attended  Mass  at  the  Station  of  Flat  Rock,  4  miles  distant, 
where  services  were  held  in  private  houses.  Finally,  in  1882,  it 
was  determined  to  build  a  church  at  Payne,  as  the  most  centrally 
located  place  for  all  the  Catholics  in  that  vicinity. 

A  fine  lot  was  bought  in  June,  1882,  and  under  the  super- 
vision of  the  Rev.  A.  E.  Manning,  of  .Antwerp,  a  frame  church, 
26  by  50  feet,  was  commenced  in  September  of  that  year.  It  was 
finished  in  the  summer  of  1883,  and  dedicated  on  Sunday,  Sept- 
ember 9,  following,  by  the  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck,  whom  Bishop 
Gilmour  had  delegated  for  that  purpose. 

In  September,  1888,  three  acres  of  land  were  bought  for 
burial  purposes,  and  in  June  of  the  following  year  a  house  and  lot, 
near  the  church,  were  bought  to  serve  as  the  prospective  pastoral 
residence. 

In  April,  1892,  Payne  ceased  to  be  a  Mission,  by  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  Rev.  J.  P.  McCloskey,  as  the  first  resident  pastor. 
He  found  the  house,  above  mentioned,  unsatisfactory,  and  so 
asked  and  obtained  permission  to  build  a  brick  pastoral  residence, 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  571 

more  in  keeping  with  its  purpose.  This  was  done  before  the 
close  of  the  year  1892,  at  a  cost  of  nearly  $2,000. 

The  following  priests  have  had  pastoral  charge  of  Pavne  since 
the  departure  of  Father  McCloskey,  in  March,  1894:  The  Revs. 
J.  H.  Hennes,  from  March  to  September,  1894;  M.  O'Brien, 
September,  1894,  to  December,  189C;  J.  (J.  Schaffeld,  December, 
1896,  to  June,  1898,  and  since  then,  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev. 
J.  M.  Paulus. 

Preparations  are  now  being  made  for  the  erection  of  a  brick 
church,  to  be  commenced  in  1901.  Father  Schaffeld  had  raised 
$1,200  for  this  purpose,  at  the  time  he  left  Payne. 

The  parish  has  a  steady  growth  and  now  numbers  about  60 
families.  It  has  not  been  found  practicable  as  yet  to  establish 
a  parish  school,  as  most  of  the  children  live  too  far  distant. 


PENINSULA,  SUMMIT  COUNTY. 

MATER  DOLOROSA   MISSION   CHURCH. 

Twenty-five  miles  south  of  Cleveland,  on  the  "Valley"  Rail- 
road, is  located  the  picturesque  hamlet  of  Peninsula.  Catholics 
began  to  settle  here  as  early  as  1830,  viz.,  three  brothers,  James, 
Patrick  and  John  Cassidy.  For  nearly  twenty  years  they  and 
other  pioneers  of  the  faith  in  the  Summit  county  valley  of  the 
Cuyahoga  river  attended  Mass  and  received  the  sacraments  in 
old  St,  Mary's  church,  on  the  "Flats,"  at  Cleveland.  They  were 
also  visited  at  long  intervals  by  the  various  pastors  of  that  church 
until  about  1850.  Then  their  spiritual  wants  were  looked  after 
by  the  pastors  of  St.  Vincent's,  Akron.  Some  of  the  families 
also  became  identified  with  the  Missions  of  Independence  and 
Royalton.  In  1861  the  first  resident  pastor  was  appointed  for 
Hudson,  from  which  place  Peninsula  has  since  been  attended. 

In  May,  1882,  a  lot,  80  by  120  feet,  was  bought  for  $250,  by 
the  Rev.  P.  Barry,  who  at  once  built  on  it  the  present  frame 
church,  25  by  45  feet.  It  was  used  for  the  first  time,  though 
unfinished,  in  September  of  the  same  year. 

The  church,  erected  at  a  cost  of  $1,800,  was  a  great  under- 
taking for  the  few  Catholics  of  Peninsula.     Its  interior,  owing  to 


572  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

lack  of  means,  was  not  finislied  until  nearly  five  years  after  the 
church  was  built. 

Whilst  the  Rev.  J.  J.  Farrell  had  charp:e  of  the  Mission  (1885- 
'89)  the  church  was  provided  with  a  stone  foundation.  He  also 
had  it  plastered,  painted,  ornamented  with  stained  glass  windows, 
and  provided  with  a  neat  altar  and  pews. 

Bishop  Gilmour  dedicated  the  church  on  September  18.  1892, 
and  placed  it  under  the  patronage  of  Our  Mother  of  Sorrows. 

The  Mission  now  numbers  about  22  families. 


PERRYSBURG.  WOOD  COUNTY. 

ST.  ROSE  OF  LIMA  CHURCH. 

Perrysburg  is  beautifully  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the 
Maumee  river,  opposite  the  village  of  Maumee.  In  the  early  part 
of  the  19th  century  the  surrounding  country  was  the  scene  of 
man}'^  sanguinary  conflicts  between  the  Red  Man  and  the  white 
settlers.  The  ruins  of  Fort  Meigs  and  Fort  Miami  are  within  the 
shadow  of  the  town,  and  in  their  eloquent  silence  tell  the  deeds 
of  other  days. 

The  spiritual  wants  of  the  Catholics  of  Perr^-sburg  were  for 
many  years  attended  to  by  priests  from  Toledo  and  Maumee. 
The  name  of  the  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe,  later  the  first  Bishop  of 
the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  and  the  pioneer  priest  of  the  Maumee 
Valley,  is  indissolubly  connected  with  the  history  of  Catholicity 
in  this  section,  and  his  self-sacrificing  labors  are  held  in  grate- 
ful remembrance  by  the  old  settlers. 

The  congregation  was  organized  in  1861.  and  Mass  was  said 
in  private  houses ;  but  it  was  not  until  the  following  year  that  a 
place  of  worship  was  secured.  The  Universalist  meeting  house, 
in  the  village,  was  bought  for  $2,000,  and  remodeled  and  furnished 
with  everything  necessary  for  Catholic  worship. 

The  Rev.  S.  Bauer  attended  Perrysburg  from  Maumee,  from 
1861  to  1862,  and  the  Rev.  J.  Hamene,  from  1862  to  1863.  In 
July,  1863,  Bishop  Rappe  appointed  the  Rev.  Charles  Griss  the 
first  resident  pastor  of  Perrysburg.  He  remained  till  February, 
1865,  when  he  was  removed  to  Elyria.  For  seven  months  the 
congregation  had  no  resident  pastor.     During  this  period  it  was 


ST.    ROSE'S    CHURCH    AND    PASTORAL    RESIDENCE,    PERRYSBURG. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  573 

attended  from  Maumee  and  New  Bavaria.  In  September,  1865, 
Father  Griss  was  re-appointed  pastor  of  Perrysbiiri^.  He  built 
a  frame  addition  to  the  church,  and  in  1867  organized  the  parochial 
school,  which  he  placed  in  charge  of  lay  teachers.  In  1865  he 
purchased  the  tract  of  land  on  which  the  present  stately  church 
stands.  This  tract  comprises  almost  four  acres,  and  is  the  most 
beautiful  site  in  the  town.  As  soon  as  the  purchase  was  made,  he 
began  the  erection  of  a  handsome  two-story  brick  pastoral  resi- 
dence. He  completed  his  material  work  in  Perrysburg  by  the 
purchase,  in  October,  1872,  of  a  seven-acre  tract  of  land,  which 
was  laid  out  for  cemetery  purposes. 

The  long  and  active  pastorate  of  Father  Griss  ended  in 
February,  1885.  He  was  an  accomplished  musician  and  delighted 
in  devoting  his  talent  to  the  chant  of  the  Church ;  the  choir  was 
unto  him  as  the  apple  of  his  eye.  He  died  as  pastor  of  Fostoria, 
on  October  13,  1899.  In  compliance  with  his  repeated  request, 
his  remains  were  interred  in  the  Perrysburg  Catholic  cemetery. 

In  February,  1885,  the  Rev.  G.  H.  Rieken  was  appointed 
pastor  of  Perrysburg,  and  in  September  of  that  year  the  school 
v;as  placed  in  charge  of  the  Franciscan  Sisters,  of  TifBn.  A  com- 
modious two-story  frame  building  was  erected  and  furnished  at  a 
cost  of  $1,200.  As  the  old  church  had  become  too  small  to  satisfy 
the  wants  of  the  growing  parish,  it  was  resolved  to  erect  a  new 
edifice.  A  building  committee  was  organized,  and  after  mature 
deliberation  it  was  decided  to  build  a  stone  church — the  first  stone 
church  in  the  entire  Maumee  Valley.  In  May,  1889,  the  plough- 
share turned  over  the  first  sod^  and  on  the  following  8th  of 
September  the  cornerstone  was  laid  by  Bishop  Gilmour.  In 
1890  the  church  was  enclosed,  in  1891  the  interior  was  finished 
and  on  May  29,  1892,  divine  services  were  held  for  the  first  time 
in  the  new  building.  The  church  is  a  beautiful  Gothic  structure, 
55  by  132  feet,  and  62  feet  in  the  transept ;  the  steeple  is  170  feet 
high.  The  church,  including  its  elegant  furnishings,  cost  about 
$30,000.  It  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  Sunday,  May 
28,  1893.  Mr.  John  Burkhard,  of  Kenton,  was  the  architect  and 
builder. 

In  February,  1894,  the  Rev.  G.  H.  Rieken  was  removed  to 
Norwalk,  and  the  Rev.  J.  A.  Michenfelder  was  appointed  his 
successor.        Father   Michenfelder  administered   to  the   spiritual 


574  A   HISTORY  OK  CATHOLICITY 

wants  of  the  parish  until  December,  1805,  when  he  accepted  the 
parish  at  Bellevue,  and  the  Rev.  G.  H.  Rieken  was  re-appointed 
to  Perrysburg.  The  number  of  Catholic  families  had  steadily 
decreased  in  town,  and  the  result  was  especially  visible  in  the 
school  enrollment,  which  had  decreased  from  ninety  to  forty 
children.  The  matter  was  submitted  to  the  judgment  of  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop,  who  approved  of  the  pastor's  plan,  to  dismiss 
the  Sisters  and  place  the*  school  in  charge  of  one  competent  lay 
teacher,  which  was  done  in  September,  1899.  The  Sisters  had 
charge  of  the  school  for  fourteen  years;  they  also  took  care  of  the 
sanctuary  and  church.     They  were  competent,  faithful  and  kind. 

The  four  years  between  1894  and  1898  were  devoted  to  the 
payment  of  the  debt,  which  amounted  to  $7,500.  The  Catholics  of 
Perrysburg  have  always  responded  generously  to  the  call  of  reH- 
gion.  The  church  alone  cost  $30,000,  and  yet  today  the  entire 
church  property,  complete  in  every  detail,  is  without  one  dollar  of 
debt. 

The  present  membership  of  the  parish  comprises  about  120 
families. 


PERU,  HURON  COUNTY. 

ST.  ALPHONSUS'  CHURCH.* 

Catholics  first  settled  in  Peru  township,  Huron  county,  in  the 
fall  of  1828.  They  were  the  families  of  Peter  Bauer,  Anthony 
Philipp,  Joseph  Carabin  and  Clement  Baumgartner.  The  present 
hamlet  of  Peru,  located  in  the  township  of  the  same  name,  was 
then  and  for  some  years  later  known  as  Vredenbourg.  In  the 
summer  and  fall  of  the  following  year  this  number  of  families  was 
increased  by  ten — all  from  the  Province  of  Lorraine,  France.  In 
the  fall  of  1829  Bishop  Fenwick  visited  these  pioneers  for  the 
first  time  in  their  log  cabin  homes,  built  in  the  almost  unbroken 
forest.  The  Bishop  repeated  his  visit  in  the  summer  of  1830,  and 
said  Mass  and  administerd  the  sacraments  in  the  log  house  of 
Joseph  Carabin.  About  the  same  time  Bishop  Fenwick  directed 
the  Rev.  J.  M.  Henni,  resident  pastor  of  St.  John's,  Canton,  to 
visit  the  Station  of  Peru,  which  he  did  at  long  intervals  between 
1830  and  1832,  when  the  Redemptorist  Father,  F.  X.  Hatscher, 

*See  this  volume,  pp.  29,  33,  40,  48. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  575 

took  his  place.  He  had  charge  of  Peru  and  of  the  Stations  and 
Missions  in  Seneca  and  Sandusky  counties  until  the  latter  part  of 
1833. 

In  1830  Mr.  J.  Taylor,  a  Protestant  farmer  in  the  vicinity  of 
Peru,  donated  to  Bishop  Fenwick  two  acres  of  land  for  church 
and  school  purposes,  A  frame  church,  or  chapel,  of  simplest 
design,  34  by  40  feet,  was  begun  in  the  fall  of  1830.  Although  its 
interior  was  not  finished,  it  was  used  for  the  first  time  in  the 
spring  of  1831.  Almost  all  the  labor  and  material  were  furnished 
free  of  charge,  by  the  farmers  composing  the  Mission.  Four  years 
later  the  church  was  enlarged  by  an  addition  built  of  logs.  It  was 
weather-boarded  horizontally  with  rough  boards,  and  was  never 
painted.  The  interior  was  lined  also  with  rough  boards ;  the  ceiling 
was  flat  and  about  sixteen  feet  from  the  floor.  Altogether  it  was 
primitive  in  its  construction  and  furnishings.  The  pews  were  made 
of  logs,  hewn  flat  on  the  upper  surface,  and  wooden  pins  were 
their  support.  The  first  altar  was  made  of  unplaned  boards  and 
had  the  appearance  of  a  long,  high  table  placed  against  the  wall. 
Father  Henni  was  the  first  priest  to  offer  up  the  Holy  Sacrifice 
in  this  primitive  church— in  1831.  The  Rev.  F.  Rese,  later 
Bishop  of  Detroit,  also  visited  Peru,  from  Michigan,  occasion- 
ally between  1831  and  1833.  Father  Henni  repeated  his  pastoral 
visits  in  the  spring  of  1833,  remaining  about  one  week,  so  as  to 
enable  all  who  so  desired  to  fulfill  their  Easter  duty.  Later  in 
the  summer  of  1833  the  Redemptorist  Father,  the  Rev.  F.  X. 
Tschenhens,  arrived  at  Peru  and  remained  some  weeks.  At  that 
time  he  found  about  100  families  who  had  settled  there  and  in  the 
vicinity. 

In  June,  1834,  Bishop  Purcell  gave  full  pastoral  charge  of 
Peru  and  the  neighboring  Stations  and  Missions  to  the  Redemp- 
torist Fathers.  Of  these  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Tschenhens  was  the 
second  to  take  up  the  pastoral  work  at  Peru,  and  his  name  is  found 
enshrined  in  the  annals  of  Catholicity  in  Northern  Ohio  as  one  of 
its  devoted  and  self-sacrificing  pioneer  priests.  His  mmistration 
extended  from  Huron  to  Seneca,  Sandusky,  Crawford  and  Erie 
counties,  from  1834  to  1843.  During  most  of  this  period  he  was 
resident  pastor  of  Peru,  viz.,  from  1834  to  1839,  and  again  from 
1841  to  1843.    He  had  as  his  assistants  the  Redemptorist  Fathers, 


576  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

Peter  Czakert  (September.  ISo."),  to  August,  1838),  and  Simon 
Sanderl,  F.  X.  Hatscher,  J.  N.  Neumann  and  Joseph  Prost,  at 
intervals  l)et\veen  1835  and  1841.  They  shared  with  him  the 
arduous  labors  connected  with  the  widespread  Missions  in  the 
above  named  counties.  Their  first  residence  was  a  log-  hut,  which 
was  replaced  in  September,  1834,  by  a  better  and  more  com- 
modious log  house.  It  was  built  next  to  the  church  and  adjoined 
the  sacristy. 

In  July,  1834,*  Bishop  Purcell  paid  his  first  visit  to  Peru  and 
dedicated  the  church,  placing  it  under  the  patronage  of  St. 
Alphonsus,  the  founder  of  the  Redemptorists.  He  was  accom- 
panied by  Father  Henni,  of  Canton. 

In  1837  the  church  was  enlarged,  but  the  addition  (built  of 
logs)  although  used,  was  not  finished  until  the  following  year,  for 
lack  of  means.  With  this  difficulty,  brought  on  partly  by  the 
refusal  of  many  members  to  contribute  their  fair  share  towards  the 
support  of  the  church,  began  the  troubles  that  led  to  the  with- 
drawal of  the  Redemptorist  Fathers  in  1839.  They  felt  dis- 
heartened to  find  so  little  response  to  their  appeals  for  material 
assistance  in  parish  work,  and  so  little  recognition  of  their  labors. 
Father  Prost  bade  farewell  to  Peru,  in  April,  1839,  but  Father 
T  schenhens  remained  until  the  following  December.  He  was 
succeeded  in  November,  1840,  by  the  Rev.  J.  Freigang,  a  secular 
priest,  who  had  recently  come  from  Germany.  Father  Freigang's 
stay  ended  in  April,  1841,  when  he  was  dismissed  from  the  diocese, 
and  suspended  for  disobeying  Bishop  Purcell,  who  had  forbidden 
him  to  organize  a  parish  at  Norwalk,  to  the  detriment  of  that  at 
Peru.  The  parish  then  remained  without  a  resident  pastor  until 
June.  1841.  Meanwhile,  as  also  between  December,  1839,  and 
November,  1840,  it  was  attended  from  Tiffin  by  the  Rev. 
P.  J.  Machebeuf,  and  from  Canton  by  the  Revs.  H.  D.  Juncker 
and  M.  Wiirz,  of  Canton.  Father  Tschenhens  then  again  took 
pastoral  charge  of  Peru,  and  for  some  time  had  as  his  assistant  the 
Rev.  L.  M.  Alig.  They  remained  till  November,  1843.  In 
January,  1844,  the  Very  Rev.  F.  S.  Brunner,  Provincial  of  the 
Sanguinists,  was  directed  by  Bishop  Purcell  to  take  charge  of 
Peru  and  to  found  a  residence  there  for  himself  and  the  Fathers  of 


*Catholic  Telegraph,  August  1,  1834. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  577 

the  Society  who  accompanied  liim  the  previous  month  from 
Europe.  They  remained  at  Peru  and  continued  the  good  work 
begun  by  the  Redemptorists,  until  Father  Brunner  established  a 
convent  at  Thompson,  Seneca  county,  in  1847.  He  continued 
however  to  attend  Peru  until  the  appointment,  in  December,  of 
the  same  year,  of  the  Rev.  A.  Carabin  as  resident  pastor,  who 
remained  until  September,  1850.  From  the  time  of  Father 
Carabin's  pastorate,  to  the  present,  Peru  has  always  been  in  charge 
of  secular  priests,  viz:  The  Revs.  C.  Evrard,  from  September, 
1850,  to  January,  1854;  J.  Hamene,  to  April,  1855 ;  J.  P.  Dolweck, 
to  August,  1861 ;  F.  X.  Obermiiller,  who  attended  Peru  from  St. 
Peter's,  Norwalk  (September,  18G1,  to  September.  1862);  A. 
Magenhann,  September,  1862,  to  June,  1866;  N.  Moes,  temporary 
resident  pastor,  from  July  to  September,  1866;  H.  E.  Hamers, 
November,  1866,  to  January,  1867;  and  F.  C.  Ludwig,  to  March, 
1868.  Peru  was  then  again  attended  from  St.  Peter's,  Norwalk, 
as  a  Mission,  until  August,  1868,  when  the  Rev.  C.  Evrard  was 
appointed  a  second  time  as  resident  pastor  of  Peru,  and  remained 
until  November,  187S.  His  successors  w^ere  the  Revs.  M.  Dechant, 
from  December,  1873,  to  January,  1888;  J.  Blaser.  till  his  death, 
January  25,  1895;  M.  Becker,  to  May,  1897;  L.  Lentsch,  to 
January,  1900;  J.  Rosenberg,  to  May,  1900;  and  the  present 
pastor,  the  Rev.  T.  M.  Kolb,  since  the  resignation  of  Father 
Rosenberg. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Evrard  the  present  church,  a 
stone  structure,  42  by  95  feet,  was  built  in  1851,  at  a  cost  of  $5,000. 
In  the  following  year  he  also  built  the  present  pastoral  residence, 
at  an  outlay  of  nearly  $1,800. 

The  church  and  residence  were  built  on  a  four-acre  tract  of 
land,  about  one-half  mile  distant  from  the  old  church  site.  It 
was  bought  by  Father  Carabin  in  May,  1849.  Part  of  the  land 
is  also  used  as  a  cemetery,  which  was  enlarged  by  an  additional 
purchase,  in  December,  1892. 

When  Father  Blaser  took  pastoral  charge  of  Peru  he  found 
the  church  greatly  in  need  of  repairs  and  too  small  to  accommodate 
the  increasing  membership  of  the  parish.  Therefore,  in  the  fall 
of  1889,  he  had  plans  drawn  for  its  enlargement  and  thorough 
renovation.  This  work  was  begun  during  the  following  year  and 
completed  in  the  spring  of  1891,  with  the  result  that  the  church 


578  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

was  practically  a  new  structure  aud  s^rcatly  beautified.  The 
expense  amounted  to  about  $7,000,  and  tlie  debt  incurred  was 
cancelled  in  a  short  time.  On  Ji-"ie  16,  1891,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mj^r. 
F.  M.  Boff  re-dedicated  the  church,  which  is  justly  considered 
one  of  the  best  of  any  country  parish  in  the  diocese.  Father 
Blaser  also  remodeled  and  modernized  the  pastoral  residence. 

As  early  as  1832  a  school  was  established  at  Peru.  The  first 
school  was  a  very  primitive  looking  log  house.  It  was  replaced 
by  a  more  commodious  structure  during  the  pastorate  of  Father 
Tschenhens,  in  1835.  As  the  Peru  district  is  almost  entirely 
Catholic  the  school  was  supported  out  of  the  public  funds,  as  is 
done  in  some  parts  of  Putnam  county.  Hence  the  want  of  a 
separate  parochial  school  was  not  felt  at  Peru  for  many  years. 
But  in  the  course  of  time  the  School  Directors,  though  tenacious 
of  their  rights  as  officials,  lost  sight  of  their  duties  as  Catholics. 
In  consequence  of  this  the  harmony  between  them  and  their 
respective  pastors  in  reference  to  school  matters  ceased,  and  with 
it  the  need  of  a  distinctly  Catholic  parochial  school  became 
apparent.  This  need  was  supplied  in  1854,  during  the  pastorate 
of  Father  Plamene,  who  built  the  first  parish  school,  at  a  cost  of 
$800,  and  employed  a  lay  teacher  to  take  charge  of  it.  It  was 
replaced  in  1878  by  the  present  school,  ?.  two-storv^  brick  struc- 
ture, built  by  Father  Dechant,  at  the  expense  of  about  $2,500. 
He  engaged  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  from  Cleveland,  as 
teachers.  They  remained  in  charge  until  1884,  and  since  then  the 
school  has  been  taught  by  two  lay  teachers.  At  a  cost  of  about 
$1,500  Father  Dechant  built  a  second  and  fully  equipped  frame 
school,  about  four  miles  from  the  church,  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  children  in  that  part  of  the  parish. 

The  congregation  at  Peru  is  composed  entirely  of  farmers, 
nearly  all  natives  of  the  parish,  and  of  German  descent ;  it  now 
numbers  about  70  families. 


IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION   (1st)  CHURCH  AND  PASTORAL  RESIDENCE, 
PORT  CLINTON. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  579 


PLYMOUTH,  RICHLAND  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S   MISSION   CHURCH.  ■     '^ "       . 

Plymouth  is  located  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad, 
about  ten  miles  northwest  of  Shelby.  It  was  attended  from  New 
Washington  as  a  Station,  between  1864  and  1870,  the  Rev.  A. 
Dambach  being  the  first  priest  in  charge.  During  that  time  there 
were  but  five  Catholic  families  in  the  village.  From  1870  to  1876 
the  Rev.  J.  M.  Piitz,  of  Monroeville,  attended  Plymouth  monthly, 
and  said  Mass  in  private  houses,  chiefly  in  the  residence  of  G. 
Mittenbiihler.  In  1872  Father  Piitz  built  the  present  frame 
church  (25  by  45  feet),  on  a  lot  he  bought  on  Trux  street,  the 
deed  for  which  however  was  not  given  until  April,  1881. 
Plymouth  was  next  attended  from  Shelby  as  a  monthly  Mission, 
from  1876  to  1898,  and  since  then  from  Chicago  Junction. 

Under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Smith,  the  pastor  of 
Shelby,  the  little  church,  till  then  unfinished  interiorly,  was  some- 
what enlarged,  entirely  renovated  and  brought  to  completion,  in 
1892,  and  has  now  an  attractive  appearance. 

The  Mission  numbers  but  10  families  and  has  no  prospective 
growth. 

PORT  CLINTON,  OTTAWA  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  CHURCH. 

Picturesque  Port  Clinton,  the  county  seat  of  Ottawa,  received 
its  first  contingent  of  Catholics  about  the  year  1848.  They  were 
visited  in  1850,  for  the  first  time,  by  the  Rev.  P.  J.  Machebeuf, 
then  pastor  of  Holy  Angels'  church,  Sandusky.  He  attended 
them  until  1851,  when  he  left  the  diocese  and  went  to  Colorado, 
where  he  afterward  became  Bishop  of  Denver.  From  1851  the 
few  Catholics  at  and  near  Port  Clinton  were  visited  at  irregular 
intervals  by  the  resident  pastor  of  Holy  Angels',  Sandusky,  and 
St.  Ann's,  Fremont,  until  the  Rev.  Louis  Molon,  pastor  at 
Fremont,  was  commissioned  by  Bishop  Rappe,  in  June,  1860,  to 
give  them  regular  attendance.  This  he  did  until  July,  1861,  saying 
Mass  in  private  houses.  He  bought  two  lots  at  the  intersection 
of  Fourth  and  Madison  streets  and  on  one  of  them  built  the 
present  frame  church,  34  by  68  feet.     It  was  dedicated  by  Bishop 


580  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

Rappe  to  the  Blessed  Virj^-in  under  the  title  of  her  Immaculate 
Conception.  In  September,  1861,  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Verlet,  then 
stationed  at  Sandusky,  was  given  charge  also  of  Port  Clinton  as  a 
Mission.  In  March  of  the  following  year  he  was  sent  to  Port 
Clinton  as  the  first  resident  pastor,  and  remained  until  June,  18G5, 
when  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  C.  T.  Wardy,  whose  pastorate 
ended  in  July,  ISGG.  The  Rev.  J.  Kohn  was  the  next  incumbent, 
from  July,  1866,  to  March,  1868,  when  he  was  transferred  to 
Kelley's  Island,  but  continued  to  attend  Port  Clinton,  as  a  Mission, 
until  February,  1869.  The  Rev.  N.  Flammang  had  temporary 
charg^e  of  Port  Clinton,  from  March  to  September,  of  the  same 
year.  The  Rev.  G.  Rudolph  was  the  next  resident  pastor,  from 
September,  1869,  to  March,  1871.  Port  Clinton  was  then  attended 
from  Elyria  by  Father  Molon,  from  April,  18Y1,  to  June,  1872, 
when  the  Rev.  W.  Miiller  was  appointed  resident  pastor.  It  was 
he  that  built  the  original  portion  of  the  present  parish  house,  a 
plain  frame  structure,  which  was  enlarged  and  remodeled  in  1885. 
Father  Miiller  left  Port  Clinton  in  March,  1875,  and  since  that 
time  the  following  priests  had  pastoral  charge :  The  Revs.  H. 
Dorner,  March  to  July,  1880 ;  W.  A.  Harks,  to  December,  1885 ; 
J.  Horstmann,  to  March,  1892.  Port  Clinton  was  then  attached  to 
Marblehead  as  a  Mission  until  January,  1893,  when  the  Rev.  A.  H. 
Schreiner  was  appointed  resident  pastor.  He  was  succeeded  by 
the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  F.  J.  Hroch,  in  October,  1894. 
Father  Schreiner  added  some  necessary  repairs  to  the  church  and 
put  in  new  windows.  During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Hroch  the 
parish  house  was  renovated  and  the  church  was  supplied  with 
needed  furnishings.  Besides  this,  a  fund  was  started  for  the  erec- 
tion of  a  new  church,  which  is  needed  very  much,  as  the  parish  is 
steadily  increasing  in  numbers  and  financial  strength.  Plans  were 
adopted  in  1900  for  a  handsome  stone  structure,  which,  according 
to  present  indications,  will  be  commenced  in  1901  and  brought  to 
completion  in  1902.  The  members  of  the  parish  have  contributed 
liberally  for  that  purpose  and  are  most  desirous  of  having  a  new 
and  better  house  of  worship. 

It  has  not  been  found  practicable  thus  far  to  establish  a  school, 
but  that  too  will  follow  in  the  near  future. 

The  congregation  is  at  present  composed  of  about  65  families. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  581 


PROUT'S  STATION,  ERIE  COUNTY. 

ST.  THOMAS'  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  Mission  of  St.  Thomas,  at  Front's  Station,  was  organized 
in  18C0,  by  the  Rev.  Louis  Molon.  pastor  of  St.  Ann's.  Fremont. 
At  that  time  the  Mission  had  but  ten  famiHes,  and  it  has  not  grown 
any  since.  In  September,  1864,  Thomas  Murphy  deeded  a  farm  of 
103  acres  to  Bishop  Rappe  for  the  benefit  of  the  Catholics  in 
Oxford  township,  Erie  county,  Ohio,  in  which  Prout's  Station  is 
located.  A  stone  church,  24  by  40  feet,  was  built  on  the  farm 
about  1867  by  Mr.  Murphy  himself.  Although  regularly  used,  it 
was  finished  interiorly  only  in  1876.  under  the  direction  of  the 
Rev.  J.  P.  Piitz,  who  then  attended  the  Mission  from  Milan. 

Prout's  Station  has  been  attended  as  a  Mission  from  the  fol- 
lowing places:  Fremont,  St.  Ann's,  1860-61;  Elyria,  to  1863; 
Sandusky,  Holy  Angels',  to  1864;  Port  Clinton,  to  1865;  Belle- 
vue,  to  1868.  Since  1868  it  has  been  attended  from  Milan.  Mass 
is  said  monthly  on  Sundays.  At  present  the  little  church  has  all 
requirements  for  divine  service,  and  is  without  debt. 

PROVIDENCE,  LUCAS  COUNTY. 

ST.   PATRICK'S   MISSION   CHURCH. 

This  church  is  situated  in  the  extreme  southwest  part  of 
Lucas  county,  about  twenty-six  miles  south  of  Toledo.  Provi- 
dence, formerly  an  Indian  village,  named  "Head-of-the-waters" 
by  the  Indians  who  lived  there  as  late  as  1820,  was  located  on  the 
west  bank  of  the  beautiful  Maumee  river.  In  1854  the  hamlet  of 
Providence  was  destroyed  by  fire  and  has  never  since  been  rebuilt. 
But  as  the  church,  which  was  built  by  Father  Rappe  in  1845,  is 
situated  in  Providence  township,  the  location  of  the  church 
retained  the  name  given  it  in  1821. 

Catholics  first  settled  in  Providence  about  1842,  when  the 
Wabash  and  Erie  Canal  was  completed,  which  gave  employment 
to  many  Irish  laborers.  During  the  construction  of  the  canal  these 
Catholic  laborers  were  attended  by  the  priests  of  St.  Mary's, 
TifTfin,  as  early  as  1832.  From  1845  to  1854  the  Catholic  settlers 
in  that  section  of  Lucas  county  received  spiritual  ministration  from 


582  A     HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

the  priests  residing  at  Toledo,  Maumee  and  Defiance.  Of  these 
priests  the  Revs.  Amadeus  Rappe,  L.  J.  FiHere  and  N.  Ponchell 
deserve  special  mention.  As  above  stated.  Father  Rappe  built  the 
first  church,  which  is  still  in  use.  It  is  a  brick  structure,  30  by  50 
Icet.  It  was  built  on  a  two-acre  tract  of  land  donated  by  Peter 
Manor.  Prior  to  1845  Mass  was  said  in  the  lo^^  cabins  located 
along  or  near  the  canal. 

In  1854  the  Rev.  L.  J.  Filiere  was  appointed  first  resident 
pastor.  He  was  succeeded  in  1856  by  the  Rev.  J.  Bourjade,  who 
remained  in  charge  until  February,  1857.  Providence  was  then 
again  made  a  Mission,  and  as  such  attended  from  Defiance  by  the 
Rev.  A.  I.  Hoeffel  and  later  by  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Molony.  The  latter 
was  appointed  resident  pastor  of  Providence  in  August,  1861. 
His  successor  was  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Piitz,  from  July,  1863,  to 
October,  1864.  Providence  was  then  attached  to  Napoleon  as  a 
Mission,  and  thence  attended  until  September,  1869,  when  the 
Rev.  D.  O'Keefe  was  sent  as  resident  pastor.  His  successors  were 
the  following  priests:  The  Revs.  H.  D.  Best,  May,  1871,  to 
April,  1877;  H.  Kolopp,  to  August,  1883;  G.  Teeming,  to 
February,  1885;  P.  J.  McGrath,  to  December,  1888;  J.  J. 
Hennessy,  to  February,  1890;  and  M.  Philippart.  to  June,  1890. 
Father  Philippart  was  then  transferred  to  Bowling  Green,  but 
continued  until  January,  1892,  to  attend  Providence.  It  remained 
a  Mission  of  Bowling  Green  until  January,  1893,  when  it  was 
attached  to  Holgate,  from  which  place  it  has  since  been  attended. 
The  present  priest  in  charge,  since  1895,  is  the  Rev.  J.  A.  Tennis- 
sen,  who  attends  Providence  monthly. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Best  the  congregation  was 
forced  intO'  a  law  suit  concerning  the  title  to  a  portion  of  the 
church  lot  donated  by  Peter  Manor.  This,  with  a  second  suit 
arising  from  the  former,  was  the  cause  of  great  trouble  and  ill 
feeling  in  the  congregation,  the  evil  effects  of  which  lasted  for 
many  years. 

The  pastoral  residence,  a  frame  building,  was  the  homestead 
of  Peter  Manor.  Father  Kolopp  had  it  renovated  about  1880.  It 
is  now  occupied  by  a  tenant. 

In  1890  the  church  was  put  in  good  repair,  a  thing  it  greatly 
needed.     Eight  years  later  the  interior  was  renovated,  and  three 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  583 

altars  were  bought,  all  at  an  expense  of  about  $800.     At  present 
the  church  property  is  in  good  condition  and  free  of  debt. 

The  Mission  now  numbers  about  30  families,  nearly  all  of  the 
farming  class. 

PUT-IN-BAY,  OTTAWA  COUNTY. 

MOTHER  OF  SORROWS'  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Put-in-Bay  is  an  island  in  Lake  Erie,  lying  ten  miles  north- 
west of  Kelley's  Island.  It  derives  its  name  from  the  fact  that 
Commodore  Perry  ordered  his  fleet  to  put  in  there,  after  the  battle 
of  Lake  Erie  (September  10,  1812),  which  virtually  ended  the 
war  of  1812  with  England.  It  was  then  and  there  he  wrote  the 
famous  dispatch:  "We  have  met  the  enemy,  and  they  are  ours!" 

Put-in-Bay  however  has  very  little  religious  history.  Among 
the  early  settlers  were  a  few  Lutherans  and  members  of  other 
sects,  but  the  majority  of  the  islanders  are  professed  infidels. 
There  are  also  not  a  few  fallen  away  Catholics. 

The  Rev.  N.  A.  Moes,  resident  pastor  of  Kelley's  Island,  was 
the  first  priest  to  look  after  the  few  and  indifferent  Catholics  living 
at  Put-in-Bay.  This  was  about  the  year  1867.  He  and  some 
of  his  successors  said  Mass  in  the  house  of  Christian  Brick.  Subse- 
quently the  number  of  Catholics  increased  to  about  eight  families. 
In  1877  the  Rev.  Francis  Metternich  built  a  small  frame  church. 
30  by  40  feet,  on  a  lot  donated  by  Martin  Basch,  in  May,  1876. 
The  destruction  by  fire  of  the  principal  hotels  in  Put-in-Bay,  which 
had  become  a  noted  summer  resort,  put  an  end  to  the  then  promis- 
ing prospects  of  the  Mission.  The  church  remained  unplastered 
and  without  altar  or  pews  for  some  years.  However,  whilst  the 
Rev.  J.  B.  Mertes  had  charge  of  the  Mission  he  enlarged  and 
finished  the  church,  and  made  it  quite  attractive,  at  an  outlay  of 
about  $500.  The  Rev.  Charles  Reichlin  bought  a  bell,  built  the 
spire,  had  the  church  plastered  and  its  interior  decorated.  Mr. 
John  Fox.  of  Middle  Bass  Island,  donated  the  pews. 

Put-in-Bay  is  attended  monthly  from  Kelley's  Island,  of  which 
it  has  been  a  Mission,  since  its  religious  history  began.  Only  ten 
families  are  identified  with  it,  but  during  the  summer  months  the 
seating  capacity  of  the  little  church  is  overtaxed  by  the  Catholic 
visitors,  who  generously  contribute  towards  its  support. 


584  A     HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

« 

RANDOLPH,   PORTAGE   COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

Randolph  is  one  of  the  oldest  Catholic  settlements  in  the 
diocese  and  was  first  visited  in  1831,  by  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Henni, 
resident  pastor  of  St.  John's,  Canton.  His  visits  extended  over  a 
period  covering  nearly  three  years — till  1834.  He  found  but 
six  families,  mostly  from  the  Province  of  Alsace.  In  1835  they 
built  a  log-  chapel  and  a  school  of  the  same  material,-^  near  the 
site  of  the  present  church.  Services  were  held  in  the  little  chapel 
at  irregular  intervals,  for  some  years,  by  Father  Henni's  successors^ 
the  Revs.  F.  Hoffman  and  M.  Wiirz,  also  of  Canton.  The  Rev. 
J,  S.  Alemany,  O.  P.,  attended  Randolph  a  few  times  from  Canton 
in  1841.  The  Rev.  J.  N.  Neumann,  C.  SS.  R.,  resided  at  Randolph 
for  a  short  time,  in  1841 ;  he  was  then  on  his  way  to  Peru,  Huron 
county.  In  1842  the  Rev.  Basil  Schorb,  pastor  of  Doylestown, 
was  given  charge  of  the  Mission.  In  1844  the  Sanguinist  Fathers 
F.  S.  Brunner,  J.  Ringele,  P.  A.  Capeder  and  J.  Van  den  Broek 
began  to  attend  Randolph  in  turns,  from  Peru,  until  1846,  when 
the  Rev.  J.  Wittmer,  also  a  Sanguinist,  was  appointed  first  resi- 
dent pastor.  He  remained  less  than  one  year.  Randolph  was 
then  again  made  a  Mission  of  Canton,  with  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Luhr 
in  charge  from  1847  to  1848.  In  the  latter  year  the  Rev.  P. 
Weber,  C.  PP.  S.,  was  appointed  resident  pastor,  and  remained 
till  1851.  Since  that  time  Randolph  had  as  resident  pastors  the 
following  priests:  The  Revs.  George  Stein,  1852-57;  J.  Hack- 
spiel,  1857-61;  V.  Haussner,  August,  1861,  to  July,  1868;  A. 
Herbstritt,  to  Februarv,  1869;  J.  Kohn,  to  March,  1875;  N. 
Kirch,  to  March,  1885;  S.  Rebholz,  to  March,  1891;  J.  P.  Gloden, 
from  March  to  November,  1891;  J.  Romer,  to  February,  1892; 
and  since  then,  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  J.  Thein. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Schorb,  the  neat  frame 
church,  built  three  years  after  the  log  chapel,  mentioned  above, 
was  burnt  to  the  ground  in  1838 — shortly  after  its  erection — 
supposedly  by  a  bigoted  incendiary.^  Steps  were  immediately 
taken  to  rebuild  it,  and  in  a  few  months  a  handsome  frame  struc- 
ture, 35  by  50  feet,  stood  on  the  site  of  the  former.     It  was  used 

(1)  The    Church    in    Northern     Ohio;    4th   ed.,   p.   271. 

(2)  The    Church    in    Northern     Ohio;  4th  ed.,   p.   291. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  585 

in  its  unfinished  state  until  about  1845,  when  Father  Van  den 
Broek  completed  the  interior. 

The  coni^reg-ation  increased  rapidly,  as  the  excellent  land  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  church  offered  strong  inducements  to  settle  on 
farms.  These  were  bought  chiefly  by  Catholic  Germans,  who 
made  the  tilling  of  the  land  a  success  and  soon  reached  affluence. 
In  consequence  of  this  increase  in  numbers  Father  Hackspiel  felt 
the  need  of  building  a  much  larger  church.  At  that  time  how- 
ever (1861)  the  civil  war  had  just  broken  out  and  the  majority 
of  the  congregation  felt  it  was  unwise  to  build,  owing  to  the 
unsettled  state  of  afTairs  which  affected  the  entire  country.  The 
project  was  therefore  abandoned  for  a  time,  when  Father  Hauss- 
ner,  who  succeeded  Father  Hackspiel,  found  the  people  better 
disposed  to  meet  the  expense  of  building  a  church.  He  began  its 
erection  in  1865  and  brought  it  to  completion  the  following  year. 
The  third  (and  present)  church  is  an  attractive  frame  structure, 
50  by  100  feet,  and  wath  its  furnishings  cost  about  $17,000.  It 
was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Rappe,  on  November  25,  1866. 

In  November,  1876,  Father  Kirch  secured  nearly  three  and 
one-half  acres  of  land,  part  of  which  is  an  addition  to  the  cemetery, 
and  part  is  occupied  by  the  school  and  the  teacher's  residence. 
The  entire  church  property,  which  is  well  located,  covers  over 
five  acres. 

In  1887  Father  Rebholz  built  the  present  frame  pastoral 
residence,  one  of  the  best  appointed  in  the  diocese.  It  cost  about 
$9,000,  which  sum  includes  also  the  furniture. 

Father  Thein  enlarged  and  beautified  the  cemetery,  frescoed 
and  thoroughly  renovated  the  church  and  pastoral  residence — all 
at  a  cost  of  nearly  $5,000.  The  church  property  is  in  excellent 
condition  and  not  burdened  by  debt.  The  parish  now  numbers 
about  165  families,  mostly  prosperous  farmers. 

Of  the  pioneer  members  of  the  congregation  the  following 
deserve  special  mention,  because  by  their  generosity  to  the  church, 
as  well  as  by  their  influence,  they  were  instrumental  in  promoting 
the  interests  of  the  congregation  and  the  cause  of  religion,  viz : 
A.  Weber,  A.  Miller,  G.  Hornung,  J.  Weiss,  S.  Huth  and  Michael 
Knapp. 

The  parochial  school  dates  back  to  1832.  The  first  school 
house  was  a  log  cabin,  but  out  of  their  scanty  means  the  Catholics 


586  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

of  Randolph,  though  few  in  number,  chccrfullv  sni)])orte(l,  because 
they  felt  its  importance  as  an  element  in  their  t^rowth  as  a  congre- 
gation. The  scliool  has  been  kept  up  witli  scarcely  any  inter- 
mission since  that  time.  The  present  frame  building  was  erected 
during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Kirch,  and  cost  al)Out  $1,400.  The 
school  was  taught  by  lay  teachers  until  1885,  when  Father 
Rebholz  engaged  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  from  Cleveland. 
They  remained  in  charge  until  1892,  when  the  Dominican  Sisters, 
from  Jersey  City,  N.  J.,  succeeded  them.  The  school  attendance 
having  considerably  diminished  Father  Thein  replaced  the  Sisters 
in  September,  1895,  by  a  lay  teacher,  and  this  arrangement  has 
since  continued. 


RAVENNA,  PORTAGE  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE   CONCEPTION   CHURCH. 

In  November,  1854,  eight  Catholic  families  settled  at 
Ravenna.  Prior  to  that  time  no  Catholics  lived  at  Ravenna. 
They  were  attended  from  St.  Vincent's,  Akron,  until  1855,  and  by 
various  curates  from  the  Cathedral,  at  Cleveland,  until  1862,  when 
Ravenna  was  made  a  Mission  of  Hudson,  with  the  Rev.  P.  H. 
Brown  in  charge.  He  and  his  predecessors,  among  whom  were 
the  Revs.  F.  McGann,  Thomas  V/alsh,  E.  M.  O'Callaghan  and 
F.  Sullivan,  said  Mass  in  private  houses.  Father  Brown  was 
appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Ravenna  in  1862,  and  remained 
until  July,  1872.  Shortly  after  his  arrival  at  Ravenna  he  bought 
the  present  church  site,  although  the  deed  was  not  given  until 
April,  1869.  The  property  is  located  at  the  corner  of  Main  and 
Sycamore  streets,  in  one  of  the  most  desirable  parts  of  the  pretty 
town.  On  August  15,  1862,  the  cornerstone  of  the  present 
church,  a  brick  structure,  34  by  80  feet,  was  blessed  and  laid  by 
Bishop  Rappe.  The  church,  including  its  furnishings,  cost  about 
$8,000.  Father  Brown  also  built  the  present  frame  pastoral  resi- 
dence. The  first  school,  a  brick  structure,  was  built  and  opened 
about  1861  and  the  second,  also  a  frame  building,  was  erected 
in  1878.  The  parish  school  was  in  charge  of  lay  teachers 
until  September,  1887,  when  Dominican  Sisters,  from  Jersey 
City,  N.  J.,  of  whom  there  are  two  now,  succeeded  them  and  have 
taught  it  ever  since. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  587 

Father  Brown's  successors  in  the  pastorate  of  Ravenna  were 
the  following  priests:  The  Revs.  W.  J.  Gibbons,  from  July,  1872, 
to  August,  1874;  J.  P.  Carroll,  to  March,  1870;  J.  D.  Bowles,  to 
April,  1883;  J.  T.  Cahill,  to  September,  1889;  J.  J.  Farrell,  to 
February,  1900,  and  J.  A.  Sidley,  the  present  incumbent,  since 
February,  1900. 

In  1888  Father  Cahill  enlarged  the  seating  capacity  of  the 
church  by  adding  a  sanctuary  and  sacristies.  Stained  glass 
windows  replaced  the  old  ones,  and  the  church  was  neatly  frescoed. 
These  improvements  cost  about  $-1,500,  which  sum  was  a  debt  on 
the  parish  when  Father  Farrell  took  charge.  During  his  pastorate 
he  paid  $2,000  of  this  debt,  built  the  Sisters'  residence,  and  put 
in  good  condition  the  parish  cemetery,  which  was  bought 
in  June,  1872.  He  also  tidied  up  the  church  property  in  general. 
From  the  very  beginning  of  the  parish,  down  to  the  present 
time,  most  of  the  members  have  at  all  times  shown  a  spirit 
of  generosity,  as  is  evidenced  by  its  fine  unincumbered  church 
property.  Hence,  to  avoid  odious  distinction,  it  would  not  be 
proper  to  mention  names.  The  membership  now  includes  about 
seventy  families,  chiefly  dependent  on  railroad  employment.  To 
two  non-Catholic  citizens  the  parish  owes  a  debt  of  gratitude,  viz., 
to  Judge  Day,  formerly  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Ohio,  for  assist- 
ance in  procuring  the  church  site,  and  for  liberal  subscriptions ;  to 
Josiah  Linton,  formerly  chief  engineer  of  the  Cleveland  and  Pitts- 
burg railroad,  for  generous  aid  whenever  called  upon  by  the 
various  pastors. 

REED,  SENECA  COUNTY. 

ASSUMPTION   MISSION   CHURCH. 

In  the  spring  of  18G7  about  twenty  families,  belonging  to  St. 
Michael's  parish,  at  Thompson,  were  authorized  by  Bishop  Rappe 
to  organize  as  a  separate  congregation,  under  the  patronage  of 
St.  Mary's  of  the  Assumption.  Jacob  Schmitt,  one  of  the  mem- 
bers, donated  four  acres  as  a  site  for  the  church,  school  and 
cemetery.  The  property  is  located  nearly  four  miles  north  of 
Thompson. 

During  the  summer  and  early  fall  of  1867  the  present  church 
was  built.     It  is  a  frame  structure,  35  by  80  feet,  and  cost  about 


588  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

$3, GOO.  Bishop  Rappc  dedicated  the  church  shortly  after  its  com- 
pletion ;  there  is  however  no  record  of  the  exact  date.  In  January, 
1808.  the  Mission  of  Reed  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Sang-uinist 
Fathers,  residing  at  Thompson.  The  Rev.  P.  A.  Capeder  was  the 
first  priest  to  attend  Reed — until  Jiine,  1869.  Since  then  the 
following  Sanguinist  Fathers  have  had  charge  of  the  Mission : 
The  Revs.  N.  Gales,  S.  Ganther,  R.  Schiile,  B.  Zinswyler,  P.  Rist, 
M.  Kenk,  A.  Kramer,  A.  Stiefvater,  J.  B.  Biernbaum,  F.  PTahn, 
X.  IVTielinger,  J.  L.  Bohmer,  T.  Meyer,  and  the  present  attending 
priest,  the  Rev.  P.  Notheis,  since  March,  1896. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Ganther  (1870-72)  the  present 
frame  school  house  was  built  and  placed  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher. 
Owing  however  to  lack  of  means  the  school  had  to  be  discon- 
tinued shortly  after  its  organization,  and  w^as  not  re-opened  until 
1881.  Since  then  it  has  been  continued  without  interruption. 
Two  Sanguinist  Sisters  have  had  charge  of  the  school  since 
September,  1883.  In  1880  a  frame  residence  for  the  teachers  was 
built  at  a  cost  of  $1,000. 

Father  Hahn  had  charge  of  the  Mission  from  August,  1882, 
to  March,  1889.  In  1886  he  built  a  spire  and  had  the  church 
enlarged,  re-roofed  and  painted,  at  an  outlay  of  about  $1,500.  In 
the  spring  of  1900  the  interior  was  tastily  frescoed.  The  church 
now  presents  an  attractive  appearance. 

The  Mission  is  composed  entirely  of  thrifty  German  farmers 
and  numbers  about  45  families. 


REPUBLIC,  SENECA  COUNTY. 

ST.  ALOYSIUS'  MISSION   CHURCH. 

Previous  to  1879  the  few  Catholics  residing  in  or  near 
Republic  were  identified  with  the  parish  of  St.  Mary,  or  St. 
Joseph,  Tiffin,  or  of  Thompson.  In  May,  1879,  Republic  was 
made  one  of  the  Stations  of  the  resident  pastor  of  Shelby,  whence 
it  was  attended  monthly,  or  thereabouts,  until  October,  1894. 
Mass  was  said  in  a  public  hall,  and  later  in  the  residence  of  Mr. 
P.  McClelland,  until  March,  1887. 

In  February,  1887,  the  present  church  and  the  two  lots  on 
which  it  stands  were  bought  from  the  Universalists  for  the  small 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  589 

sum  of  $350.  It  was  a  purchase  most  favorable  to  the  CathoHcs 
of  the  village,  and  was  made  by  the  Rev.  A.  Huthmacher,  then  in 
charge  of  the  Mission.  The  building  was  in  excellent  condition 
and  with  necessarv^  remodeling,  which  cost  about  v$360.  made  an 
attractive  place  of  worship.  The  church  was  dedicated  by  Bishop 
Gilmour  on  Sunday,  March  13,  1887.  on  which  occasion  he  also 
delivered  a  masterly  discourse  in  presence  of  a  large  audience, 
comprising  many  non-Catholics,  who  were  respectful  and  atten- 
tive hearers.  He  publicly  thanked  them  for  the  financial  aid  they 
had  so  kindly  given  to  their  Catholic  fellow-citizens. 

The  church  is  a  frame  building,  40  by  55  feet,  and  fronts  on 
Madison  street,  in  the  center  of  the  village.  The  two  lots  have  a 
frontage  of  133  feet  and  a  depth  of  200  feet.  It  was  owing  chiefly 
to  Mr.  Frank  Collins,  a  member  of  the  Mission,  then  comprising 
only  nine  families,  that  the  purchase  of  the  property  was  made 
possible.  He  collected  nearly  all  the  purchase  price  from  his  non- 
Catholic  fellow-townsmen. 

Republic  was  attended  from  St.  Stephen's,  Seneca  county,  for 
a  few  months,  from  October,  1894,  to  January,  1895,  when  it  had 
to  be  abandoned  as  the  very  small  number  of  Catholic  families  did 
not  warrant  its  further  attendance  as  a  Mission.  This  discontinu- 
ance lasted  for  two  and  a  half  years.  Gradually  however  the 
Catholic  population  regained  its  former  number,  about  10  families. 
Hence,  in  June,  1898,  Republic  again  received  priestly  minis- 
tration and  was  attached  as  a  Mission  to  Chicago  Junction,  whence 
it  has  since  been  attended  monthly. 


ROACHTON,  WOOD  COUNTY. 

ST.  MARY'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

In  September.  1850.  Anthony  Weber  donated  to  Bishop 
Rappe  sixty  acres  of  land  in  Middleton  township,  Wood  county, 
for  the  support  of  a  Mission  church  to  be  built  eventually  in  that 
section.  Nothing  however  was  done  in  the  matter  until  1856. 
when  the  Bishop  allowed  a  few  families,  German  farmers,  resid- 
ing in  that  township,  to  build  a  church  for  themselves.  The  small 
frame  structure  was  destroyed  by  fire,  August  10,  1868.  Forty 
acres  of  the  Weber  land  were  sold  in  1871  and  the  proceeds  applied 


590  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

towards  buildino-  the  ])rescnt  frame  cluircli,  oO  by  50  feet,  durinj^ 
the  same  year;  it  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gihnoiir  in  the  fall  of 
1872.  The  buildinj^  cost  about  $1,500,  and  is  located  at  Roachton, 
about  three  miles  south  of  Perrysbure;-,  from  which  place  it  was 
attended  as  a  monthly  Mission,  imtil  August,  1878.  In  that 
year  the  Rev.  Joseph  Sproll  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor 
of  Roachton.  He  resigned  his  charge  in  March,  1881.  Since  then 
Roachton  has  again  been  a  Mission  of  Perrysburg,  with  monthly 
services,  however,  only  on  week  days,  since  1890,  as  most  of  the 
families  identified  themselves  with  the  parish  of  Perrysburg. 
Hence  the  Mission  is  practically  abandoned  and  gives  no  promise 
of  future  growth.  Recently  the  renovation  of  the  church  has 
been  discussed,  with  the  result  that  nothing  can  or  will  be  done, 
as  the  expense  would  not  warrant  the  proposed  improvement. 


ROBERTSVILLE,  STARK  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

Robertsville,  Stark  county,  Ohio,  is  a  little  village  about 
eight  miles  southeast  of  Louisville.  About  a  dozen  Catholic 
French  families  settled  in  and  around  Robertsville  as  early  as 
1840.  They  attended  Mass  in  Louisville,  but  occasionally  the 
resident  pastors  of  that  place  said  Mass  there  in  private  houses. 
At  the  suggestion  of  the  Rev.  L.  F.  D'Arcy,  the  farmers  in  that 
section  of  Stark  county  built  a  small  frame  church  (20  by  40  feet) 
in  the  summer  of  1857  on  a  town  lot  donated  for  that  purpose  by 
Joseph  Robard,  in  March,  of  the  same  year.  Father  D'Arcy 
contributed  of  his  own  means  for  that  object,  and  at  his  own 
expense  supported  a  parish  school  for  at  least  two  years,  hoping 
to  induce  other  Catholic  families  to  settle  in  and  around  Roberts- 
ville. This  expectation  was  not  fulfilled  however.  The  pastors 
of  Louisville  who  had  charge  of  Robertsville  could  not  afford  to 
give  its  people  a  Sunday  Mass,  except  very  seldom,  though  they 
attended  the  place  monthly  on  week  days.  In  the  course  of  a  few 
years  some  of  the  Catholics  living  in  Robertsville  ceased  to  attend 
Mass  in  their  little  church,  preferring  to  go  to  Louisville ;  and 
others  lost  the  Faith.  The  Rev.  Louis  Hoffer,  pastor  of  Louis- 
ville, attended  Robertsville  occasionally  from  1861,   until  about 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  591 

1880,  but  realizint;-  then  that  there  was  no  use  in  going  there  any 
longer,  he  abandoned  the  Mission.  Tlie  church  being  without 
care,  went  to  ruin,  and  the  lot  was  sold. 


ROCKPORT,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 

ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

In  March,  1851,  a  one-half  acre  parcel  of  land  was  bought  for 
a  cemetery  by  a  few  Catholic  German  settlers  in  Rockport  town- 
ship. It  was  used  as  a  burying  place  by  the  Catholics  of  that 
section  and  for  miles  around.  But  not  until  1860  was  the  question 
discussed,  of  building  a  church  in  that  locality,  as  the  number  of 
Catholics  was  very  small.  In  that  year,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Rev.  A.  Krasney  (then  stationed  at  St.  Peter's,  Cleveland,  with 
charge  of  a  number  of  Missions),  a  small  frame  church  was  built 
near  the  site  of  the  present  church  on  a  one-acre  tract  of  land 
bought  in  1859. 

Father  Krasney  was  succeeded  in  July,  1863,  by  the  Rev. 
J.  Kuhn,  who  attended  the  Mission  from  Cleveland  (Newburg) 
for  two  years.  The  Rev.  Michael  Miiller  was  appointed  first 
pastor  of  St.  Mary's,  Rockport,  in  July,  1865,  and  shortly  after 
his  arrival  he  built  a  small  frame  house  for  his  residence.  Owing 
to  the  rapid  increase  of  the  congregation  the  church  became  too 
small;  hence  it  was  found  necessary  to  build  a  larger  one. 
Father  Muller  took  up  a  subscription  in  1867  for  that  purpose 
and  met  with  a  generous  response.  The  church  was  com- 
menced in  the  fall  of  that  year,  but  before  it  was  quite  finished 
Father  Muller  was  transferred  to  Ottoville,  in  March,  1868.  It 
was  brought  to  completion  during  1868,  and  dedicated  in  the  fall 
of  the  same  year  by  Bishop  Rappe ;  it  has  been  in  use  ever  since. 

The  church,  an  attractive  looking  brick  structure,  40  by  70 
feet,  is  surmounted  by  a  neat  spire;  the  cost  was  about  $5,000, 
exclusive  of  the  furnishings,  and  paid  for  soon  after  its  completion. 

Father  Miiller's  successor  was  the  Rev.  F.  C.  Ludwig,  who 
remained  until  March,  1869.  The  following  priests  have  had" 
pastoral  charge  of  St.  Mary's,  Rockport,  since  then :  The  Revs. 
J.   B.  Heiland,  to  September,  1872;     P.  F.   Quigley,   D.   D.,  to 


592  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

September,  1873;  P.  O'P.ricn.  to  July.  1875;  J.  F.  Kiibler,  to 
Fcl)ruary,  1891;  M.  J.  Clear,  to  February,  1892;  and  the  present 
incumbent,  the  Rev.  J.  Horstmann,  since  March,  1892. 

In  1877  Father  Kiibler  built  the  present  pastoral  residence, 
a  neat  frame  structure,  at  an  outlay  of  about  $1,300.  Its  cost 
however  was  reduced  at  least  one  half,  as  much  of  the  material  and 
labor  were  donated.  Other  improvements  were  added  in  due 
course  of  time.  Among  these  was  the  purchase  of  fine  altars  and 
Stations.  In  1883  the  school  house  (the  first  church)  was  moved 
from  its  inconvenient  location  to  another  site — on  a  two-acre 
tract  of  land  which  was  bought  in  1859,  adjoining  the  church  and 
pastoral  residence  lot.  In  1885  extensive  repairs  were  made  on 
the  school  to  which  an  addition  was  built  to  serve  as  a  residence 
for  the  Sisters  in  charge  of  the  school.  Finally,  in  1890,  Father 
Kiibler  had  a  gas  well  sunk  on  the  church  grounds.  It  proved  a 
success,  as  since  then  it  has  supplied  the  church,  pastoral  residence 
and  school  with  light  and  heat. 

In  1893  Father  Horstmann  built  the  present  school  at  a 
cost  of  about  $2,000.  It  is  a  substantial  frame  building,  30  by  60 
feet,  and  besides  a  school  room  it  contains  a  well  equipped  stage 
and  apartments  for  the  teachers. 

The  school  was  organized  by  Father  Miiller  in  1867,  and  has 
since  been  continued  without  intermission.  It  was  taught  by  lay 
teachers  until  1875,  when  Father  Kiibler  engaged  the  Notre  Dame 
Sisters,  of  Cleveland,  as  teachers.  They  had  charge  of  the  school 
for  some  years;  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis,  from  Tifftn,  succeeded 
them.  Since  1892  the  school  has  again  been  in  charge  of  a  lay 
teacher. 

The  congregation,  comprising  about  forty  German  families — 
farmers,  is  without  debt  and  its  property  in  excellent  condition. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  A.  Wenzing  deserve  special  mention  as  having 
largely  contributed  of  their  means  towards  building  and  adorning 
the  church,  and  for  donating  most  of  the  land  now  owned  by  the 
parish. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  593 

ROCKPORT,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 

ST.   PATRICK'S   MISSION   CHURCH. 

As  early  as  1847  a  number  of  Catholic  families  settled  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  present  Mission  of  St.  Patrick's,  Rockport. 
They  were  visited  for  the  first  time  by  Bishop  Rappe  himself,  in 
1848.  He  repeated  his  visits  occasionally  during-  the  year,  as 
he  had  no  priest  to  send.  In  the  following  year  he  commissioned 
his  Vicar  General,  the  Very  Rev.  L.  De  Goesbriand,  and  later  other 
priests  of  the  Cathedral,  to  look  after  the  spiritual  interests  of  these 
pioneer  Catholics,  which  they  did  until  1854,  each  saying  Mass  and 
administering  the  Sacraments  in  the  house  of  Morgan  Watters. 

The  first  impulse  to  erect  a  church  was  a  donation,  in  1851, 
by  Mr.  J.  LahifT,  of  one  half  acre  of  land  for  a  church  site.  A 
little  frame  church  was  commenced  in  that  year,  but  owing  to 
the  poverty  of  the  people  it  was  not  completed  until  1854.  Bishop 
Rappe  dedicated  it  in  the  summer  of  that  year,  placing  it  under  the 
patronage  of  St.  Patrick.  In  1854  the  Mission  was  given  in 
charge  of  the  Rev.  L.  J.  Filiere,  then  resident  pastor  of  Olmsted. 
He  was  transferred  to  St.  Mary's,  Berea,  in  18G2,  but  continued 
to  attend  St.  Patrick's  until  1868.  It  was  then  attached  to  St. 
Mary's,  Rockport,  two  and  one-half  miles  distant,  whence  it  has 
since  been  attended  every  Sunday  and  Holyday  of  obligation. 

For  several  years,  beginning  about  1802,  the  people  not  only 
desired  but  also  urged  the  erection  of  a  better  and  larger  church, 
and  favored  the  old  site.  Hence,  in  September,  1896,  Father 
Horstmann  bought  an  acre  of  ground  adjoining  the  original 
property;  the  purchase  price  was  $900.  On  account  of  the  close 
proximity  of  St.  Patrick's  to  Cleveland,  and  its  situation  on  one 
of  the  main  roads  leading  to  the  city,  it  was  thought  prudent  to 
build  a  large  and  substantial  church  of  stone — a  great  undertaking 
for  a  Mission  numbering  less  than  fifty  families.  But  the  future 
seemed  promising  and  the  people  were  willing.  Plans  were 
drawn,  and  the  foundation  was  commenced  in  September,  1896. 
On  May  2,  1S97,  Bishop  Horstmann  laid  the  cornerstone,  and  on 
Christmas  of  the  following  year  divine  services  were  held  in  the 
new  church,  although  its  interior  was  not  finished.  Altars,  pews, 
etc.,  all  donations  of  parishioners,  were  in  place,  and  all  worthy  of 


594  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

and  ill  hannoii)-  with  the  jo^eneral  desie^n  of  the  buiUhn^-.  It  was 
decided  to  put  olT  the  finishinq'  of  tlie  interior  until  some  of  the 
debt  could  be  paid.  Within  four  years  (ISOO-IDOO)  the  parish, 
consisting'  mostly  of  the  working-  class,  contributed  over  $10,000; 
and  this  without  any  urging  on  the  part  of  the  pastor.  Surely  a 
sign  of  faith  and  generosity!  The  cost  of  the  church,  when 
finished,  will  be  about  $25,000.  The  architecture  of  the  church  is 
a  combination  of  Gothic  and  Norman.  The  dimensions  of  the 
stately  edifice  are:  Length,  110  feet;  width,  50  feet.  A  large 
square  tower  of  74  feet  in  height  adds  much  to  the  appearance 
of  the  building,  which  is  far  above  the  ordinary  and  is  in  fact  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  country  churches  in  the  diocese,  as  it  is  also 
a  monument  to  the  pastor  and  his  generous  little  flock  of  less  than 
fifty  families. 

The  school  was  established  during  the  pastorate  of  Father 
O'Brien,  and  was  in  charge  of  lay  teachers  until  1875,  when  Father 
Kiibler  engaged  the  Notre  Dame  Sisters,  and  later  the  Sisters  of 
the  Humility  of  Mary,  to  conduct  it.  As  the  enrollment  became 
too  small  they  were  replaced  in  1887  by  a  lay  teacher.  It  was 
found  necessary  to  again  discontinue  the  school  in  1894,  oh 
account  of  building  the  new  church.  It  was  re-opened  in  Septem- 
ber, 1900,  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph. 


ROOTSTOWN,  PORTAGE  COUNTY. 

ST.  PETER'S   CHURCH. 

The  parish  of  Rootstown  is  an  offshoot  of  St.  Joseph's, 
Randolph.  At  a  cost  of  about  $1,200,  the  present  church  was 
built  in  1868,  on  a  one-acre  tract  of  land,  bought  in  December, 
1866.  The  interior  was  divided  into  two  rooms,  the  larger  being 
reserved  for  church  purposes,  whilst  the  other  was  fitted  up  as 
a  school  room.  A  lay  teacher  was  engaged  who,  besides  caring 
for  the  children  in  doctrinal  and  secular  studies  during  the  week, 
officiated  also  as  choirmaster  and  organist  at  the  church  services. 

Rootstown  was  attended  from  Randolph  as  a  Mission  on 
alternate  Sundays  until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  John  J. 
Boyle,  as  first  resident  pastor,  in  January,  1899.  Shortly  after 
his  arrival  at  Rootstown  he  bought  a  half-acre  of  ground  imme- 
diately adjoining  the  church  premises  as  a  site  for  a  frame  pastoral 


IN     THE     DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  595 

residence.  This  was  built  during  the  summer  and  occupied  in 
October  of  that  year.  In  the  same  year  the  church,  formerly  25  by 
35  feet,  was  enlarged  by  an  addition  of  25  feet,  and  tastily  reno- 
vated ;  , these  improvements  cost  about  $1,200  and  were  paid  for 
when  completed.  Bishop  Horstmann  re-dedicated  the  church  on 
June  29,  1898.  Father  Boyle  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  T.  O'Con- 
nell,  in  June,  1900,  and  he,  in  turn,  by  the  Rev.  N.  Kirch,  two 
months  later. 

The  parish  has  a  membership  of  about  45  German  families — 
all  belonging  to  the  farming  class. 

ROYALTON,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 

ASSUMPTION    MISSION    CHURCH. 

The  Mission  of  Royalton  was  organized  by  Bishop  Rappe 
himself,  in  1857.  He  assembled  in  the  house  of  James  Morrow 
the  few  families  in  that  part  of  Cuyahoga  county,  and,  after  Mass 
and  a  sermon,  advised  them  to  secure  a  lot  and  build  a  small 
church  for  themselves.  He  sent  them  priests  from  the  Cathedral, 
about  once  a  month,  until  1860.  During  this  time  and  until  1862 
the  resident  pastors  of  Liverpool  also  visited  them  occasionally. 
From  1862  to  1868  the  Rev.  T.  J.  Halley,  of  Grafton,  was  charged 
with  the  attendance  of  Royalton.  In  1863  he  bought  a  house  and 
lot  for  $500,  and  remodeled  the  frame  house  for  church  purposes. 
The  location  of  the  property  soon  proved  unsatisfactory  and  was 
therefore  exchanged  in  November,  1864,  for  the  present  property, 
which  also  had  a  frame  building  on  it.  This  too  was  fitted  up  as  a 
place  of  worship.  Royalton  was  attended  from  Grafton  until  1869. 
Since  that  time  it  has  had  a  varied  and  checkered  career  as  a 
Mission,  having  been  attended  from  the  following  places :  Cleve- 
land, St.  Augustine's,  (1869-70);  Liverpool,  (1870-72);  Rockport, 
St.  IVIary's,  (1873-77);  Berea,  St.  Adalbert's,  (1877-79);  Olmsted, 
(1879-80);  again  from  Berea,  St.  Adalbert's,  (1880-82);  Cleveland, 
St.  Mary's  Seminary,  by  the  Rev.  J.  A.  TePas,  (1882-92.)  As 
its  membership  became  largely  reduced  (less  than  five  families), 
the  Mission  was  abandoned  in  April,  1892,  and  remained  without 
attendance  until  September,  1900.  It  is  now  attached  to  Inde- 
pendence as  a  week  day  Mission,  which  at  present  numbers  about 
ei2"ht  families. 


596  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

SAINT  MARY'S  CORNERS,  FULTON  COUNTY. 
ASSUMPTION  CHURCH. 

St.  Mary's  Corners  (in  recent  years  named  Caraghar)  is  a 
small  settlement,  seven  miles  north  of  Swanton,  in  Amboy  town- 
ship, Fnlton  county.  From  1852  to  1867  it  was  attended  as  a 
Station;  viz.,  from  Toledo  (1852-55);  Providence  (1855-60); 
Maumee  (1860-65) ;  and  Six  Mile  Woods  (1865-67.  The  Rev. 
Philip  Foley  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  the  few  Catholic  settlers 
in  that  section  of  Fulton  county,  and  said  Mass  in  the  house  of 
Mr.  Forrester. 

In  1866,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  Charles  Barbier,  the 
resident  pastor  of  Six  Mile  Woods,  a  subscription  was  opened 
for  the  erection  of  a  church.  In  November,  1866,  Jacob  Berrens 
donated  land  for  the  church  and  cemetery.  A  frame  house  of 
worship  (28  by  45  feet),  of  simple  design,  was  commenced  and 
enclosed  in  the  following  year.  Its  interior  was  not  completed, 
however,  for  lack  of  means,  until  1869.  During  this  time  the  Rev. 
N.  Schmitz,  stationed  at  Six  Mile  Woods,  had  pastoral  charge. 

St.  Mary's  Corners  continued  to  be  attended  from  Six  Mile 
Woods,  now  as  a  Mission,  until  1872,  when  the  Jesuit  Fathers,  of 
Toledo,  were  directed  to  look  after  its  spiritual  interests,  which 
they  did  for  three  years.  Again  the  Mission  was  attached  to  Six 
Mile  Woods,  from  1875  to  1877,  with  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Vogt  in 
charge.  In  1876  he  built  the  present  frame  parish  house.  In 
February,  1877,  the  Rev.  F.  Gauthier  was  appointed  first  resident 
pastor.  In  a  short  time  the  congregation  numbered  fifty-six 
families,  composed  of  Irish,  German  and  a  few  French  farmers.  By 
this  time  also  the  church  had  become  too  small.  Galleries  were 
therefore  constructed  along  the  rear  and  almost  the  entire  length 
on  both  sides  of  the  building,  thus  tiding  over  the  immediate  need 
of  a  new  and  larger  church.  Father  Gauthier's  pastorate  ended  in 
October,  1880.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  B.  B.  Kelley,  who  was 
removed  in  February,  1881,  when  for  the  third  time  St.  Mary's 
became  a  Mission  of  Six  Mile  Woods,  and  so  remained  until  April, 
1882.  The  Rev.  F.  X.  Nunan  was  then  appointed  resident  pastor. 
He  was  succeeded  in  August,  1883,  by  the  Rev.  T.  F.  McGuire, 
who  at  once  started  a  subscription  for  the  erection  of  a  much 


ST.     MAKY'S    CHURCH     (1st    and   2nd).      ST.     MARY'S    CORNERS. 
ST.     RICHARD'S    CHURCH,    SWAXTOX. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  597 

needed  church  to  replace  the  old  one.  The  "building-  movement" 
was  very  slow,  more  than  four  years  having  elapsed  before  the 
foundation  was  begun.  Mgr.  Boff,  V.  G.,  laid  the  cornerstone  on 
August  12,  1888.  The  work  was  soon  rapidly  pushed  and  the 
church,  a  very  handsome  brick  structure  (40  by  80  feet),  with 
stone  trimmings,  stained  glass  windows,  and  surmounted  by  a 
beautifully  designed  spire,  was  used  for  the  first  time  on  February 
17,  1890.  It  was  frescoed  in  the  spring  of  1891,  and  dedicated  on 
November  8,  of  the  same  year,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Boff,  then 
administrator  of  the  diocese.  The  church  is  an  eloquent  testimony 
to  the  faith  and  generosity  of  the  people  of  St.  Mary's. 

Father  McGuire  left  St.  Mary's  in  December,  1889,  and  was 
succeeded  by  the  Rev.  J.  Walsh  who  however  remained  only  till 
March,  1890.  Father  McGuire  was  then  re-appointed  in  the 
following  month,  and  had  pastoral  charge  of  St.  Mary's,  until 
January,  1892.  The  next  resident  pastor  was  the  Rev.  W.  A. 
Panuska,  from  March  to  September,  1892.  In  January,  1893, 
the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  J.  A.  Schaffeld,  took  charge.  During 
the  few  months,  in  1892,  when  St.  Mary's  was  without  a  pastor, 
it  was  attended  from  Six  Mile  Woods. 

Through  Father  Schaffeld's  efforts  the  parish  debt  was  can- 
celled in  a  short  time,  and  the  entire  church  property,  about  three 
acres,  including  the  cemetery,  was  put  in  excellent  condition.  The 
old  church  was  also  repaired  and  changed  into  a  parish  hall. 
During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Schaffeld  handsome  church  fur- 
nishings, an  organ,  Stations,  etc.,  were  bought,  at  a  cost  of  about 
$2,500. 

There  is  no  parochial  school  at  St.  Mary's,  because  most  of 
the  eighty-five  families  belonging  to  the  parish  live  too  far  from 
the  church  to  make  it  convenient  for  their  children  to  attend. 


SAINT  PATRICK'S,  SENECA  COUNTY. 

ST.    PATRICK'S   CHURCH. 

St.  Patrick's  settlement,  composed  of  Irish  and  German 
farmers,  is  situated  about  six  miles  west  of  TitSn.  Prior  to  the 
organization  of  St.  Patrick's  congregation,  the  former  were 
identified  with  St.   Mary's  parish,  at  Tiffin,  and  the  latter  with 


598  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

St.  Boniface's,  New  Riegel.  These  farmers  petitioned  Bishop 
Rappe,  in  18G3,  for  permission  to  form  as  a  separate  congreiration 
and  build  a  church  and  school  nearer  their  homes.  Their  petition 
was  granted  and  the  Sanguinist  Father  Patrick  Henneberry  was 
directed  to  organize  the  Mission.  He  raised  a  subscription  and 
built  a  plain  brick  church,  40  by  60  feet,  on  land  donated  for  the 
purpose  in  March,  ISG-l:,  by  John  Whalen,  who  also  donated  the 
land  now  used  as  a  cemetery.  Father  Henneberry  attended  the 
Mission  from  New  Riegel  until  August,  1870,  when  the  Rev.  L. 
Heiland  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor.  He  built  the  present 
parish  house,  a  brick  structure,  costing  about  $1,500:  finished  the 
interior  of  the  church,  bought  the  bells  now  in  use,  and  built  the 
spire.  The  church,  with  altar,  pews,  etc.,  cost  about  $G,800. 
Father  Heiland  remained  till  June,  1881,  and  during  the  eleven 
years  did  much  for  the  betterment  of  the  parish.  His  successor 
was  the  Rev.  J.  Christophory,  who  had  pastoral  charge  until 
September,  1887.  St.  Patrick's  was  then  made  a  Mission,  and  as 
such  attended  from  New  Riegel  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  the 
Revs.  E.  Gliick  and  X.  Mielinger,  until  the  appointment  of  the 
Rev.  H.  D.  Best,  as  resident  pastor,  in  January,  1893.  He 
resigned  in  November,  1894,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
T.  M.  Kolb,  who,  besides  making  a  number  of  improvements,  also, 
by  his  energy,  infused  new  life  into  the  parish.  In  June,  1898,  he 
was  followed  in  the  pastorate  of  St.  Patrick's  by  the  present 
incumbent,  the  Rev.  J.  R.  Forrer,  who  continued  the  good  work 
inaugurated  by  his  predecessor.  He  had  the  interior  of  the 
church  thoroughly  renovated  and  frescoed,  and  replaced  the  old 
windows  by  new  ones  of  stained  glass — personal  donations  of 
members  of  the  parish.  These  improvements  cost  about  $2,000 
and  were  paid  for  when  finished.  The  interior  of  the  church  has 
now  a  very  attractive  appearance.  Considering  the  fact  that  the 
congregation  is  composed  of  only  about  thirty-three  families, 
nearly  all  "renters,"  their  church  property  is  an  evidence  of  great 
generosity  on  the  part  of  these  few. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  by  Father  Heiland  in  1872. 
The  brick  building  cost  about  $1,300.  The  school  was  taught 
for  about  two  years  by  the  Franciscan  Sisters  of  Tif^fin,  but  since 
1875  it  has  been  in  charge  of  lay  teachers. 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  599 

SAINT  STEPHEN'S  SETTLEMENT.   SENECA  COUNTY. 
ST.  STEPHEN'S  CHURCH. 

The  parish  of  St.  Stephen,  Seneca  county,  was  organized  in 
1845,  by  the  V.  Rev.  F.  S.  Brunner.  C.  PP.  S..  who  attended  it 
from  Thompson  as  a  Mission  until  1847.  Other  Sanguinist  Fathers 
also  attended  St.  Stephen's  from  1847  to  18G0,  when  it  was 
attached  to  New  Washington  and  thence  visited  by  the  resident 
pastors  of  that  place,  until  1871.  The  first  church,  a  small,  plain 
frame  structure,  was  built  by  Father  Brunner  in  1845,  on  a  three- 
acre  lot  bought  in  May  of  that  year,  the  larger  part  of  which  still 
serves  as  a  cemetery.  From  1871  until  1900  the  following  San- 
guinist Fathers  were  resident  priests  of  St.  Stephen's :  The  Revs. 
J.  Ringele,  from  January,  to  September,  1871;  N.  Gales,  to 
February,  1874;  P.  Rist,  to  January,  1894;  I.  Rauh,  to  October, 
1897;  and  since  then  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  R.  Schmaus. 
Father  Ringele  built  the  pastoral  residence  which  is  a  small  brick 
structure. 

In  March,  1885,  Father  Rist  bought  two  acres  of  land  about 
one-half  mile  from  the  property  bought  in  1845,  and  on  it  built 
the  present  brick  church.  There  was  much  opposition  to  the 
proposed  location  of  the  new  church — a  repetition  of  the  strife 
that  arose  when  the  first  church  was  built.  Finally  after  hearing 
the  contending  parties  Bishop  Gilmour  decided  that  the  new 
location  be  used.  But  in  spite  of  the  Bishop's  decision  the  feel- 
ing did  not  subside,  and  has  not  been  fully  allayed,  even  to  the 
present  day.  The  church  was  brought  to  completion  in  1887, 
and  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  August  11.  1889;  it 
cost  about  $12,000.  For  over  ten  years  the  parish  struggled  with 
the  debt  which  was  finally  cancelled  in  1900,  but  only  with 
the  assistance  of  other  parishes  in  the  diocese.  To  Father  Rauh 
great  credit  is  due,  as  it  was  chiefly  through  his  untiring  efforts 
that  the  debt,  at  the  time  of  his  departure,  in  1897,  was  reduced 
to  less  than  $300.  The  congregation  at  that  time  did  not  number 
more  than  25  families— all  farmers— and  has  not  increased  since. 
Its  generosity  in  the  face  of  this  fact  deserves  special  recognition. 
''The  parish  school  was  organized  about  1854,  but  was  closed 
in  1894,  owing  to  the  small  attendance. 


000  A     HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 


SALEM,  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY. 

ST.    PAUL'S   CHURCH. 

Salem  is  one  of  the  oldest  towns  in  Ohio.  It  was  founded 
in  1800  and  its  original  settlers  were  Quakers.  Tt  has  now  a 
population  of  about  8,000,  and  large  manufacturing  interests.  So 
anti-Catholic  was  the  spirit  of  the  place  for  a  long  time  that,  until 
recent  years,  Catholics  found  neither  encouragement  to  settle 
there,  nor  could  they  get  employment  in  the  numerous  manu- 
factories of  the  town.  No  Catholics  lived  at  Salem  prior  to  1850. 
Beginning  about  1853,  a  few  Irish  laborers,  employed  on  the 
"Fort  Wayne"  railroad,  settled  there,  and  in  course  of  time  others 
did  likewise.  They  received  spiritual  attendance  from  the  resident 
pastors  of  Dungannon  until  1867,  and  from  the  Rev.  M.  Mulcahey, 
of  St.  Louis'  College,  at  Louisville,  until  18G8.  The  Rev.  E.  W.  J. 
Lindesmith  then  had  charge  of  Salem,  at  first  from  Alliance  (1868- 
72)  and  then  from  Leetonia,  until  July,  1880.  He  said  Mass  in 
])rivate  houses  once  a  month,  on  week  days,  and  four  times  a  year, 
on  Sundays,  in  the  Town  Hall.  In  January,  1879,  he  bought  for 
the  sum  of  $800  the  present  parish  property,  on  East  Main  street, 
for  a  prospective  church.  By  this  time  perfect  harmony  prevailed 
among  the  thirty-five  Catholic  families  of  Salem,  and  old  prejudices 
against  the  Catholic  Church  were  well-nigh  removed  by  Father 
Lindesmith,  who  frequently  lectured  before  the  Protestants  of  the 
town,  on  Catholic  doctrine.  When  he  first  visited  Salem  he  had 
to  encounter  much  bigotry,  but  this  soon  passed  away. 

In  July,  1880,  the  Rev.  C.  H.  Treiber  was  given  charge  of 
Salem  as  a  Station.  He  visited  it  monthly  on  Sundays  and  con- 
tinued to  celebrate  Mass  in  the  Town  Hall,  as  did  his  predecessor. 
Meanwhile  he  raised  a  subscription  for  the  long  desired  church. 
In  this  he  succeeded  beyond  his  expectation,  and  received 
financial  aid  not  only  from  his  own  little  flock,  but  also  from  some 
non-Catholics  of  the  town,  whose  respect  and  good  will  he  soon 
gained.  The  church,  a  neat  and  attractive  frame  structure,  30  by 
50  feet,  was  commenced  in  September,  1881,  and,  though  its 
interior  was  not  quite  finished.  Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  for  the 
first  time  on  the  following  27th  of  November.  Including  its 
handsome  furnishings  and  stained  glass  windows,  the  church  cost 


IN    THE    DIOCESE    OF    CLEVELAND.  601 

aliout  $3, GOO.  Bishop  Gilmour  dedicated  it  on  November  28, 
1886. 

Father  Treiber  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Salem 
at  the  time  he  commenced  the  church,  in  September,  1881. 

In  the  spring  of  1887  Father  Treiber  built  an  addition  of 
26  by  50  feet  to  the  church,  almost  as  large  as  the  original  struc- 
ture, in  order  to  accommodate  the  increasing  membership  of  the 
parish.  The  addition  cost  about  $1,000.  and  provided  a  com- 
modious sanctuary  and  two  sacristies.  The  construction  was  still 
under  way  when,  to  the  regret  of  his  people  and  the  citizens  of 
Salem  in  general,  he  was  transferred  to  Crestline,  in  June,  1887. 
He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Finucan,  whose  impaired 
health  however  forced  him  to  resign  in  December  of  the  same  year. 

The  Rev.  Francis  Senner  was  the  next  resident  pastor;  he 
received  his  appointment  in  January,  1888.  In  1889  he  built  the 
present  parish  house,  which  is  a  frame  structure;  it  cost  about 
$1,200.  During  the  same  year  two  side  altars  were  placed  in 
the  sanctuary,  and  the  entire  debt  of  the  parish  was  cancelled. 
Father  Senner's  pastorate  ended  in  September,  1897,  his  successor 
being  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  G.  C.  Schoneman.  At  a 
cost  of  about  $1,200  he  added  a  number  of  notable  improvements 
to  the  church  and  residence,  thus  making  both  buildings  attractive 
in  appearance,  especially  the  former.  He  is  at  present  making 
every  effort  towards  establishing  a  parish  school. 

St.  Paul's  parish  has  a  membership  of  about  100  families. 


SALINEVILLE,  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY. 

ST.  PATRICK'S  CHURCH. 

The  village  of  Salineville  is  located  on  the  Cleveland  and 
Pittsburg  railroad,  in  the  heart  of  the  coal  district  of  Columbiana 
county.  The  Catholic  miners  received  the  ministration  of  the 
resident  pastors  of  Summitville  as  early  as  1857,  but  the  Rev. 
P.  J.  McGuire  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  them  regularly  from 
that  place,  from  September,  1866,  to  September,  1874.  At  that 
time  they  numbered  about  fifteen  families.  He  said  Mass  in  a 
private  house  for  a  time,  until  he  secured  the  use  of  Robbin's 


602  A   HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Hall,  which  was  fitted  up  in  a  primitive  way  as  a  temporary  place 
of  worship.  Later  on  the  public  school,  then  near  the  site  of 
the  present  church  property,  was  used  for  several  years.  In  July, 
1872,  Father  McGuire  bought  two  lots  and  built  on  one  of  them 
the  brick  church  (36  by  65  feet)  which  is  now  in  use.  Bishop 
Gilmour  laid  its  cornerstone  in  the  fall  of  that  year.  Although 
with  its  interior  as  yet  unfinished,  the  church  was  used  the  first 
time  for  divine  service  in  the  spring  of  1873. 

The  Rev.  B.  B.  Kelley,  of  Summitville,  was  the  next  priest 
to  attend  Salineville — until  January,  1876.  His  successor  in  both 
places  was  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Murphy,  who  remained  in  charge  until 
October,  1882.  He  finished  the  interior  of  the  church,  which  in 
its  completed  condition  cost  about  $5,000.  Shortly  after  the 
building  had  been  enclosed,  in  1873,  the  dire  effects  of  the  finan- 
cial panic  of  that  year  were  greatly  felt  also  in  Salineville.  In 
consequence  of  this  the  greater  part  of  the  subscription  promised 
for  the  church  remained  unpaid,  and  a  comparatively  large  debt 
had  to  be  faced  for  nearly  ten  years.  It  was  finally  cancelled 
during  the  administration  of  Father  Murphy,  but  not  without 
great  effort,  as  the  Mission  was  small  and  poor.  . 

In  October,  1882,  the  Rev.  J.  P.  McGrath  was  appointed  first 
resident  pastor  of  Salineville.  He  bought  a  house  and  lot  on 
Jefferson  street,  adjoining  the  church  lots,  in  December,  1883. 
With  the  changes  necessary  to  make  the  frame  house  serve  as  a 
pastoral  residence,  the  new  property  cost  about  $1,200.  Father 
McGrath  was  removed  in  August,  1884,  and  Salineville  was  again 
attended  from  Summitville  until  April,  1888,  with  the  Rev.  J.  C. 
Desmond  in  charge.  In  April.  1888,  the  Rev.  P.  A.  McShane 
was  appointed  resident  pastor  of  Salineville,  but  his  stay  was 
short — until  January,  1889.  Since  that  time  the  following  priests 
have  had  charge:  The  Revs.  T.  F.  Mahon,  January,  1889,  to 
January,  1890;  C.  L.  O'Brien,  to  January,  1893;  M.  O'Brien,  to 
September,  1894,  when  Salineville  was  attached  to  Summitville 
for  a  few  weeks.  In  October,  1894,  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Donohue  was 
appointed  resident  pastor.  He  was  succeeded  in  October,  1895, 
by  the  Rev.  F.  J.  Keelan,  who  left  in  the  following  month,  when 
the  Rev.  J.  W.  Bell,  of  Summitville,  was  given  charge  of  Saline- 
ville as  a  Mission.  As  such  he  attended  it  eveiy  Sunday,  until 
April,  1896,  when  he  was  appointed  resident  pastor  of  the  place. 


HOLY  ANGELS'    CHURCH,   SANDUSKY. 


IN   THE    DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  603 

and  remained  till  January,  1900.  His  successor  is  the  present 
incumbent,  the  Rev.  J.   McMahon. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Bell  the  parish  property  was 
greatly  improved.  He  had  it  graded,  and  then  enclosed  it  with  a 
neat  iron  fence.  He  also  tidied  up  the  church,  and  pastoral  resi- 
dence, so  that  when  he  left  Sahneville,  the  parish  and  its  property 
were  in  excellent  condition,  and  without  debt. 

Thus  far  it  has  not  been  found  practicable  to  establish  a 
parochial  school. 

The  parish  numbers  now  about  80  families. 


SANDUSKY,  ElUE  COUNTY. 
HOLY  ANGELS'  CHURCH.i 

The  Holv  Sacrifice  was  offered  up  for  the  first  time  within 
the  limits  of  Northern  Ohio  in  1749.  The  celebrant  was  the 
Jesuit  Father,  Peter  Potier,  the  place,  a  settlement  of  Huron 
Indians  near  the  Sandusky  Bay,  and  the  worshippers,  about  30 
of  the  Hurons  whom  Father  Potier  had  converted  from  Paganism 
to  the  Catholic  Faith.^ 

Father  De  la  Richardie,  also  a  Jesuit,  built  a  log  chapel  for 
the  converted  Wyandot  Indians,  about  six  miles  south  of  Sandusky 
Bay — the  first  Catholic  place  of  worship  in  Northern  Ohio.^  About 
1773  the  Huron  and  Wyandot  Missions  were  abandoned  for 
reasons  not  under  the  control  of  the  Jesuit  missionaries,  who  were 
recalled  to  Quebec,  whence  they  had  been  sent.  In  consequence 
of  this  fact,  what  little  of  Catholicity  remained  at  that  time  among 
the  Indian  tribes  soon  disappeared.^ 


Not  until  about  1830  did  Catholic  immigration  from  Europe 
turn  towards  Sandusky,  at  that  time  a  promising  and  growing 
town,  with  a  fine  harbor  on  the  Bay  of  the  same  name.  The  first 
permanent   settlement  at   Sandusky  had  been  made  as  early  as 


1      The  Church  in  Northern  Ohio,   4th  ed.,   pp.   295,  297,    299;    this    volume,    pp.    31,    42, 
43,  47. 

2.  J.    Gilmary   Shea,    in    Catholic   Universe,   September,  15,  1881. 

3.  Shea,   Catholic  Church   in  U.    S.,   vol.   III.   p.  330. 

4.  Shea,   Catholic  Missions,   p.   203. 


604  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

1817,  and  the  town  was  called  Portland,  which  name  it  bore  for 
some  years. 

The  first  priest  to  visit  the  pioneer  Catholics  at  Sandusky 
was  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Tschenhens,  who  came  in  1834  from  Peru, 
Huron  county,  where  he  was  resident  pastor.  He  and  other 
Redemptorist  Fathers  from  the  same  place  came  to  Sandusky 
at  irregular  intervals,  and  said  Mass  in  private  houses. 

From  September,  1839,  the  Rev.  P.  J.  Machebeuf  (late  Bishop 
of  Denver)  attended  Sandusky  from  Tif^n,  thirty  miles  distant, 
and  made  the  journey  on  horseback.  In  December,  1840,  he  was 
appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Sandusky,  and  remained  until 
January,  1851.  Shortly  after  his  arrival  he  rented  a  room  in  the 
upper  story  of  the  old  Custom  House,  and  fitted  it  up  as  a  tem- 
porary place  of  worship — the  first  used  by  the  Catholics  of  San- 
dusky. He  then  looked  about  for  a  lot  on  which  to  build  a  church. 
Mr.  W.  H.  Mills,  a  Protestant,  and  owner  of  a  large  tract  of  land 
in  the  west  end  of  Sandusky,  donated,  on  July  7,  1841,  five  lots 
to  Father  Machebeuf  for  church  purposes,  besides  giving  him  a 
generous  cash  subscription.  As  that  part  of  Sandusky  was  then 
rather  central,  the  site  was  considered  most  suitable  for  its  purpose, 
and  therefore  gladly  accepted  by  Father  Machebeuf,  as  also  by  his 
congregation — then  small  and  poor.  The  foundation  of  the 
church  was  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1841,  and  the  cornerstone 
was  laid  by  Father  Machebeuf,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate,  on 
October  13,  of  the  same  year.  The  church,  a  stone  structure, 
was  enclosed  in  the  following  year,  when  the  pastoral  residence, 
also  a  stone  building,  was  erected.  In  1844  Father  Machebeuf 
went  to  Europe  to  seek  financial  aid  for  his  parish  from  his 
countrymen  in  France.  In  this  he  was  successful  and  on  his 
return  continued  the  work  in  his  church,  which  had  to  be  sus- 
pended, owing  to  lack  of  means.  The  church  was  finally  brought 
to  completion  in  November,  1845.*  The  old  bell,  bearing  the 
date  of  that  same  year,  was  made  in  Cincinnati  and  brought  to 
Sandusky  from  Toledo  by  a  Mr.  McGoldrick  with  a  team  of  oxen 
through  forest  and  fields  before  the  days  of  public  roads;  it  is 
still  preserved  in  the  church  tower. 

About  1850  Father  Machebeuf  lengthened  the  church  over 


*Catholic  Telegraph,    February   12,   1846. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  605 

18  feet,  making  tlie  dimensions  40  by  80  feet,  the  same  as  they 
are  at  present  (1900).  Besides  this  he  added  two  wings  (each  18 
by  21  feet)  opening  into  the  church,  and  are  known  as  St.  Mary's 
and  St.  Joseph's  chapels.  These  two  additions  were  necessitated 
by  the  increase  of  membership. 

The  EngHsh  and  German  speaking  Catholics  of  Sandusky 
formed  but  one  parish — Holy  Angels' — until  1853.  The  present 
St.  Mary's  German  congregation  was  then  organized,  and  separate 
services  were  held  in  Holy  Angels',  pending  the  erection  of  St. 
Mary's  church.  From  April.  1863,  to  November,  1875,  the  Rev. 
R.  A.  Sidley  was  pastor  of  the  English  speaking  Catholics  of  San- 
dusky. The  present  parish  of  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul  was  established 
in  1871.  From  that  time,  until  1875.  Holy  Angels'  was  practically 
abandoned  as  a  parish  church,  being  attended  from  Sts.  Peter  and 
Paul's  as  a  Mission.  This  method  did  not  meet  the  approval  of 
the  Catholics  in  the  West  End  of  Sandusky,  and  hence,  by  persis- 
tent petitions  to  Bishop  Gilmour,  they  finally  succeeded  in  secur- 
ing a  priest  to  minister  to  them  exclusively.  This  was  done  by 
the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  T.  M.  Smyth,  in  November,  1875, 
as  their  resident  pastor.  He  repaired  the  exterior  and  interior  of 
the  church,  had  it  frescoed,  supplied  with  gas  fixtures  and  a  set 
of  Stations.  The  sanctuary  was  also  embellished,  and  stone  side- 
walks were  laid  around  the  entire  church  property.  These 
improvements  cost  about  $2,500. 

Father  Smyth  was  succeeded,  in  August,  1887,  by  the  Rev. 
John  Tracy.  He  renovated  the  church,  remodeled  the  pews  and 
put  in  stained  glass  windows,  bought  an  organ,  and  added  some 
repairs  to  the  pastoral  residence.  These  improvements  cost  about 
$3,000,  and  were  paid  for  at  the  time  he  left  the  parish,  in  1893. 
The  present  pastor.  Father  Lamb,  succeeded  Father  Tracy  in 
December,  1893.  He  continued  the  work  of  beautifying  the 
parish  property,  thus  greatly  enhancing  its  value.  In  1894  he 
had  the  church  supplied  with  a  steam  heating  apparatus,  two 
altars,  communion  railing,  vestments,  electric  lights,  etc.  In  the 
following  year  he  built  the  present  pastoral  residence,  making  it  a 
modern  and  well  appointed  building.  With  its  furnishings  it  cost 
about  $6,500.  The  improvements  he  added  to  the  church  and 
church  lots,  and  the  renovation  of  the  school,  including  also  a 


606  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

parish  hall,  cost  about  $14,000.  This  important  work  was  done 
and  paid  for  between  1894  and  1900.  The  ccnictery,  which  is 
used  jointly  by  Holy  Ang-els'  and  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul's  parishes, 
was  also  greatly  improved  and  beautified  durino-  this  period.  At 
present  (1900)  Father  Lamb  contemplates  a  thorough  renova- 
tion of  the  church,  as  well  as  its  enlargement  by  an  addition  of 
35  feet  to  the  front,  which  is  to  be  ornamented  with  a  square 
tower,  to  supplant  the  old  spire.  These  improvements  will  be 
commenced  within  the  next  year  or  two,  and  will  cost  not  less 
than  $10,000. 

Shortly  after  the  completion  of  the  church,  in  November, 
1845,  Father  Machebeuf  opened  a  small  school  at  the  northeast 
corner  of  the  church  property,  and  placed  it  in  charge  of  a  lay 
teacher.  It  was  however  soon  discontinued,  for  want  of  attend- 
ance and  support,  as  but  few  children  lived  near  the  school. 

For  the  convenience  of  the  children  living  in  the  eastern 
part  of  Sandusky,  and  too  far  from  Holy  Angels',  the  Rev.  J.  V. 
Conlan  built  a  brick  school  on  Jackson  street,  in  1852,  on  two 
lots  he  had  bought  in  January,  1851. 

As  the  Catholic  population  continued  to  steadily  increase 
towards  the  eastern  part  of  Sandusky,  additional  school  and  more 
convenient  church  facilities  were  demanded.  To  satisfy  this 
double  demand,  the  Rev.  A.  Caron  built,  at  his  own  expense,  a 
"chapel  of  ease,"  in  1857,  and  in  the  following  year  he  also  erected 
a  second  school,  of  stone,  for  the  boys.  The  first  school,  built  by 
Father  Conlan,  was  then  assigned  to  the  use  of  the  girls.  Both 
buildings  were  erected  on  the  lots  bought  by  Father  Conlan,  in 
1851,  at  the  corner  of  Jefferson  and  Jackson  streets,  and  are  now 
part  of  the  property  owned  by  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul's  parish. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Smyth  the  present  two-story 
brick  school,  near  Holy  Angels'  church,  was  built  at  a  cost  of 
about  $3,500.  It  was  in  charge  of  lay  teachers  until  1889,  when 
Father  Tracy  engaged  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  as  teachers. 
They  were  succeeded,  in  September,  1893,  by  the  Ursuline  Sisters, 
of  Tiffin,  who  were  replaced,  in  September,  1894,  by  the  Sisters  of 
the  Humility  of  Mary ;  these  have  been  in  charge  of  the  school 
since  then.  A  neat  cottage,  with  all  the  modern  conveniences, 
has  been  secured  as  a  residence  for  the  Sisters. 

Following  is  a  list  of  pastors  who  have  had  charge  of  Holy 


ST.     MARY'S     CHURCH,     SANDUSKY. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF    CLEVELAND.  607 

Angels'  parish:  The  Revs.  P.  J.  Machebeuf,  1840-51;  J.  V. 
Conlan,  January,  1851,  to  December,  1855;  F.  M.  Boff,  January, 
1856,  to  March,  1857;  A.  Caron,  to  May,  1861,  during  which  time 
he  had  the  Rev.  D.  Tighe  as  his  assistant  for  nearly  two  years; 
L.  Molon,  July,  1861,  to  April,  1863;  R.  A.  Sidley,  to  April,  1871; 
T.  M.  Smyth,  from  November,  1875,  to  August,  1887;  J.  Tracy, 
to  December,  1893,  and  the  Rev.  T.  P.  Lamb,  since  December, 
1893. 

The  parish  is  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  now  numbers 
about  120  families. 


SANDUSKY,  ERIE  COUNTY. 

ST.   MARY'S   CHURCH. 

Prior  to  1853  the  Catholic  Germans  of  Sandusky  formed 
part  of  Holy  Angels'  parish.  In  January  of  that  year  they  peti- 
tioned Bishop  Rappe  for  permission  to  organize  as  a  distinct  con- 
gregation and  to  have  separate  services  in  Holy  Angels'  church 
until  able  to  build  for  themselves.  The  desired  permission  was 
granted  and  the  Rev.  J.  V.  Conlan  said  Mass  for  them.  The  Rev. 
F.  M.  Boff,  then  a  deacon,  and  who  had  been  stationed  at 
Sandusky,  since  September,  1852,  as  quasi-assistant  to  Father 
Conlan,  preached  the  German  sermons  for  five  months.  In 
December,  1853,  the  Rev.  J.  P.  Dolweck  was  appointed  pastor 
of  the  Germans,  and  remained  in  charge  till  April,  1855.  During 
this  time  he  resided  with  Father  Conlan.  In  June,  1855,  he  was 
succeeded  by  the  Rev.  J.  Hamene,  who  secured  a  lot  at  the  corner 
of  Decatur  and  Jefferson  streets.  Later  on  two  additional  lots 
were  bought  on  Jefferson  street,  next  to  the  first.  These  cost 
$1,900,  but  the  deeds  for  the  three  lots  were  not  given  until  paid 
for— about  November,  1864.  Messrs.  N.  J.  Buyer,  L.  Cable, 
H.  Lotz,  G.  Homegardner  and  a  few  others  gave  their  personal 
bond  to  secure  payment  of  the  lots,  as  the  congregation  was  poor, 
and  without  credit.  On  the  first  mentioned  lot  a  small  stone 
church  was  built  in  1855.  It  was  dedicated  to  the  Blessed  Virgin, 
under  the  title  of  Our  Lady  of  Sorrows.  Father  Hamene  also 
built  a  pastoral  residence  of  stone,  in  1856,  and  in  the  following 


608  A    HISTORY     OF    CATHOLICITY 

year  a  frame  school.     A  frame  addition  was  built  to  the  pastoral 
residence  some  years  later. 

The  next  priest  in  charge  of  St.  Mary's  was  the  Rev.  J. 
Hackspiel,  from  July,  1861,  to  September,  1862.  During  his 
pastorate  the  present  school,  a  stone  structure,  facing  JefTerson 
street,  was  commenced.  At  a  cost  of  about  $5,000  it  was  finished 
by  his  succesor,  the  Rev.  N.  Moes,  who  was  pastor  of  St.  Mary's, 
fiom  September,  1862,  until  November,  1863.  During  the  next 
two  years  the  following  priests  had  pastoral  charge  of  the  congre- 
gation:  The  Revs.  N.  Roupp,  November,  1863,  to  June,  1864; 
J.  B.  Uhlmann,  to  June,  1865 ;  G.  A.  Verlet,  to  September,  1865. 
The  Rev.  A.  Herbstritt,  formerly  a  Sanguinist,  was  then  appointed 
to  St.  Mary's,  and  remained  until  July,  1868.  In  February,  1866, 
Father  Herbstritt  bought  the  present  cemetery,  which  covers  an 
area  of  five  acres.  He  also  bought,  in  May,  1868,  the  present 
splendid  church  property  (six  lots)  between  Central  avenue,  Jeffer- 
son and  Fulton  streets ;  the  lots  cost  $6,665.  The  object  he  had 
in  view  when  purchasing  them  was  to  secure  an  eligible  site  for  a 
larger  and  better  church,  in  keeping  with  the  size  and  needs  of 
the  rapidly  increasing  parish.  But  before  he  could  execute  his 
plans  he  was  replaced,  in  July,  1872,  by  the  Rev.  V.  Haussner,  who, 
however,  did  not  feel  able  to  build  the  church.  That  important 
and  responsible  task  fell  to  the  lot  of  the  Rev.  N.  Moes,  who  for 
the  second  time  was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  Mary's — in  January, 
1873.  Shortly  after  assuming  charge  of  the  parish  he  had  plans 
drawn  for  the  proposed  church.  The  foundation  was  finished  in 
the  early  fall  of  1873,  and  Bishop  Gilmour  laid  the  cornerstone  in 
October  of  that  year.  But  the  hopes  and  expectations  of  the 
pastor  and  his  people,  for  an  early  completion  of  the  church,  were 
dispelled  by  the  financial  panic  of  the  "Black  Friday"  of  1873, 
repeatedly  mentioned  in  the  preceding  sketches.  In  consequence 
of  this  fact  the  work,  so  auspiciously  begun,  had  to  proceed  very 
slowly,  a  small  portion  of  the  walls  being  built  each  year,  and 
only  to  the  extent  of  the  actual  receipts  from  subscriptions  and 
collections.  But  with  the  first  signs  of  better  times,  financially, 
Father  Moes,  assisted  by  his  generous  people,  resumed  the  work 
in  full  earnest.       Gradually,  and  from  1879,  rapidly,  the  massive 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  609 

and  stately  pile  assumed  shape.  Finally,  on  Sunday,  November  28, 
1880,  the  splendid  stone  structure  was  dedicated  to  the  service  of 
God  and  the  patronage  of  the  Blessed  Virg-in,  as  our  Lady  of 
Sorrows.  Bishop  Gilmour,  assisted  by  many  priests,  performed 
the  dedicatory  ceremony.  That  it  was  a  day  of  supreme  joy  for 
the  zealous  pastor  and  his  generous  parishioners  need  hardly  be 
said. 

St.  Mary's  church  takes  undisputed  rank  among  the  finest  and 
largest  churches  in  the  diocese.  Its  dimensions  are:  Length,  184 
feet;  width,  75  feet;  height  of  spire,  200  feet.  The  architecture  is 
pure  Gothic,  the  material,  Sandusky  blue  limestone,  with  Berea 
sandstone  trimmings,  and  the  groined  ceiling  is  supported  by  ten 
stone  columns,  ornamented  with  beautifully  carved  capitals.  The 
church  has  a  chime  of  three  fine  bells,  two  of  which  were  donated 
— the  largest,  by  Mr.  C.  Zipfel,  the  second  in  size,  by  Mr.  J. 
Obergsfell ;  the  third  is  the  same  that  was  used  in  the  old  church. 
The  interior  of  the  church  is  fully  in  keeping  with  its  imposing 
exterior.  The  stucco  work  and  the  stained  glass  windows  show 
excellent  taste.  The  handsome  pulpit  was  put  in  place  shortly 
before  the  church  was  dedicated.  The  first  altars  were  for 
temporary  use ;  they  were  replaced  by  the  present  artistic  ones, 
in  1887.  The  confessionals,  and  the  splendid  Stations  (all  oil 
paintings)  which  grace  the  church,  were  bought,  in  1890,  and 
cost  $1,500.  The  best  evidence  of  the  generosity  of  St.  Mary's 
parish,  and  of  the  prudent  management  of  Father  Moes  and  his 
building  committee,  is  the  fact  that,  although  the  church  cost 
upwards  of  $80,000,  at  the  time  of  its  dedication  the  debt  was  less 
than  $10,000.  The  beautiful  temple  will  be  a  lasting  monument  to 
the  zeal  of  Father  Moes,  as  well  as  to  the  unstinted  liberality  of  the 
parish,  of  which  fully  one-third  are  of  "God's  poor."  Among  the 
most  generous  contributors  were  J.  Fischer,  N.  J.  Buyer,  J.  Krupp 
and  L.  Cable. 

After  completing  the  church,  Father  Moes  directed  his  atten- 
tion to  the  betterment  of  the  school,  which  had  become  inadequate 
to  the  needs  of  the  large  enrollment  of  children.  Therefore,  in 
1887,  at  a  cost  of  about  $5,000,  he  erected  another  building  of 
stone,  fronting  on  Decatur  street,  in  the  rear  of  the  old  church, 
and  had  it  fitted  up  with  all  the  latest  school  appliances.     The 


610  A    HISTORY    OF    CATPIOLICITY 

old  church  was  put  in  good  repair  and  used  for  week-day  services 
for  a  few  years ;  it  is  now  used  as  a  parish  hall. 

Failing  health  forced  Father  Moes  to  resign  in  October.  1888, 
His  grand  work  was  done,  and  he  felt  in  need  of  rest.  Although 
the  parish  was  for  years  too  large  for  one  priest  to  do  it  full 
justice,  yet,  owing  to  the  scarcity  of  priests,  he  was  without  an 
assistant  for  a  considerable  portion  of  his  pastorate.  He  returned 
to  his  native  Luxemburg,  in  November,  1888,  where  he  died,  full 
of  years  and  merit,  November  26,  1900.  He  was  succeeded  by  the 
Rev.  J.  Heidegger,  who  made  a  number  of  improvements,  includ- 
ing a  boiler  house,  of  stone,  for  the  heating  plant  of  the  church ; 
it  cost  $4,000.  The  present  pastoral  residence,  a  beautiful  stone 
structure,  fronting  on  Central  avenue,  commenced  in  1891,  was 
almost  completed  at  the  time  he  left  St.  Mary's,  in  March,  1893. 
The  Rev.  S.  Rebholz  was  appointed  his  successor  in  the  following 
month,  and  has  since  been  in  charge.  He  finished  the  interior  of 
the  residence  at  once.  Exclusive  of  its  furnishings,  it  cost  about 
$12,000,  and  is  one  of  the  best  appointed  parish  houses  in  the 
diocese;  it  is  the  fitting  complement  of  the  adjacent  church. 
During  the  same  year  two  additional  altars  were  placed  in  the 
sanctuary,  making  a  total  of  five,  all  of  which  were  united  by 
ornamental  fretwork,  leading  to  a  Gothic  superstructure  on  the 
main  altar.  This  was  surmounted  by  an  artistic  crucifixion  group, 
all  combined  giving  the  sanctuary  a  harmonious  efifect. 

In  order  to  fittingly  commemorate  the  25th  anniversary  of 
the  laying  of  the  cornerstone  of  St.  Mary's  second  church,  which 
ceremony  took  place  in  the  fall  of  1873,  Father  Rebholz  deter- 
mined to  have  the  interior  of  the  church  beautified  in  1898,  from 
sanctuary  to  organ  loft.  It  was  therefore  frescoed  most  artistic- 
ally, the  altars,  communion  railing  and  pulpit  were  furbished; 
electric  lighting  was  introduced ;  and  the  gallery  was  extended  to 
make  room  for  the  large  and  splendid  organ  which  replaced  the 
one  that  had  done  service  for  many  years.  These  improvements 
were  made  at  an  outlay  of  about  $11,000,  the  organ  alone  costing 
$5,000.  Besides  largely  reducing  the  original  debt  of  $22,000, 
which  he  found  on  taking  charge  of  St.  Mary's,  Father  Rebholz's 
parishioners  contributed,  within  eighteen  months,  upwards  of 
$12,000 — more  than   sufficient  to   pay   for  these  improvements. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  611 

The  25th  anniversary  of  the  laying  of  the  cornerstone  was  cele- 
brated with  great  eclat  on  Sunday,  September  18,  1898,  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann  pontificating  on  the  joyful  occasion.  The 
ornate  church  was  resplendent  with  its  profusion  of  lights  and 
flowers,  and  the  choir,  by  its  correct  rendition  of  the  Church's 
chant,  added  to  its  name  and  fame.  It  was  truly  a  "red  letter  day" 
for  pastor  and  people. 

While  embellishing  the  House  of  God,  Father  Rebholz  did 
not  forget  to  look  after  the  interests  of  the  school — that  most 
necessary  adjunct  to  the  church.  For  thirty-five  years  the  Ladies 
of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  had  successfully  taught  the  children 
of  the  parish.  To  the  regret  of  the  pastor  and  parish  they  found  it 
necessary,  however,  in  June,  1893,  to  sever  their  connection  with 
the  school.  This  forced  Father  Rebholz  to  seek  other  teachers. 
He  therefore  engaged  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  from  Cleveland; 
they  took  charge  of  the  school  the  following  September  and  have 
taught  it  ever  since.  The  old  pastoral  residence  was  enlarged  and 
improved  at  a  cost  of  $2,000  and  assigned  to  the  Sisters  for  their 
dwelling.  In  1894  two  additional  school  rooms  were  provided  in 
the  old  church  to  satisfy  the  demands  of  the  steadily  increasing 
enrollment  of  children,  St.  Mary's  has  now  ten  class  rooms,  nine 
of  which  are  in  charge  of  the  Sisters,  and  the  one  for  the  larger 
boys,  under  that  of  Mr.  J.  Gerhardstein,  who  is  also  the  organist 
of  the  excellent  parish  choir.  The  school  has  now  an  attendance 
of  nearly  750  pupils. 

St.  Mary's  parish  has  still  one  great  undertaking  in  view  in 
the  line  of  parish  buildings,  viz.,  a  large  school,  with  society  rooms, 
and  a  parish  hall.  This  is  felt  to  be  an  urgent  necessity.  Accord- 
ing to  present  plans  the  old  church  and  the  Sisters'  residence  will  be 
torn  down;  the  present  girls'  school  is  to  be  remodeled  into  a 
dwelling  for  the  Sisters,  and  the  proposed  new  school  is  to  be 
erected  at  the  corner  of  Jefferson  and  Decatur  streets,  immediately 
adjoining  the  school  now  fronting  on  the  latter  street.  With  this 
improvement  made  as  planned,  St.  Mary's  parish  will  be  second 
to  none  in  the  diocese  in  point  of  buildings  and  property,  as  it  is 
now  also  one  of  the  largest  and  most  flourishing  German  parishes 
in  the  diocese,  and  numbers  about  800  families. 

In  concluding  this  sketch  it  is  but  proper  to  mention  the 


612  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

priests  who  aided  the  various  pastors  in  discharging  the  onerous 
duties  connected  with  so  large  and  important  a  parish  as  is  St. 
Mary's.  Following  is  a  list  of  their  names  and  time  of  service: 
The  Revs.  F.  Metternich,  June,  1874,  to  April,  1875;  A.  Dambach, 
August,  1883,  to  August,  1886 ;  M.  Philippart,  August,  1886,  to 
January,  1888;  B.  Rosinski,  January,  1888,  to  May,  1890;  J. 
Gastager,  June  to  November,  1891;  and  the  present  curate,  the 
Rev.  J.  S.  Widmann,  since  April,  1892.  The  Rev.  Paulinus  Weiss, 
O.  S.  F.,  and  the  Rev.  C.  Griss  were  also  in  temporary  charge  of 
the  parish ;  the  former  during  the  illness  of  Father  Moes  (Decem- 
ber, 1882,  to  March,  1883),  and  the  latter  during  his  absence  in 
Europe,  from  February  to  August,  1885, 


SANDUSKY,  ERIE  COUNTY. 

STS.  PETER  AND  PAUL'S  CHURCH. 

Until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Robert  A.  Sidley,  in  1871, 
as  first  pastor  of  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul's,  all  the  English  speaking 
Catholics  of  Sandusky  formed  but  one  parish — Holy  Angels'. 
Hence  the  history  of  the  origin  and  progress  of  the  former  is  also 
part  of  the  latter,  starting  from  April,  1871,  when  Sts.  Peter  and 
Paul's  church  began  to  be  used  by  the  members  now  comprising 
both  parishes.-^ 

Considerable  dissatisfaction  arose  about  1850,  and  even 
before,  in  regard  to  what  was  considered  the  out-of-the-way  loca- 
tion of  Holy  Angels'  church.  In  consequence  of  this  feeling  a 
school  was  built  in  1852,  at  the  corner  of  Jackson  and  Jefferson 
streets  for  the  convenience  of  the  children  in  that  part  of  the 
city.  A  "chapel  of  ease"  was  also  erected  there  in  1857.  In  the 
following  year  a  second  school,  of  stone,  was  built  for  the  boys, 
the  first  school,  a  brick  structure,  now  being  assigned  to  the  girls. 
With  these  buildings  the  pressing  needs  of  the  central  and  eastern 
sections  of  Holy  Angels'  parish  were  provided  for,  at  least  foe 
some  years. 

But  the  demand,  to  build  also  a  permanent  church  in  the  same 
locality,  continued  to  be  pressed.  Finally  the  Rev.  R.  A.  Sidley, 
whose  pastorate  of  Holy  Angels'  parish  began  in  April,   1863, 


1.    See  Historical  sketch  of  Holy  Angels'  Church,  Sandusky,  p.  603,  this  volume. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  613 

gave  heed  to  this  just  demand,  by  calling  a  meeting  of  the  principal 
members  of  the  parish,  in  the  spring  of  1865,  to  discuss  the 
question,  whether  it  would  be  better  to  enlarge  the  old  church, 
now  much  too  small,  or  to  build  a  new  church  on  the  lots  already 
bought  at  the  corner  of  Jackson  and  Jefferson  streets.  The  vote 
was  almost  unanimous  in  favor  of  building  a  new  church  on  the 
place  first  chosen.  It  was  found  however  that  a  church  of  the 
required  size  could  not  be  built,  either  there,  or  on  the  lot  which 
had  been  bought  on  Columbus  avenue.  Two  additional  lots 
adjoining  the  first  were  therefore  purchased  at  a  cost  of  $2,400. 
In  the  spring  of  1866  the  foundation  of  the  new  church  was  com- 
menced and  the  cornerstone  laid  by  Bishop  Rosecrans  on  July  22, 
of  the  same  year.  The  building  was  rapidly  pushed  to  comple- 
tion, and  used  for  the  first  time,  on  Easter  Sunday,  April  9,  1871. 
The  marble  high  altar  was  consecrated  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on 
the  Feast  of  the  Ascension,  May  25,  1872,  and  the  church  itself 
was  consecrated  by  the  same  Prelate  on  November  3,  1878,  and 
placed  under  the  patronage  of  the  Apostles  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul. 
The  handsome  and  substantial  edifice  is  145  feet  long,  71  feet  wide, 
and  the  stately  massive  tower  is  135  feet  high.  The  material  used 
in  the  building  is  blue  stone,  ornamented  with  sand  stone.  The 
interior  is  very  neat  and  attractive,  especially  the  ornate  and 
heavily  groined  ceiling.  The  church  cost  about  $75,000,  and  will 
seat  1,200.  It  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  edifices  in  Sandusky. 
The  fine  organ  cost  $3,200,  and  the  bell,  which  is  the  largest  in 
Sandusky,  weighs  4,000  pounds,  and  cost  $1,300.  The  pastoral 
residence,  also  a  stone  structure,  was  built  in  1871,  at  an  expense 
of  about  $5,000. 

Since  November,  1875,  Holy  Angels'  and  Sts.  Peter  and 
Paul's  parishes  have  had  distinct  and  separate  existence,  the  latter 
retaining  all  the  property  on  Jackson  and  Jefferson  streets,  and  on 
Columbus  avenue.  With  the  buildings  the  property  is  valued  at 
about  $90,000.  The  cemetery  is  located  on  the  outskirts  of  the 
city  and  covers  about  seven  acres. 

At  the  Synod  held  in  January,  1889,  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul's 
was  made  a  rectorate,  and  the  Rev,  R.  A.  Sidley  was  appointed  an 
irremovable  rector. 

The  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  had  charge  of  the 


614  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

girls'  school  from  the  time  it  was  orf^^anizcd,  and  Mrs.  Mary- 
Buyer  taught  the  larger  boys  for  upwards  of  twenty  years. 
Between  1893  and  1894  the  Ursulines,  of  Tififin,  conducted  the 
school.  They  were  succeeded  in  September,  1894,  by  the  Sisters 
of  St.  Joseph.     The  present  enrollment  is  180  pupils. 

According  to  the  last  diocesan  census,  published  in  1000,  the 
parish  has  225  families. 

The  following  priests  filled  the  position  of  curate :  The  Revs. 
J.  A.  Molloy,  1872-75 ;  J.  C.  Kenney,  March,  1888,  to  October, 
1889;  J.  A.  Sidley,  December,  1892,  to  October,  1894;  J.  B. 
Mooney,  October,  1894,  to  July,  1896 ;  L.  A.  Brady,  July,  1896.  to 
November,  1900,  and  the  present  curate,  the  Rev.  C.  A.  Martin, 
since  November,  1900. 


SHEFFIELD,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 
ST.    TERESA'S    CHURCH. 

The  parish  of  St.  Teresa  is  composed  entirely  of  German 
farmers  and  at  present  numbers  about  45  families.  Its  history 
dates  back  to  1847,  when  it  began  to  be  attended  from  French 
Creek  as  a  Mission;  a  log  church,  or  chapel,  was  built  in  that  year. 
In  March,  1853,  the  Rev.  J.  Van  den  Broek,  C.  PP.  S.,  bought 
two  acres  of  land,  and  on  the  southeast  corner  of  it,  fronting  the 
road,  he  built  the  present  church  in  the  same  year.  It  is  a  frame 
structure,  40  by  60  feet,  and  cost  about  $1,000.  Part  of  the  land 
is  used  as  a  cemetery. 

Shefifield  continued  to  be  attended  from  French  Creek  or 
Avon,  until  June,  1881,  when  the  Rev.  A.  Dambach  was  appointed 
first  resident  pastor.  In  December,  1880,  one-half  acre  of  land 
was  bought,  and  the  present  brick  pastoral  residence  was  built  on 
it  at  a  cost  of  about  $2,700.  In  August,  1883,  Father  Dambach 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  D.  Zinsmayer,  who  remained  in 
charge  until  1894.  The  two  fine  bells  now  in  use  were  bought, 
and  the  church  and  parish  house  renovated,  during  the  pastorate  of 
Father  Zinsmayer.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Hennes, 
who  resigned  the  parish,  and  left  the  diocese,  in  January,  1897. 
Sheffield  was  then  attended  from  Avon  until  June,  1897,  when 
the  Rev.  C.  Settele  was  appointed  resident  pastor.     Ill  health 


SACRED    HEART    OF    MARY'S    CHURCH     (1st  and  2n<l),    SHELBY. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  615 

forced  him  to  resign  in  September,  of  the  same  year.  He  remained 
at  Sheffield  in  privacy,  and  died  there  on  March  19,  1898.  Father 
Hennes  was  again  received  into  the  diocese  and  re-appointed  to 
the  pastorate  of  Sheffield  in  September,  1897.  The  Rev.  A. 
Magenhann  was  appointed  his  successor,  in  March,  1900. 

The  children  attend  the  District  school,  which  however  is 
Public  only  in  name.  For  nearly  three  years  (September,  1898,  to 
June,  1900,)  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  taught  the  school.  Before 
that  time  Catholic  lay  teachers  were  in  charge,  and  have  been 
since  then. 

SHELBY,  RICHLAND  COUNTY. 
SACRED    HEART   OF   MARY'S    CHURCH. 

Prior  to  1860  the  few  Catholics  who  then  resided  at  Shelby 
attended  Mass  at  Shelby  Settlement,  three  miles  distant.  The 
first  priest  to  pay  them  pastoral  visits  (about  1862)  was  the  Rev. 
V.  Arnould,  at  that  time  stationed  at  Shelby  Settlement.  These 
visits  were  continued  from  that  place  by  himself  and  his  successor, 
the  Rev.  H.  D.  Best,  until  the  fall  of  1865,  when  the  Rev.  J.  Kuhn, 
of  Mansfield,  took  charge  of  Shelby  as  a  Station.  In  March,  1866, 
Father  Kuhn  bought  two  lots  on  Raymond  avenue,  and  built  a 
frame  church,  25  by  60  feet,  on  one  of  them,  at  a  cost  of  about 
$1,500.  The  Mission  then  numbered  only  12  families,  who  con- 
tributed generously  of  their  limited  means.  Before  the  church 
was  built  Mass  was  celebrated,  for  nearly  ten  years,  by  all  the 
visiting  priests,  in  the  residence  of  Mr.  W.  Klees.  After  the 
church  was  finished,  in  the  early  autumn  of  1866,  Shelby  was 
made  a  Mission  of  Shelby  Settlement,  and  so  continued  until 
1868,  when  it  was  attended  consecutively  from  Gallon,  Crestline 
and  Loudonville,  and  again  for  a  short  time  from  Shelby 
Settlement,  until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  M.  J.  Murphy,  as 
first  resident  pastor,  in  July,  18Y6.  He  remained  in  charge  until 
February,  1877,  when  the  Rev.  F.  J.  Oberle  was  appointed  his 
successor.  Father  Oberle  found  the  church  greatly  in  need  of 
repairs,  and  made  them  at  once.  He  also  built  a  frame  pastoral 
residence,  and  an  addition  of  16  feet  to  the  church.  The  Rev.  F. 
Rupert  succeeded  Father  Oberle  in  April,  1881,  and  remained 
till  July,  1882.     He  found  the  parish  in  financial  straits  and  the 


616  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

people  quite  disheartened.  Soon  however  he  succeeded  in  chang- 
ing the  condition  of  affairs  for  the  better,  and  in  gaining  the  good 
will  of  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  His  successor  was  the 
Rev.  A.  Huthmacher,  whose  pastorate  extended  from  July,  1882, 
to  November,  1888.  He  continued  the  policy  of  Father  Rupert 
with  like  success.  In  November,  1887,  he  bought  two  lots  next 
to  those  secured  in  1866,  to  serve  as  the  site  for  a  new  church, 
which  was  greatly  needed.  At  the  same  time  he  also  bought 
additional  ground  for  cemetery  purposes. 

The  next  priest  in  chaxge  was  the  Rev.  P.  McDonald ;  his  stay 
was  short — from  November,  1888,  to  June,  1889.  His  successor 
was  the  Rev.  Joseph  F.  Smith,  June,  1889,  to  October,  1894.  He 
saw  at  once  the  need  of  better  and  larger  church  accommodations, 
and  with  this  object  in  view  took  up  a  subscription;  and  his  appeal 
met  with  a  very  generous  response.  Plans  for  a  new  church  were 
submitted  to  Bishop  Gilmour  and  approved  by  him.  As  a  prepara- 
tory step  the  old  church  was  moved  eastward  in  June,  1890,  to 
one  of  the  lots  bought  by  Father  Huthmacher,  to  make  room 
for  the  new  church,  which  was  commenced  in  the  fall  of  1890, 
and  the  cornerstone  was  laid  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on 
October  12,  of  that  year.  In  the  spring  of  1892  the  church  was 
finished.  Bishop  Horstmann  dedicated  it  on  June  12,  1892.  The 
brick  structure,  40  by  85  feet,  is  of  Norman  architecture  and  has  a 
very  attractive  appearance.  It  has  an  open  tower,  stained  glass 
windows,  handsome  furnishings,  and  cost  about  $10,000.  The 
building  of  this  church  was  a  great  undertaking  for  Father  Smith 
and  his  people,  then  numbering  less  than  fifty  families.  But  his 
prudent  management  and  their  unfailing  generosity  resulted  in  suc- 
cess. The  Catholics  of  Shelby  have  today  one  of  the  prettiest 
churches  in  that  spirited  and  enterprising  town.  The  Rev.  J.  P. 
Michaelis  succeeded  Father  Smith  in  October,  1894.  During  his 
pastorate  a  number  of  improvements  were  added  and  the  moderate 
debt  considerably  reduced.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  I.  J. 
Wonderly,  who  remained  from  June  to  September,  1899,  when  he 
was  transferred  to  Crestline.  Father  Wonderly's  successor  is  the 
present  pastor,  the  Rev.  E.  P.  Graham.  The  parish  debt  having 
been  cancelled  in  1899  he  built  the  present  handsome  and  well 
appointed  pastoral  residence,  on  the  site  of  the  old  one,  during 
the  summer  and  fall  of  1900,  at  a  cost  of  about  $4,000. 


SACRED   HEART    CHURCH,    SHELBY   SETTLEMENT. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  617 

A  parish  school  was  organized  in  September,  1880,  but  for 
lack  of  moral  and  financial  support  it  was  closed  in  the  following 
June.  In  1884  Father  Huthmacher  built  a  frame  school  in  the 
rear  of  the  church,  and  placed  it  in  charge  of  a  lay  teacher.  Again 
and  for  the  same  reason,  as  above  stated,  it  had  to  be  closed  a  few 
years  later.  In  the  spring  of  1900  Father  Graham  revived  the 
dormant  school  question.  He  succeeded  in  arousing  his  people 
to  a  sense  of  their  duty  regarding  their  children — to  provide  them 
with  a  Catholic  education.  His  appeal  for  financial  aid  met  with 
a  fairly  generous  response.  He  had  the  old  church  remodeled 
into  a  school,  which  new  use  it  serves  admirably.  He  also  had 
the  former  pastoral  residence  removed  from  the  west  to  the  east 
side  of  the  parish  grounds  and  fitted  up  as  a  home  for  the  Sisters 
of  the  Humility  of  Mary,  who  have  charge  of  the  school  since 
September,  1900.  The  improvements  made  in  connection  with 
the  school  and  Sisters'  residence  cost  about  $1,500. 

The  parish  now  numbers  about  90  families  and  is  in  a  pros- 
perous condition. 


SHELBY  SETTLEMENT,  RICHLAND  COUNTY. 
SACRED    HEART    OF   JESUS'    CHURCH. 

The  congregation  of  Shelby  Settlement  (known  also  as  "The 
German  Settlement")  is  composed  of  about  seventy-five  families 
—all  farmers,  and  nearly  all  Germans.  Its  history  dates  back  to 
1833,  when  the  few  Catholics  in  that  section  of  Richland  county 
were  visited  for  the  first  time  by  a  priest.  It  was  the  Rev.  J.  M. 
Henni,  pastor  of  St.  John's,  Canton,  who  gladdened  the  hearts  of 
these  pioneers,  living  a  life  of  privation,  in  an  almost  unbroken 
forest. 

At  his  first  visit  Father  Henni  found  but  sixteen  families. 
The  excellent  land,  and  the  prospect  of  soon  having  a  church, 
induced  others  to  settle  there,  so  that  when  Father  Henni  repeated 
his  visit,  one  year  later,  the  number  of  Catholic  families  had 
increased  to  about  thirty.  In  1834  one  of  these  pioneers,  whose 
name,  unfortunately,  is  not  recorded,  donated  forty  acres  of  land, 
for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  church,  eventually  to  be  built  in  the 
Settlement.     Twenty-six  acres  were  sold  later  on  and  the  sum 


618  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

realized  was  applied  according  to  the  intentions  of  the  donor.  The 
parish  still  owns  fourteen  acres  of  the  land  donated,  which  is  in  use 
for  the  parochial  buildings  and  cemetery. 

For  three  years  Mass  was  said  in  log  cabins,  by  the  visit- 
ing priests  who  came  once  or  twice  a  year.  Among  these  were 
the  Redemptorist  Fathers  Tschenhens  and  Czakert,  both  stationed 
at  Peru.  In  1836  a  log  church  was  commenced,  and  finished  in 
the  following  year,  under  the  direction  of  Father  Tschenhens. 
In  1837  he  built  also  a  log  cabin,  to  serve  as  a  parochial  school, 
which  was  the  first  in  that  part  of  Ohio.  Father  Tschenhens 
ceased  to  attend  Shelby  Settlement  in  1839,  but  resumed  charge 
from  1841  to  1843.  Between  1840  and  1841  the  Rev.  B.  Schorb, 
of  Chippewa,  came  a  few  times,  and  after  him  the  Rev.  J.  Freigang, 
of  Peru,  between  1840  and  1841.  The  next  priests  in  charge 
were  the  Revs.  F.  S.  Brunner,  C.  PP.  S.,  (1844-47);  F.  X.  Roth, 
(1849-49);  N.  Roupp  (1849-51).  In  1852  the  Rev.  P.  Kreusch 
was  appointed  first  resident  pastor.  By  this  time  the  church,  or 
chapel,  had  become  much  too  small.  The  congregation  agreed 
with  their  pastor  that  another  and  larger  church  should  be  erected, 
and  that  the  material  should  be  brick.  The  building,  40  by  80 
feet,  was  commenced  in  1852  and  finished  in  the  following  year. 
For  a  number  of  years  the  very  plain  interior  of  the  church 
remained  without  ornamentation.  By  degrees,  however,  altars, 
statuary,  pews,  etc.,  were  added.  In  1854  Father  Kreusch  was 
succeeded  by  the  Rev.  S.  Sommer,  who  remained  about  one  year. 
His  successor  was  the  Rev.  J.  Ringele,  a  Sanguinist,  whose  pastor- 
ate lasted  from  1855  to  1857 — about  fourteen  months.  During  the 
time  he  had  charge  the  congregation  showed  a  most  un-Catholic 
spirit  and  was  in  open  opposition  to  their  pastor,  who  tried  to 
enforce  order  and  the  laws  of  the  Church.  In  consequence  of  this 
opposition  Bishop  Rappe  removed  Father  Ringele,  closed  the 
church,  and,  as  a  punishment,  left  Shelby  Settlement  without  a 
pastor  for  eighteen  months.  By  this  time  the  people  realized  the 
wrong  they  had  done,  and  after  due  apology  was  made  the  church 
was  reopened  by  the  Rev.  S.  Falk,  who  took  charge  of  the  parish 
in  February,  1859.  By  his  firmness  and  prudence  he  soon  brought 
about  an  excellent  spirit  which  has  remained  ever  since.  He 
added  some  needed  improvements  to  the  church  property,  which 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  619 

he  left  in  excellent  condition  at  the  time  his  pastorate  ended,  in 
March,  1862.  During-  the  next  ten  years  the  following  priests 
were  resident  pastors  of  Shelby  Settlement:  The  Revs.  V. 
Arnould,  1862-65;  H.  D.  Best,  1865-66;  A.  J.  Abel,  to  1867;  H. 
Behrens,  to  February,  1869;  J.  P.  Piitz,  who  came  a  few  times  in 
1869,  from  Crestline;  F.  C.  Ludwig,  from  May  to  December, 
1869;  G.  Drolshagen,  from  Januar>%  1870,  to  September,  1872. 
The  Rev.  J.  B.  Heiland  was  the  next  resident  pastor,  until  April, 
1877. 

Between  1874  and  1876  Father  Heiland  had  the  church 
thoroughly  renovated,  in  and  outside,  at  a  cost  of  about  $2,500; 
he  also  bought  a  fine  supply  of  church  vestments  and  other  needed 
furnishings.  When  the  work  was  completed  the  church  appeared 
as  attractive  as  any  country  church  in  the  diocese.  He  also  put 
in  good  condition  the  brick  pastoral  residence  which  had  been 
built  during  the  time  Father  Kreusch  was  in  charge. 

In  April,  1877,  the  Rev.  D.  Zinsmayer  succeeded  Father 
Heiland,  and  remained  in  charge  until  August,  1883;  the  Rev.  M. 
Becker  was  appointed  his  successor.  Father  Becker's  pastorate 
ended  in  August,  1890,  when  the  Rev.  F.  A.  Schreiber  took  charge 
of  the  parish. 

For  some  time  previous  to  the  appointment  of  Father  Schrei- 
ber the  erection  of  a  church  in  keeping  with  the  greatly  improved 
financial  condition  of  the  parish  was  seriously  discussed.  This 
long  cherished  project  took  form  in  1891,  under  the  direction  of 
Father  Schreiber,  who  began  the  foundation  of  the  church  during 
the  early  fall  of  that  year.  The  cornerstone  was  laid  by  Bishop 
Horstmann  on  May  29,  1892,  and  the  same  Prelate  dedicated  the 
splendid  church  on  September  15,  1895.  The  occasion  was  a  day 
of  supreme  joy  for  Father  Schreiber,  whose  able  management  of 
the  building  affairs  was  seconded  by  the  generosity  of  his  devoted 
parishioners,  almost  without  exception.  It  was  also  a  joyful 
occasion  for  the  congregation  which  added  another  splendid 
temple  to  the  many  gracing  the  diocese  of  Cleveland.  Following 
is  a  brief  description  of  the  beautiful  church.  Its  dimensions 
are:  Length,  130  feet;  width,  48  feet.  It  is  built  of  cut  stone, 
its  architecture  is  pure  Gothic,  and  its  cost  about  $34,000.  It 
is  without  doubt  the  finest  country  church  in  the  diocese,  and 


620  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

perfect  in  every  detail.  The  interior  is  as  attractive  as  the 
exterior.  The  marble  main  altar  is  in  harmony  with  the  architec- 
ture of  the  church;  it  cost  $3,000,  and  is  the  gift  of  Mr.  Simon 
Metzger,  Sr.  Stained  glass  windows,  the  neat  frescoing,  and 
an  artistic  array  of  statuary  add  greatly  to  the  beauty  of  the 
interior.  When  the  church  was  dedicated  the  debt  amounted  to 
less  than  $7,000. 

In  January,  1898,  Father  Schreiber  was  appointed  pastor  of 
the  important  parish  of  Mansfield — a  deserved  promotion.  His 
successor  is  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  F.  J.  Hopp.  In  1899 
Father  Hopp  had  the  old  church  remodeled  as  a  school.  Besides 
two  class  rooms  it  contains  also  a  neat  chapel  for  weekday  Mass. 
The  remodeled  building  serves  its  new  purpose  admirably.  Since 
1891  the  parish  school  has  been  conducted  by  the  Dominican 
Sisters.  The  parish  now  numbers  about  75  families,  and  in  every 
respect  is  in  a  flourishing  condition. 

Among  the  special  benefactors  of  the  parish,  the  late  Miss 
Elizabeth  Brotmann  deserves  special  mention  for  generous  dona- 
tions between  1874  and  1876,  and  later  for  a  considerable  legacy 
to  the  church. 


SIX-MILE-WOODS,  LUCAS  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE    CONCEPTION    CHURCH. 

The  congregation  at  Six-Mile- Woods  (Raab)  is  composed 
almost  entirely  of  German  farmers  and  at  present  numbers  about 
115  families.  Its  history  dates  back  to  1847,  when  the  Rev.  L. 
De  Goesbriand  visited  for  the  first  time  the  few  Catholics  who  had 
settled  there  in  the  wilds  of  that  part  of  Lucas  county,  which  was 
known  then  and  for  many  years  as  the  "Black  Swamp."  These 
settlers  were  visited  by  the  priests  stationed  at  St.  Francis'  Church, 
Toledo,  until  1849,  and  then  from  Maumee  until  1863.  Father 
De  Goesbriand  built  a  log  chapel,  20  by  30  feet,  on  a  small  tract 
of  land  which  was  secured  for  church  purposes.  The  log  chapel 
was  used  until  1864,  when  it  was  replaced  by  a  frame  church, 
which  was  commenced  the  year  previous  by  the  Rev.  H.  Behrens 
and  finished  by  the  Rev.  C  Barbier.     The  chapel  was  then  turned 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  621 

into  a  school.  On  June  15,  1875,  the  church  was  destroyed  by 
fire.  The  present  church,  a  brick  structure,  41  by  93  feet,  was 
commenced  in  the  fall  of  1875,  during  the  pastorate  of  the  Rev. 
J.  G.  Vogt,  and  was  completed  by  his  successor,  the  Rev.  W. 
Muller,  in  1878.  About  two  years  later  (March  4,  1880)  the 
church  was  almost  completely  wrecked  by  a  cyclone,  practically 
necessitating  its  reconstruction.  When  finished,  in  August  of  the 
same  year,  it  had  the  appearance  of  a  new  building.  The  frame 
pastoral  residence,  built  by  the  Rev.  Charles  Barbier,  was  put 
in  good  repair  by  the  Rev.  J.  Rosenberg,  in  1889. 

The  parish  property  covers  about  six  acres,  about  half  of 
which  is  used  for  a  cemetery. 

There  is  no  parochial  school  at  Six-Mile- Woods ;  the  children 
attend  the  District  school,  which  is  of  the  same  class  as  those  in  a 
number  of  places  in  the  western  part  of  the  diocese. 

The  following  priests  have  been  resident  pastors  at  Six-Mile- 
Woods:       The  Revs.  H.   Behrens,  for  a  few  months  in  1863" 
C.  Barbier,  1865-67;  N.  Schmitz,  1868-70;  P.  Kolopp,  1870-75 
J.  G.  Vogt,  1875-77;  W.  Muller,  1877-88;  J.  Rosenberg,  1888-91 
J.  H.  Kleekamp,  1891-99.    The  Rev.  J.  Sproll,  the  present  pastor, 
has  been  in  charge  since  December,  1899. 

With  the  exception  of  a  short  time  between  1876  and  1877 
when  a  faction  disturbed  the  peace  of  the  congregation,  a  thor- 
oughly Catholic   spirit,   marked   by  a  generous   support  of  the 
church,  has  prevailed  among  its  members. 


SOUTH  THOMPSON,  GEAUGA  COUNTY. 
ST.  PATRICK'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
The  only  Catholic  church  in  Geauga  county  is  that  located 
at  South  Thompson.  The  Mission  is  composed  of  farmers,  of  Irish 
birth  or  descent.  The  first  settler  was  William  Sidley,  a  brother 
of  the  Rev.  R.  A.  Sidley,  Rector  of  Sts.  Peter  and  Paul's  church, 
Sandusky.  The  Sidley  family  came  to  South  Thompson  in  1837. 
They  were  the  only  Catholics  there  until  1849,  and  the  Rev.  P. 
McLaughlin,  of  Cleveland,  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  them.  This 
he  did  occasionally  in  1844  and  1845.     In  1849  Robert  Sidley  and 


622  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

family  were  the  next  Catholic  settlers.  Priests  from  the  Cathedral 
attended  South  Thompson  until  1853,  when  it  was  made  a  Mission 
of  Painesville.  Mass  was  said  in  the  house  of  William  Sidley  from 
1844  to  1854.  The  present  church,  a  frame  structure,  was  built 
in  1854,  on  land  donated  for  that  purpose  by  W.  Sidley.  His 
brother,  Robert,  also  donated  the  tract  of  land  used  as  a  cemetery. 
The  church  was  enlarged  somewhat  in  1859,  its  dimensions  being, 
as  they  are  now,  35  by  58  feet.  From  1856  to  1862,  South 
Thompson  was  again  attended  from  the  Cathedral,  notably  by 
the  Revs.  E.  Hannin,  L.  Hoffer,  and  E.  M.  O'Callaghan.  Between 
1862  and  1865  the  resident  pastors  of  Ashtabula  had  charge  of 
the  Mission.  The  Rev.  D.  O'Keefe  was  then  appointed  first 
resident  pastor  of  South  Thompson,  and  remained  about  one  year. 
His  successors  were  the  following  priests :  The  Revs,  J.  Hannan^ 
1866-67;  T.  P.  Thorpe,  1868-70;  J.  Monahan,  1870-72;  P.  Coady, 
a  few  months  in  1872 ;  E.  W.  M.  Hills,  1873-75 ;  N.  J.  Franche, 
1875-77;  P.  Barry,  1877-79;  J.  C.  Desmond,  1879-81;  J.  J.  Gocke, 
1881-85;  E.  Rohan,  1885-86;  J.  J.  Clarke,  1886-89;  F.  J.  Hroch, 
1890-91 ;  A.  Le  Brun,  January  to  May,  1892  ;  J.  Johnston,  January, 
1893,  to  May,  1895.  South  Thompson  was  then  attached  to 
Jefferson  as  a  Mission,  and  has  since  been  attended  from  that  place. 
During  the  several  intervals  when  no  pastor  resided  at  South 
Thompson,  as  above  noted,  it  was  attended  either  from  Painesville 
or  Ashtabula.  However,  for  eight  months,  in  1889,  and  again 
between  May,  1892,  and  January,  1893,  the  place  was  without  any 
attendance. 

The  pastoral  residence  stood  for  many  years  on  a  lot  about 
two  miles  distant  from  the  church.  As  the  location  was  very- 
inconvenient  the  house  was  sold  by  Father  Hroch,  in  1890,  and 
another  built  near  the  church.  It  cost  about  $700  and  was  ready 
for  occupancy  in  September  of  that  year. 

About  thirty-five  families  belong  to  the  Mission  at  present. 
It  has  no  parochial  school. 


,  IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  623 

SPENCERVILLE,    ALLEN  COUNTY. 
ST.    PATRICK'S  'MISSION    CHURCH. 

The  Catholics  residing  in  the  village  of  Spencerville  were  first 
visited  in  1858,  by  the  Sanguinist  Father,  Patrick  Henneberry. 
From  1859  to  1868  Spencerville  was  attended  from  Delphos,  and 
from  Landeck  until  1877,  when  it  was  made  a  Mission  of  Van 
Wert.  Since  1898  services  have  been  held  there  on  alternate 
Sundays. 

A  log  cabin  was  the  first  place  used  for  divine  service.  The 
Rev.  F.  Brehm  replaced  it  in  1876  by  the  present  neat  church,  a 
frame  building,  36  by  60  feet,  at  a  cost  of  nearly  $1,200.  About 
twelve  families  are  now  identified  with  the  Mission;  they  have 
always  contributed  generously  towards  its  support. 

STERLING,  WAYNE  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
The  village  of  Sterling,  formerly  known  as  Russell,  is  located 
at  the  crossing  of  the  Lorain  &  Wheeling  (now  Baltimore  & 
Ohio)  and  the  Erie  railroads.  The  Mission,  composed  almost 
entirely  of  railroad  employes  ("track  men")  was  organized  in  1883 
by  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Vattmann,  then  resident  pastor  of  Canal  Fulton. 
In  July  of  that  year  Messrs.  Russell  and  Streator  deeded  to  Bishop 
Gilmour  a  lot  for  church  purposes.  A  frame  building,  28  by  35 
feet,  formerly  used  as  a  public  school,  was  offered  for  sale.  Father 
Vattmann  bought  it,  had  it  moved  on  the  lot  above  mentioned,  and 
remodeled  to  serve  as  a  church.  The  Very  Rev.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G., 
dedicated  it  on  August  19,  1883.  Father  Vattmann  attended 
Sterling  until  1888,  when  it  was  attached  to  Medina  as  a  Mission 
and  thence  attended  monthly  for  two  years.  From  1890  to  1893 
the  resident  pastors  of  Wellington  had  charge  of  it.  The  number 
of  Catholics  in  the  village  becoming  gradually  less,  owing  to  the 
fact  that  most  of  them  were  obliged  to  seek  employment  elsewhere, 
the  Mission  was  abandoned  from  1894,  to  October,  1897.  By  that 
time  there  was  a  slight  increase  in  the  Catholic  population  of  the 
place  and  so  Sterling,  which  now  has  six  Catholic  families,  was 
again  made  a  Mission,  and  attached  as  such  to  Doylestown,  whence 
it  has  been  attended  monthly. 


624  A    HISTORY    OF    CATHOLICITY 

STRASBURG,  STARK  COUNTY. 
ST.   JOSEPH'S    MISSION    CHURCH. 

Some  Catholic  families  began  to  settle  at  and  near  Strasburg 
as  early  as  1850.  They  were  visited  by  the  resident  pastors  of 
Harrisburg,  Louisville,  St.  Peter's,  Canton,  and  St.  Mary's,  Mas- 
sillon,  between  1852  and  1860.  Mass  was  celebrated  in  private 
houses  until  the  erection  of  the  present  brick  church  (35  by  50 
feet),  in  1857,  on  a  lot,  94  by  220  feet,  secured  in  June  of  that  year. 
The  church  was  built  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  L.  Grevin, 
then  in  charge  of  Strasburg.  The  Rev.  L.  Hoffer  attended  the 
Mission  from  Louisville  between  1864  and  1870.  It  was  he  also 
who  built  the  brick  school,  on  a  tract  of  land  he  bought  in  January, 
1870;  part  of  the  land  is  used  as  a  burying  ground. 

Beginning  in  May,  1870,  Strasburg  was  attended  as  a  Mission 
from  the  following  places:  Harrisburg,  1870-77;  Alliance,  to 
March,  1886 ;  and,  since  then,  again  from  Harrisburg.  During 
the  pastorate  of  the  Rev.  J.  O'Leary  (in  1879)  an  addition  of  about 
20  feet  was  built  to  the  church.  In  1892,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Rev.  J.  P.  Kunnert,  the  church  was  supplied  with  new  windows; 
it  was  also  renovated  in  and  outside. 

The  parish  school  had  a  short  existence — from  1870  to  about 
1875,  and  again  from  1879  to  1884,  when  it  was  discontinued 
owing  to  a  lack  of  attendance,  as  the  children  lived  too  far  distant. 

The  Mission  has  about  30  families — French,  Irish  and  Ger- 
man— and  nearly  all  belong  to  the  farming  class. 

STRUTHERS,  MAHONING  COUNTY. 
ST.  NICHOLAS'  MISSION  CHURCH. 
Struthers  is  a  village  near  Youngstown.  It  was  attended  as 
a  Station  from  New  Bedford  (Villa  Maria),  Pa.,  by  the  Rev.  J.  J. 
Begel,  from  1865  to  1870.  His  visits  were  made  monthly  and  he 
said  Mass  in  a  private  house  at  Mt.  Nebo,  about  one  mile  from 
Struthers,  as  there  was  no  suitable  place  in  the  village.  In  1870 
a  lot  was  secured  by  land  contract,  and  on  it  the  present  frame 
church  was  built,  in  1871,  by  the  Rev.  H.  D.  Best,  then  resident 
pastor  of  St.  Joseph's  church,  Youngstown.  The  deed  for  the 
lot  was  given  in  January,  1872.  The  Rev.  P.  McCaffrey,  of  Brier 
Hill,  was  the  next  priest  in  charge  of  the  Mission,  until  April, 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  625 

1872.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  F.  J.  Henry,  who  also  attended 
it  from  Brier  Hill  until  November  of  the  same  year.  It  was  then 
attached  to  St.  Columba's,  Youngstown,  for  some  months  in  1873, 
and  later  again  to  St.  Joseph's,  Youngstown,  whence  it  was  visited 
monthly.  In  July,  1881,  the  Rev.  N.  J.  Franche,  Chaplain  of  the 
Convent  at  Villa  Maria,  Pa.,  was  given  charge  of  Struthers, 
as  a  Mission.  He  made  a  number  of  improvements  in  and  about 
the  little  church,  making  its  appearance  quite  neat  and  attractive. 
In  October,  1888,  Struthers  was  made  a  Mission  of  the  church  at 
Haselton  (now  Sacred  Heart  church,  Youngstown),  and  has  been 
attended  since  then  by  the  Rev.  G.  Leeming.  He  had  the  church 
again  thoroughly  renovated  in  1898,  at  a  cost  of  nearly  $700. 

Owing  to  lack  of  public  works,  the  Catholic  population  of 
Struthers  has  not  increased  any  during  the  last  twelve  years.  It 
comprises  now  (1900)  what  it  did  then — about  15  families. 

STRYKER,  WILLIAMS  COUNTY. 

ST.    JOHN'S    MISSION    CHURCH. 

The  Mission  of  Stryker  was  organized  in  1861  by  the  Rev. 
A,  I.  Hoeffel,  then  pastor  of  St.  John's  church.  Defiance.  In  March 
of  that  year  he  bought  two  lots  in  the  village  and  erected  on  one 
of  them  the  present  church,  36  by  50  feet,  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,500. 
Stryker  was  attended  monthly  from  St.  John's,  Defiance,  until 
July,  1865,  when  the  Rev.  N.  Kirch  was  appointed  first  resident 
pastor,  with  charge  of  a  number  of  neighboring  Missions.  His 
pastorate  ceased  in  August,  1867,  when  he  was  transferred  to 
Canal  Fulton.  Since  that  time  Stryker  has  again  been  a  Mission. 
It  was  attended  from  Edgerton,  between  1867  and  1875 ;  and  from 
Archbold,  since  February,  1875.  In  1894,  during  the  pastorate 
of  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Muehlenbeck  the  church  was  moved  to  another 
part  of  the  lot.  It  was  then  frescoed  and  put  in  excellent  condition, 
in  and  outside.  Father  Muehlenbeck  at  that  time  replaced  the  old 
windows  with  the  present  ones,  of  stained  glass,  nearly  all  of  which 
were  donated  by  a  few  priests  of  the  diocese,  and  special  friends 
of  the  pastor.  Patrick  Leavy  donated  the  altar  and  one  of  the 
windows.  Bishop  Horstmann  and  Father  Muehlenbeck  con- 
tributed largely  towards  paying  for  the  improvements. 

The  Mission  is  attended  monthly,  on  Sundays.  It  now 
numbers  but  10  families,  but  has  no  prospective  growth. 


626  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

SUMMITVILLE,  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY. 
ST.   JOHN'S    CHURCH. 

Summitville  was  visited  for  the  first  time  in  1839,  by  the  Rev. 
James  Conlan,  then  stationed  at  Stenbenville.  Later,  from  1842 
to  1849,  he  attended  it  as  a  Mission  from  Dungannon.  In  April, 
1839,  Father  Conlan  bought  a  one-acre  tract  of  land  on  which 
stood  a  log  house;  this  he  used  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship. 
In  1845  he  also  bought  two  acres  immediately  opposite,  for  the 
new  church  and  a  cemetery.  Summitville  continued  to  be 
attended  from  Dungannon  by  the  various  resident  pastors  until 
1856. 

In  August,  1846,  Bishop  Purcell  laid  the  cornerstone  of  the 
present  brick  church,  which,  however,  for  lack  of  means,  was  not 
completed  until  early  in  1852.  It  was  used  for  the  first  time  on 
Easter  Sunday  of  that  year.  The  church  is  a  brick  structure  and 
cost  about  $3,000.  The  log  house  was  then  fitted  up  as  a  tem- 
porary pastoral  residence.  The  Rev.  P.  J.  McGuire  replaced  it 
in  1871  by  the  present  frame  building,  which  cost  about  $2,500. 
During  the  pastorate  of  Father  McGuire  the  church  was  enlarged 
by  an  addition  of  20  feet,  and  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Murphy  built  the 
sanctuary,  thus  making  the  dimensions  of  the  building  40  by  70 
feet.  Father  Murphy  also  renovated  the  church.  These  improve- 
ments cost  about  $3,000.  The  cemetery,  a  five-acre  tract  of  land, 
was  bought  in  1872.  In  1893  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Bell  replaced  the  old 
altar  by  three  new  ones  of  artistic  design,  and  in  1895  he  put  the 
pastoral  residence  in  good  repair.  In  the  fall  of  1897  the  church 
was  re-roofed  and  tidied  up  in  general. 

The  congregation,  composed  of  farmers,  of  Irish  birth  or 
descent,  has  been  steadily  decreasing  during  the  last  few  years  and 
now  numbers  but  60  families.  The  old  people,  however,  cling  to 
the  farms,  even  though  the  soil  is  no  longer  productive;  and  the 
young  seek  employment  in  the  cities.  The  parish  has  therefore  no 
prospective  growth  or  promising  future. 

The  Rev.  M.  Prendergast  was  the  first  resident  pastor  of 
Summitville — from  1856  to  1858.  His  successors  were  the  follow- 
ing priests:  The  Revs.  T.  Walsh,  1858-59;  D.  Tighe,  to 
September,  1864;  P.  J.  McGuire,  to  September,  1874;  B.  B.  Kelley, 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  627 

from  November,  1874,  to  January,  1876 ;  E.  J.  Murphy,  to  Octo- 
ber, 1884;  P.  Barry,  to  August,  1887;  J.  Eyler,  from  January, 
1889,  to  January,  1893;  J.  W.  Bell,  to  April,  1896;  M.  J.  Clear, 
from  February  to  July,  1897;  J.  F.  Donohue,  from  September, 
1897,  to  November,  1898;  and  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  J.  J. 
Clarke,  since  January,  1899.  During  the  various  periods  when 
Summitville  had  no  resident  pastor,  as  noted  above,  it  was  attended 
from  Salineville  as  a  Mission. 


SWANTON,  FULTON  COUNTY. 
ST.    RICHARD'S    MISSION    CHURCH. 

Swanton  is  a  thriving  village,  on  the  Lake  Shore  railroad, 
about  nineteen  miles  west  of  Toledo,  and  seven  miles  from  St. 
Mary's  Corners  (Caraghar). 

Since  1893  it  has  been  attended  from  the  latter  place  as  a 
Mission.  In  the  fall  of  1891  the  present  church,  a  frame  structure, 
30  by  50  feet,  was  commenced,  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev. 
T.  F.  McGuire,  and  enclosed  in  the  following  January.  The 
church  site  covers  three  lots  fronting  on  Dodge  street.  The  lots, 
and  two  acres  for  a  cemetery,  were  secured  in  1891,  and  deeded  to 
Bishop  Horstmann  in  May,  1892.  The  Rev.  J.  A.  SchafTeld 
finished  the  interior  of  the  neat  church ;  completed,  it  cost  about 
$1,500.  Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time  on  May  7, 
1893.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Richard  by  Bishop  Horstmann,  on 
October  23,  of  the  same  year.  In  the  fall  of  1900  the  church  was 
enlarged  by  an  addition  of  twelve  feet ;  it  includes  the  sanctuary  and 
two  sacristies.  At  the  same  time  the  church  was  also  repaired  and 
painted.  These  improvements  cost  nearly  $700.  The  well-kept 
cemetery,  located  in  the  outskirts  of  the  village,  comprises  two 
acres.  The  grading  of  the  cemetery,  as  well  as  the  teaming,  were 
done  gratuitously  by  parishioners  from  St.  Mary's  Corners,  Six- 
Mile-Woods  and  Swanton,  thus  saving  hundreds  of  dollars  for 
the  Mission  of  Swanton. 

At  present  about  20  families  belong  to  the  Mission,  which  is 
attended  semi-monthly  from  St.  Mary's  Corners. 


628  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

SYLVANIA,  LUCAS  COUNTY. 
ST.   JOSEPH'S  MISSION    CHURCH. 

Sylvania  is  a  hamlet  located  about  ten  miles  northwest  of 
Toledo.  A  few  Catholics  settled  there  as  early  as  1855.  They 
were  visited  at  stated  intervals,  and  Mass  was  celebrated  in  the 
home  of  Mr.  J.  Clark,  by  priests  from  Toledo,  chiefly  by  those 
attached  to  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  church,  until  18Y0;  and  since 
then  by  Jesuit  Fathers  of  St.  Mary's. 

In  June,  1872,  a  one-half  acre  lot  was  purchased^  and  on  it 
was  built  the  present  frame  church,  which  cost  about  $1,000.  It 
was  enlarged  in  1888,  its  present  size  being  34  by  60  feet.  In 
1890  the  neat  spire  was  built  and  a  1,100  pound  bell  was  bought — 
both  costing  about  $750. 

In  July,  1882_,  one  acre  of  land  was  bought  for  a  cemetery, 
and  in  May,  1888,  an  additional  acre  was  secured  next  to  the 
church. 

About  30  families^  of  Irish  or  German  birth  or  descent, 
belong  to  the  Mission.  The  following  Jesuit  Fathers  had  charge 
of  the  Mission  since  1870:  The  Revs.  H.  Richard,  I.  Korling, 
J.  Fruzzini,  F.  Eberschweiler,  J.  B.  Kreidler,  H.  J.  Camp, 
G.  Riibsaat,  A.  Stefifen,  G.  Burkart,  and,  since  1896,  the  Rev. 
F.  Breymann,  who  attends  Sylvania  twice  a  month. 


THOMPSON,   SENECA  COUNTY. 
ST.  MICHAEL'S  CHURCH. 

St.  Michael's  congregation,  at  Thompson,  is  composed  exclu- 
sively of  German  farmers.  The  Redemptorist  Father,  F.  X. 
Tschenhens,  stationed  at  Peru,  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  the  Cath- 
olic pioneers  of  Thompson,  from  1834  to  1839,  and  again  from 
1841  to  1843.  During  the  latter  period  his  assistant,  the  Rev.  M. 
Alig,  also  paid  occasional  visits,  each  of  these  priests  saying  Mass 
and  administering  the  Sacraments  in  the  log  cabin  of  John  Glass- 
ner.  In  1839  Father  Tschenhens  built  a  log  chapel,  which  was 
dedicated  to  St.  Michael  by  Bishop  Purcell,  on  his  first  visit  to 
Thompson,  in  that  year.  In  1840  the  Rev.  H.  D.  Juncker  came 
several  times  from  Canton.     Between  1843  and  1844  the  Rev. 


ST.    MICHAEL'S    CHURCH,    THOMPSON. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  629 

P.  J.  Machebeiif  came  occasionally  from  Sandusky  to  minister  to 
the  spiritual  wants  of  these  Catholic  settlers  who  were  still  strug- 
gling with  poverty  and  privation  in  their  primitive  homes,  hewn 
out  of  the  forests  in  that  part  of  Seneca  county.    In  January,  1844, 
the  V.  Rev.  F.  S.  Brunner,  Provincial  of  the  Sanguinists,  and  resi- 
dent pastor  of  Peru,  was  given  charge  of  the  Mission.    He  attended 
it  until  1847  when  he  became  resident  pastor  of  Thompson,  where 
he  had  established  the  present  flourishing  Convent  of  the  Sanguin- 
ist    Sisters    in    1846.     Since    1847    Thompson    has    always    had 
Sanguinist  Fathers  as  pastors.     Following  is  a  list  of  their  names: 
The  Revs.  J.  Wittmer,  1849-55;  M.  A.  Meyer,  to  1856;  M.  A. 
Kramer,  who  had  pastoral  charge  three  times,  viz. :  from  Septem- 
ber, 1857,  to  October,  1859 ;  from  November,  1864,  to  April,  1867; 
from  December,  1874,  till  his  death,  February  17,  1877 ;  A.  Schel- 
bert,  1858,  to  1864;  E.  Gliick,  April,  1867,  to  December,  1874; 
F.  X.  Griessmayer,  March,  1878,  to  April,  1891;  Boniface  Russ, 
to  March,  1892;  C.  Schedler,  to  March,  1895;  J.  L.  Boehmer,  to 
August,  1899;  and  since  then,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Uphaus.     Many 
other  Sanguinist  Fathers  resided  at  Thompson  during  this  long 
period,  either  as  assistants,  Convent  chaplains,  or  charged  with  the 
attendance  of  Stations  and  Missions  in  Seneca,  Huron  and  Lorain 
counties. 

Between  1846  and  1849  four  acres  of  land  were  donated  by 
as  many  parishioners,  for  the  use  of  the  church ;  the  land  forms 
part  of  the  parish  property  which  comprises  about  seven  acres, 
including  the  cemetery. 

The  increased  membership  of  the  congregation  necessitated 
the  erection  of  a  larger  church.  This  was  commenced  in  Decem- 
ber, 1847,  and  enclosed  in  the  following  year.  As  means  became 
available  the  work  on  the  interior  progressed,  and  was  brought  to 
completion  in  1849.  The  church  was  a  brick  structure,  40  by  60 
feet,  of  simple  design.  Most  of  the  work,  such  as  making  the 
brick,  cutting  and  hauling  the  timber  and  other  building  material, 
was  done  by  the  parishioners  without  charge,  thereby  reducing 
the  cost  of  the  church  considerably.  It  served  its  sacred  purpose 
for  nearly  thirty-five  years.  Steadily  the  parish  grew  in  numbers 
and  financial  strength,  and  with  that  also  the  desire  to  replace  the 
old  church  by  one  of  more  modern  design,  and  in  keeping  with 
the  means  of  the  parish.     Preliminary  steps  to  that  end  were  taken 


630  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

by  Father  Griessmayer,  in  the  fall  of  1883,  by  having  plans  drawn 
for  a  Gothic  brick  church.  The  foundation  was  commenced  in 
the  early  spring  of  1884,  and  the  cornerstone  was  laid  by  Bishop 
Gilmour,  on  the  feast  of  the  Ascension,  May  22,  of  the  same  year. 
The  church  was  not  finished,  however,  until  the  fall  of  1886 ;  it  was 
dedicated  by  the  same  Prelate  on  October  10  of  that  year.  The 
church  is  a  beautiful  edifice,  115  feet  long  and  52  feet  wide.  It 
has  stained  glass  windows,  is  tastily  frescoed,  and  has  neat  altars, 
pews  and  confessionals.  It  cost  about  $20,000  and  though  there 
are  many  churches  in  the  diocese  erected  at  a  larger  outlay,  it 
ranks  with  the  best  country  churches  in  taste,  finish  and  general 
appearance.  On  the  day  of  its  dedication  there  was  a  debt  of 
$3,000  to  be  met,  but  this  has  long  since  been  cancelled — a  very 
creditable  showing  for  a  parish  that  never  had  more  than  75 
families. 

In  1897,  during  the  pastorate  of  Father  Boehmer,  the  present 
well  appointed  and  commodious  parish  house  was  built  of  brick, 
at  a  cost  of  about  $4,000. 

The  parochial  school  was  organized  as  far  back  as  1840,  in  a 
log  cabin.  This  was  replaced  in  1847  by  a  brick  building.  It  was 
enlarged  in  1879  at  a  cost  of  about  $500.  From  1879  until  1889 
three  teachers  had  charge  of  the  school — a  male  teacher  taught 
the  boys  and  two  Sanguinist  Sisters  the  girls.  Since  the  latter 
year  the  school  has  been  conducted  by  the  same  Sisterhood. 


TIFFIN,  SENECA  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

The  beautiful  city  of  TifBn,  the  county  seat  of  Seneca  county, 
was  founded  by  Josiah  Hedges  in  March,  1822.  Shortly  after 
that  time  Catholics  began  to  settle  there,  and  on  farms  in  its  imme- 
diate vicinity.  Among  those  was  a  number  of  German  families. 
They  formed  part  of  St.  Mary's  parish  until  1845,  when  with  the 
permission  of  Bishop  Purcell  they  organized  as  a  separate  congre- 
gation, under  the  patronage  of  St.  Joseph.  The  most  prominent 
members  connected  with  the  formation  of  the  new  congregation 
were  Joseph  Kiibler,  Dr.  Joseph  Bohler,  Michael  Theissen,  Joseph 
Vollmer,  John  Houck  and  John  Bormuth.  In  May  of  that  year 
they  bought  two  acres  of  land,  triangular  in  shape,  and  located  in 


ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH  AND  RECTORY,  TIFFIN. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  631 

what  was  then  near  the  outskirts  of  the  town,  at  the  conjunction 
of  Mehnore  and  South  Washington  streets ;  the  purchase  price  was 
$250.  The  property  is  the  same  now  in  use ;  part  of  it,  on  the  side 
fronting  Melmore  street,  was  at  one  time  used  for  a  burying 
ground.  Although  at  the  time  of  the  purchase  its  location  was 
considered  out-of-the-way,  it  has  long  since  become  one  of  the 
most  prominent  and  desirable  sites  in  Tiffin. 

On  the  land  described  above  a  brick  church,  40  by  66  feet, 
was  commenced  in  May,  1845,  and  the  V.  Rev.  F.  S.  Brunner, 
C.PP.S.,  laid  the  cornerstone  on  the  25th  day  of  that  month.  So 
rapidly  was  the  building  pushed  to  completion  that  it  was  ready 
for  dedication  within  three  months.  Father  Brunner,  again  as 
Bishop  Purcell's  delegate,  performed  the  dedicatory  ceremony  on 
Sunday,  August  24,  1845.  The  church  was  of  plain  design,  neat 
in  appearance,  and  cost  about  $2,500. 

From  1845  until  1852  St.  Joseph's  congregation  was  attended 
alternately  from  New  Riegel  and  Thompson  as  a  Mission,  by  the 
following  Sanguinist  Fathers:  The  Revs.  M.  Kreusch,  P.  A. 
Capeder  and  F.  X.  Obermiiller.  From  January  to  September, 
1852,  the  Rev.  L.  Molon,  resident  pastor  of  St.  Mary's  church. 
Tiffin,  also  attended  St.  Joseph's.  The  Rev.  J.  B.  Uhlmann  was 
then  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's,  and  remained 
from  September,  1852,  to  May,  1856.  Immediately  west  of  the 
church  he  built  a  brick  pastoral  residence,  shortly  after  his  arrival. 
In  May,  1855,  Father  Uhlmann  bought  two  acres  outside  the 
southern  corporate  limits  of  Tiffin  for  burial  purposes,  and  paid 
S500  for  the  land ;  it  is  a  portion  of  the  present  cemetery.  Part  of 
Father  Uhlmann's  pastorate  was  during  the  terrible  cholera 
epidemic  in  1853,  which  claimed  for  its  victims  many  of  his  parish- 
ioners. His  faithful  attendance  on  the  cholera-stricken  patients 
greatly  endeared  him  to  his  people,  and  won  for  him  the  respect 
of  the  citizens  of  Tiffin.  The  next  pastor  in  charge  was  the  Rev. 
Joseph  L.  Bihn.  Shortly  after  his  ordination  he  succeeded  Father 
Uhlmann,  in  June,  1856.  By  this  time  the  parish  had  outgrown 
the  church  built  ten  years  before,  and  the  need  of  better  church 
accommodations  became  more  pressing.  As  a  preliminary  step 
Father  Bihn  erected  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship  a  two-story 
brick  building,  on  Melmore  street,  and  arranged  its  interior  to 
serve  later  on  as  a  school.     He  took  up  a  subscription  for  the  pro- 


632  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

posed  new  church  and  the  project  met  with  such  favor  that  in  one 
day  the  people  of  St.  Joseph's  parish  subscribed  $10,000  for  that 
purpose.  The  old  one  was  torn  down  in  the  fall  of  1860,  and  the 
foundation  for  the  new  church  was  commenced  on  the  same  site 
in  the  spring  of  1861.  Father  Bihn's  prudent  management  of 
building  affairs  and  the  generosity  of  his  people  made  it  possible 
to  present  to  Almighty  God  a  beautiful  temple  without  a  dollar 
of  debt  to  mar  the  gift.  In  consequence  of  this  fact,  and  at  Father 
Bihn's  request,  St.  Joseph's  church  was  consecrated.  That 
impressive  ceremony,  seldom  performed  in  this  country,  took  place 
on  Sunday,  September  14,  1862.  At  the  invitation  of  Bishop 
Rappe,  who  was  also  present  on  the  occasion.  Bishop  Young,  of 
Erie,  Pa.,  was  the  consecrator.  The  church  cost  about  $25,000, 
but  could  not  be  duplicated  today  for  $40,000.  Besides  very 
generous  money  donations,  a  large  portion  of  the  labor  and  build- 
ing material  was  furnished  by  parishioners  without  charge,  thus 
considerably  reducing  the  actual  cost  of  the  church.  Although 
there  are  many  churches  in  the  diocese  larger  and  more  costly, 
there  are  few  more  attractive,  or  better  equipped  in  every  way  than 
St.  Joseph's.  Even  today  it  is  the  most  conspicuous  building  in 
Tififin,  and  its  beautiful,  graceful  spire  is  the  first  object  which 
attracts  the  attention  of  those  who  visit  or  pass  through  the  city. 
Its  architecture  is  pure  Gothic  and  its  dimensions  are:  Length, 
140  feet ;  width,  60  feet.  The  church  is  a  standing  monument  to 
Father  Bihn  and  to  the  generous  people  of  St.  Joseph's  parish. 
Four  bells  peal  forth  their  harmonious  notes  from  the  lofty  spire; 
they  were  blessed  by  Bishop  Purcell  on  January  15,  1871.  The 
organ  is  one  of  the  largest  and  best  in  the  diocese. 

The  latter  years  of  Father  Bihn's  pastorate,  and  the  hitherto 
unblemished  record  of  his  parish,  were  gravely  marred  by  a  spirit 
of  opposition  to  him,  which  led  to  his  resignation  in  September, 
1873.  The  trouble  arose  in  connection  with  the  founding  by 
Father  Bihn  of  St.  Francis'  Asylum,  to  which,  it  was  claimed  by 
his  parishioners,  he  paid  more  attention  than  to  his  duties  as  their 
pastor.  The  charge  had  some  foundation,  but  was  greatly 
exaggerated.  The  result  was  the  formation  of  two  parties — 
Father  Bihn's  friends  and  his  opponents — the  latter  in  the 
majority.  Bishop  Gilmour  tried  to  bring  about  peace,  but  failing 
in  this  he   appointed   Father   Bihn   chaplain  of  the   Asylum   and 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  633 

closed  the  church;  it  remained  closed  for  over  two  months. 
Finally  the  opposition  party  realized  the  sad  condition  of  affairs 
and  made  the  proper  reparation  for  the  scandal  given.  Bishop 
Gilmour  permitted  the  church  to  be  reopened,  and  appointed  the 
Rev.  Charles  Evrard  in  November,  1873,  as  Father  Bihn's  suc- 
cessor. Peace  and  harmony  were  at  once  restored  and  St.  Joseph's 
has  been  a  model  congregation  since  that  unfortunate  episode. 

Father  Evrard  added  some  improvements  to  the  church  prop- 
erty, among  which  was  a  chapel,  adjoining  the  church,  to  serve  as 
a  place  for  weekday  Mass  for  the  children  of  the  parish  school. 
He  gave  his  chief  attention,  however,  to  the  spiritual  rather  than 
to  the  temporal  affairs  of  the  parish.  In  this  he  was  eminently 
successful,  and  never  spared  himself  when  duty  called.  His  pas- 
torate ended  on  May  11,  1885,  with  his  lamented  death,  which  was 
preceded  by  a  short  illness.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  J.  M. 
Piitz,  whose  pastorate  began  in  the  same  month. 

The  administration  of  Father  Martin  Piitz  opened  a  new  era 
in  the  history  of  St.  Joseph's,  in  the  way  of  costly  improvements 
and  important  changes  which  have  brought  that  parish  to  the 
prominent  position  it  now  holds. 

In  the  fall  of  1885  a  steam  heating  plant  for  the  church  was 
installed  at  a  cost  of  $2,800.  Two  years  later,  at  an  outlay  of 
about  $7,000,  the  present  commodious  brick  rectory  was  built  on 
the  site  of  the  old  pastoral  residence.  Between  1887  and  1889 
about  six  acres  were  added  to  the  cemetery,  and  all  put  in  excellent 
condition,  so  that  it  is  now  one  of  the  best  kept  places  of  interment 
in  the  diocese.  The  church  was  renovated,  and  artistically  fres- 
coed, in  1889,  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,500.  In  1894  the  present 
splendid  school  was  built  at  an  expense  of  about  $28,000.  It 
fronts  on  South  Washington  street  and  is  equal  in  finish  and  equip- 
ment, if  not  in  size,  to  any  school  edifice  in  the  diocese. 

In  the  face  of  adverse  criticism,  Father  Martin  Putz  also 
introduced  the  Gregorian  chant  and  Cecilian  music  into  the  choir. 
In  this  he  was  ably  seconded  by  his  organist.  Prof.  Robbin,  with 
the  result  that  St.  Joseph's  choir  ranks  with  the  best  in  the  diocese 
for  rendition  of  Church  music. 

Father  Piitz  unceasingly  strove  at  all  times  to  advance  the 
best  interests  of  his  people.  In  recognition  of  his  merits  and  the 
standing  of  St.  Joseph's  parish,  he  was  appointed  an  irremovable 


634  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

rector  in  the  Diocesan  Synod,  held  in  January,  1889.  Never  of 
robust  health,  he  overtaxed  his  strength  and  was  obliged  to  give 
up  all  pastoral  work  in  January,  1897.  On  the  advice  of  his 
physician  he  went  to  California,  hoping  in  that  mild  climate  to 
regain  strength  and  possibly  health.  God  had  ordained  other- 
wise, for  hardly  had  he  reached  Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  when  the  Hand 
of  Death  touched  him.  He  died  in  that  city  on  January  21,  1897. 
His  remains  were  brought  back  to  Tiffin,  and  after  solemn  obse- 
quies they  were  interred  in  the  cemetery,  which  he  had  so 
beautifully  adorned  in  life. 

His  successor  is  the  present  incumbent — his  brother — the 
Rev.  J.  P.  Ptitz,  who  was  made  irremovable  rector  in  May,  1897. 
He  had  served  as  assistant  to  Father  Martin  Piitz  since  June,  1885, 
and  was  acting  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's  from  January,  1897. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  in  1847,  in  a  log  house, 
which  stood  in  the  rear  of  the  present  church.  In  1858,  it  was 
replaced  by  a  brick  school,  fronting  on  Melmore  street.  To  it  was 
added  in  1862  the  building  that  served  as  a  temporary  church 
between  1861  and  1862.  The  entire  school  enrollment  is  now 
housed  in  the  new  building  erected  by  Father  Martin  Piitz.  Mr. 
George  Spiess  had  charge  of  the  school  from  1853  to  1870,  and 
was  the  efficient  organist  of  St.  Joseph's  church  for  upwards  of 
thirty  years,  beginning  at  the  time  he  was  engaged  as  teacher. 
He  is  still  a  resident  of  Tiffin  and  has  the  respect  not  only  of  his 
former  pupils,  but  also  of  all  the  citizens  of  Tiffin  who  know  him. 
In  1863  the  Ursuline  Sisters  were  given  charge  of  the  girls' 
department,  and  in  recent  years  also  of  the  boys  in  the  lower 
grades.  With  success  they  have  continued  in  that  charge  ever 
since.  Mr.  Robbin  has  taught  the  higher  grade  in  the  boys' 
department  since  1886.  To  Father  John  Piitz  much  credit  is 
due  for  the  great  interest  he  has  at  all  times  taken  in  the  welfare 
of  the  parish  school.  Under  his  watchful  care  it  has  steadily  pro- 
gressed and  is  now  second  to  none  in  the  diocese. 

The  following  priests  have  filled  the  position  of  curate  at  St. 
Joseph's:  The  Revs.  N.  Schmitz,  A.  M.  Meili,  J.  B.  Heiland, 
J.  P.  Putz,  H.  Wichmann,  J.  B.  Alten,  T.  F.  Conlon,  J.  P. 
Schondorfif  and  J.  Baumgartner. 

The  parish  numbers  550  families.  It  is  without  debt  and  in 
excellent  condition,  spiritually  and  financially. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  635 


TIFFIN,  SENECA  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

The  history  of  Catholicity  in  Tiffin,  and  in  Seneca  county, 
dates  back  to  June,  1823.  It  was  then  that  James  Doherty,  with 
his  family  of  eleven  persons,  settled  within  two  miles  of  Tiffin. 
In  the  same  year  William  Arnold  and  his  family  located  on  a  farm, 
eight  miles  southwest  of  Tiffin.  Three  years  later  this  little  col- 
ony of  Catholics  was  increased  by  the  advent  of  the  families  of 
John  Julien  and  John  Knott,  and  in  1829  by  those  of  Michael 
Coleman,  Patrick  and  Bartholomew  Kinney,  Robert  Montgomery 
and  Michael  Reinbolt. 

In  1827  Bishop  Fenwick,  accompanied  by  the  Rev.  I.  J. 
Mullon,  came  to  Tiffin,  on  his  way  to  Green  Bay,  Wis.  Learn- 
ing that  there  were  some  Catholic  families  in  the  vicinity  he 
stopped  over  night  and  said  Mass  for  them  the  following  morning. 
It  was  the  first  time  the  Holy  Sacrifice  was  celebrated  within  the 
limits  of  Seneca  county.  The  Bishop,  before  proceeding  on  his 
long  journey,  directed  Father  Mullon  to  remain  at  Tiffin  for  some 
days,  to  minister  to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  little  flock.  On  the 
following  Sunday  he  preached  in  a  building  used  then  as  a  court- 
house, and  which  also  served  as  a  place  of  worship  for  all  the 
denominations  of  the  village.  In  the  latter  part  of  August,  1829, 
Bishop  Fenwick  again  visited  Tiffin.  On  that  occasion,  Septem- 
ber 1,  he  purchased  from  Josiah  Hedges,  the  founder  of  Tiffin,  a 
one-acre  lot  as  a  church  site  and  burying  ground.  It  is  the  pres- 
ent abandoned  cemetery  in  the  rear  of  the  Ursuline  Convent. 
The  Bishop  was,  however,  unable  to  send  a  priest  until  May,  1831, 
when  he  appointed  the  Rev.  Edmund  Quinn  resident  pastor  of 
Tiffin.  With  this  appointment  dates  the  organization  of  St. 
Mary's  congregation.  Much  of  its  early  history  was  written  at 
intervals  by  Bishop  Purcell,  for  the  Cincinnati  Catholic  Telegraph, 
and  in  that  form  the  reader  will  find  it  reproduced  in  Chapter  III 
of  this  volume,-^  and  in  'The  Church  in  Northern  Ohio.^ 

On  Sunday,  May  15,  1831,  Father  Quinn  said  Mass  at  Tififin, 
for  the  first  time,  in  John  Julien's  house,  which  was  located  in  the 


1  Pages  30,  33,  41,  48. 

2  Pages  262,  273,  286-4th  ed. 


636  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

outskirts  of  the  town.  In  the  fall  of  1832  a  small  brick  church 
was  erected  on  a  corner  of  the  lot  bought  in  1829.  For  lack  of 
means  its  interior  was  not  finished  however  until  the  latter  part 
of  1836,  when  the  church  was  dedicated  to  the  Blessed  Virgin. 
It  was  used  for  the  first  time  on  Easter  Sunday,  1833.* 

Meanwhile  Father  Quinn  also  attended  the  Catholic  settle- 
ments in  Northwestern  Ohio,  and  as  far  south  as  Springfield. 
On  September  5,  1835,  he  died  of  malarial  fever,  and  exhaustion 
from  overwork,  near  St.  Mary's,  Auglaize  county,  O.,  whither  he 
had  gone  in  the  discharge  of  his  sacred  ofifiice.  He  was  a  self- 
sacrificing  priest,  and  his  short  pastoral  career  was  full  of  hard- 
ships and  privations.  After  his  death  the  Rev.  E.  Thienpoint, 
who  also  had  shared  Father  Quinn's  missionary  labors  for  a  short 
time,  had  charge  of  St.  Mary's  for  six  months,  as  its  tem- 
porary pastor.  The  Redemptorist  Father,  F.  X.  Tschenhens, 
then  attended  St.  Mary's  from  Peru,  Huron  county,  between 
February,  1836,  and  September,  1839.  The  next  resident  pastor 
of  St.  Mary's  was  the  Rev.  Joseph  McNamee,  who  received  his 
appointment  in  October,  1839.  Five  years  later  Father  McNamee 
enlarged  the  church  by  a  frame  addition,  making  the  building 
cruciform.  He  remained  in  charge  until  July,  1847,  when  he  left 
the  diocese.  From  September,  1839,  to  November,  1840,  Father 
McNamee  had  the  assistance  of  the  Rev.  P.  J.  Machebeuf,  who 
also  attended  a  number  of  Stations  and  Missions,  among  them 
Sandusky,  to  which  place  he  was  sent  as  first  resident  pastor, 
in  December,  1840.  For  a  short  time  in  1840,  the  Rev.  J.  Frei- 
gang  also  ministered  to  the  German  members  of  the  parish.  In 
1845  the  Germans  separated  from  St.  Mary's  and  built  their  own 
church  (St.  Joseph's)  in  the  southern  part  of  the  town. 

St.  Mary's  was  without  a  pastor  from  July,  1847,  until  the 
arrival  of  the  Rev.  Maurice  Howard,  in  January,  1848.  During 
this  time  the  people  of  St.  Mary's  parish  attended  St.  Joseph's 
church.  Father  Howard  left  in  May,  1850,  and  St.  Mary's  was 
then  attended  by  the  Sanguinist  Fathers,  from  New  Riegel,  until 
the  following  September,  when  the  Rev.  Louis  Molon  was 
appointed  resident  pastor.  During  his  administration,  in  1851, 
the  parochial  school  was  established.     Father  Molon   remained 


*    Catholic  Telegraph,  May  11,  1833. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  637 

till  September,  1852,  when  the  Rev.  Michael  O'Sullivan  succeeded 
him.  Father  O'Sullivan  found  the  out-of-the-way  location  of  the 
church  unsuitable  to  the  wants  of  the  congregation,  and  therefore 
secured,  in  January,  1854,  for  $2,000,  two  lots  at  the  corner  of 
Miami  and  Franklin  streets.  On  one  of  the  lots  stood  a  brick 
dwelling-,  part  of  which  he  fitted  up  for  his  residence,  and  part  for 
a  school.  In  1856  he  commenced  the  erection  of  the  present 
brick  church  (46  by  100  feet)  which,  with  its  furnishings,  cost 
about  $11,000.  He  also  bought  the  present  bell,  which  weighs 
3,800  pounds,  and  cost  $900.  The  church  was  built  in  the  face 
of  great  dif^culties,  brought  about  by  the  opposition  of  a  few 
influential  members  of  the  parish,  who  insisted  on  having  it  built 
on  the  old  site.  This  opposition  caused  grave  public  scandal 
which  was  exploited  in  the  newspapers,  and  finally  led  to  the 
excommunication  of  three  of  the  principal  opponents  by  Bishop 
Rappe.  A  full  account  of  this  sad  episode,  and  the  only  one  in  the 
history  of  St.  Mary's  parish,  appeared  in  the  Cincinnati  Catholic 
Telegraplt,  on  March  15,  and  November  22,  1858.  Two  of  the 
excommunicated  members  made  due  apology  later  on  and  were 
received  back  into  the  Church,  the  other  one,  Michael  Sullivan, 
near  whose  house  the  old  church  stood,  remained  obstinate  and 
died  unreconciled. 

In  changing  the  location  of  the  church  Father  O'Sullivan 
had  the  approval  of  his  bishop  and  of  the  great  majority  of  his 
people,  whose  confidence  and  respect  he  had  won.  He  knew  the 
change  was  for  the  best  interests  of  the  parish;  hence  he  felt 
keenly  the  effects  of  the  scandal  which  arose  from  his  well  meant 
action.  For  the  sake  of  peace  he  therefore  resigned  his  pastoral 
charge  and  was  at  once  received  into  the  archdiocese  of  Cincin- 
nati, in  February,  1859.  In  the  same  month  and  year  the  present 
pastor,  the  Rev.  Michael  Healy,  was  appointed  his  successor. 
After  the  parish  debt  of  $6,000  was  cancelled  the  church  was  conse- 
crated on  Sunday,  December  14,  1862,  Bishop  Rappe,  assisted  by 
Bishop  Young,  of  Erie,  ofiiciating. 

The  parish  school  which  had  been  discontinued  in  1856  was 
reopened  in  October,  1860,  in  the  old  church.  It  was  destroyed 
by  fire  in  February,  1861,  and  in  consequence  the  school  was  again 
discontinued  until  1864.     In    July    of   that    year    Father    Healy 


638  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

purchased  from  the  City  Board  of  Education  an  abandoned  two- 
story  frame  school  house  and  had  it  removed  on  a  lot  fronting- 
on  Miami  street,  bought  by  him  in  September,  1859.  The  build- 
ing- served  its  purpose  until  February,  1884.  Father  Healy  then 
sold  it  and  the  lot,  and  bought  from  the  Board  of  Education  the 
two-story  brick  public  school  building  located  immediately  south 
of  the  present  church,  on  Franklin  street,  and  fitted  it  up  as  a 
parochial  school;  the  purchase  price  was  $5,350.  The  Ursuline 
Sisters  have  had  charge  of  the  parish  school  since  1864. 

In  18Y0  Father  Healy  built  the  present  brick  pastoral  resi- 
dence, at  a  cost  of  about  $3,000.  In  July,  1878,  he  also  bought, 
for  $1,500,  a  five-acre  tract  of  land,  on  the  Greenfield  road,  for  a 
cemetery;  with  its  purchase  the  old  cemetery  ceased  to  be  used 
for  interments. 

The  church  property  is  free  from  debt,  and  at  present  (1900) 
Father  Healy  is  accumulating  funds  for  a  new  and  much  needed 
church. 

St.  Mary's  has  a  membership  of  216  families,  according-  to 
the  last  diocesan  census  published  in  1900. 


TOLEDO,  LUCAS  COUNTY. 

GOOD  SHEPHERD'S  CHURCH. 

The  original  members  of  the  Good  Shepherd's  parish,  com- 
prised of  Irish  birth  or  descent,  and  living-  east  of  the  Maumee 
river,  in  East  Toledo,  belonged  to  that  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales. 
In  the  latter  part  of  1872  they  petitioned  Bishop  Gilmour  for 
permission  to  organize  as  a  separate  parish.  The  petition  was 
granted  by  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Robert  A.  Byrne,  in 
April,  1873,  as  the  first  pastor,  with  direction  to  effect  the  desired 
organization.  Father  Byrne  secured  by  land  contract  an  acre  of 
land  in  East  Toledo.  It  is  bounded  by  Clark,  Nevada  and  Utah 
streets.  The  price  was  $3,500,  but  the  deed  was  not  given  until 
the  property  was  paid  for — in  January,  1876.  Father  Byrne 
engaged  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship  a  frame  building-  nearby^ 
owned  by  the  Pennsylvania  Railway  Company,  which  gave  him 
the  use  of  it  without  charge.     Meanwhile  Father  Byrne  erected  on 


CHURCH    OF   THE   GOOD    SHEPHERD    (1900),    TOLEDO. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  639 

the  site  he  purchased  in  1873,  a  large  frame  building,  and  so 
arranged  the  upper  story  as  to  serve  as  a  temporary  church  and 
the  lower  as  a  school  and  pastoral  residence.  It  cost  $7,500  and 
answered  its  triple  purpose  for  a  number  of  years — as  a  church 
for  nearly  thirty  years.  Father  Byrne  bought  the  land  and  built 
the  church  without  a  dollar  in  hand.  The  members  of  the  new 
parish  were  few  in  number,  and  poor  in  purse,  but  full  of  faith,  and 
as  generous  as  their  limited  means  permitted.  With  good  will  they 
faced  the  large  debt  contracted  by  their  pastor  and  aided  in 
steadily  reducing  it.  Father  Byrne's  health  failing  he  resigned 
his  charge  in  March,  1875.  The  parish  was  then  without  a  resi- 
dent pa.stor  until  August,  of  the  same  year.  Meanwhile  it  was 
attended  from  St.  Louis'  church,  by  the  Rev.  F.  Gauthier,  as  a 
Mission.  The  Rev.  Patrick  O'Brien  was  the  next  resident  pastor, 
from  August,  1875,  to  May,  1878.  He  organized  the  school  and 
placed  it  in  charge  of  the  Ursuline  Sisters  who  have  ever  since  con- 
ducted it  with  success.  Father  O'Brien  also  made  a  number  of 
improvements  in  and  about  the  church,  besides  paying  ofif  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  the  large  parish  debt.  He  was  transferred 
to  the  Immaculate  Conception  church,  Toledo,  in  May,  1878, 
and  during  the  few  weeks  pending  the  appointment  of  his  suc- 
cessor the  Good  Shepherd  parish  was  attended  by  the  Jesuit 
Fathers,  of  St.  Mary's.  The  Rev,  T.  P.  McCarthy  was  the 
next  resident  pastor;  he  took  charge  in  the  latter  part  of  June, 
1878.  He  had  the  temporary  church  renovated,  supplied  it  with 
needed  furnishings,  vestments,  etc.,  and  put  in  good  repair  the 
apartments  occupied  by  him  in  the  same  building  as  his  resi- 
dence. This  latter  was  replaced  in  1882  by  the  present  com- 
modious brick  parish  house  at  a  cost  of  about  $3,500.  Mean- 
while, besides  paying  for  these  improvements.  Father  McCarthy 
made  every  effort  to  reduce  the  burdensome  debt.  In  this  he  was 
generously  aided  by  Catholics  and  Protestants  in  Toledo  and  else- 
where, as  well  as  by  his  parishioners,  still  few  in  numbers — not  ex- 
ceeding 100  families  during  his  pastorate,  which  ended  in  August, 
1887.  He  was  then  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Patrick  Barry,  who 
added  a  number  of  improvements  to  the  church  property,  and  like 
his  two  predecessors,  struggled  with  the  parish  debt.  The  pastor- 
ate of  this  good  priest  was  ended  by  death,  after  a  long  illness,  on 


640  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

August  29,  1897;  his  demise  was  deeply  deplored  by  his  parish- 
ioners. In  the  following  month  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev. 
Patrick  O'Brien,  was  again  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  Good 
Shepherd  parish — to  the  delight  of  all  its  members.  By  this  time 
it  had  increased  in  numbers  and  financial  strength,  and  had  out- 
grown the  temporary  church. 

Father  O'Brien  felt,  that  with  the  promised  assistance  of  his 
people,  the  want  of  better  church  accommodations  would  soon  be 
met  by  a  place  of  worship  that  would  be  a  lasting  monument  to 
religion  and  a  credit  to  its  builders.  As  a  preparatory  step  in  this 
direction  he  bought  in  November,  1897,  and  March,  1898,  addi- 
tional ground  (30  by  220  feet)  next  to  the  pastoral  residence,  to 
serve  as  part  of  the  site  for  the  prospective  church,  for  which  he 
also  had  plans  drawn.  At  first  it  was  intended  to  build  a  brick 
church,  but  later  it  was  decided  that  it  should  be  built  of  North 
Amherst  blue  stone.  Ground  was  broken  on  St.  Patrick's  day, 
1899,  and  the  cornerstone  was  laid  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  July 
21,  of  the  same  year,  in  the  presence  of  a  vast  multitude.  The 
church  was  enclosed  in  January,  1900.  Owing  to  the  unexpected 
rise  in  the  cost  of  building  materials,  work  was  suspended  in  the 
spring  of  the  same  year,  and  will  not  be  resumed  until  January, 
1901.  Father  O'Brien  hopes  to  have  the  church  ready  for  dedi- 
cation by  December,  1901.  Its  exterior,  now  nearly  finished,  has 
an  imposing  appearance  and  the  building  is  one  of  the  most  con- 
spicuous in  Toledo.  According  to  the  plans  adopted  it  will  rank 
with  the  most  beautiful  and  best  appointed  in  the  Diocese  of  Cleve- 
land. Its  architecture  is  Roman,  with  a  dome  and  two  towers, 
and  its  dimensions  are;  Length,  160  feet;  width  at  transept,  80 
feet,  and  of  the  nave,  60  feet.  When  finished  it  will  have  cost 
upwards  of  $70,000;  this  sum  includes  the  frescoing  and  furnish- 
ings, which  are  estimated  at  $30,000.  The  parish  will  again  have 
to  face  a  large  debt,  but  with  Father  O'Brien's  energy,  and  the 
well-known  generosity  of  his  people,  it  will  be  cancelled  before  the 
lapse  of  many  years. 

The  old  church  was  seriously  damaged  by  fire  on  Sunday, 
August  20,  1899,  but  was  practically  rebuilt  and  again  used  within 
six  weeks  after  the  fire.     Meanwhile  the  Sunday  Mass  was  cele- 


IMMACULATE    CONCEPTION    CHURCH,  TOLEDO 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  641 

brated  on  the  porch  of  the  pastoral  residence,  the  congregation 
occupying  the  lawn  fronting  the  residence. 

As  above  stated,  the  parish  school  is  conducted  by  the  Ursu- 
line  Nuns,  of  whom  four  are  in  charge.  About  250  children  are 
enrolled. 

The  parish  has  a  membership  of  about  300  families,  and  it  is 
steadily  increasing  with  the  growth  of  Toledo. 


TOLEDO. 
IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  CHURCH. 

The  Immaculate  Conception  congregation  was  organized  in 
1867  by  the  Rev.  Edward  Hannin,  and  was  originally  a  part  of  his 
parish — St.  Patrick's.  It  was  at  the  request  of  Father  Hannin 
that  the  division  was  approved  by  Bishop  Rappe,  as  he  found  his 
territory  too  large  to  give  proper  attention  to  all  the  English- 
speaking  Catholics  living  within  its  limits.  The  territory  bounded 
by  Swan  Creek  and  the  Maumee  river  was  assigned  to  the  new 
parish,  which  was  placed  under  the  patronage  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception.  In  1867  Father  Hannin  purchased  a  tract  of  land  at 
the  corner  of  Western  avenue  and  Sumner  street,  which  at  that 
time  was  considered  a  suitable  location  for  the  parish  buildings. 
He  also  built  a  small  brick  church,  of  plain  design,  at  the  intersec- 
tion of  the  above-named  streets.  After  the  building  was  enclosed 
further  work  was  stopped,  but  Father  Hannin  and  his  assistant,  the 
Rev.  H.  Anderson,  held  services  in  the  unfinished  church  up  to 
August,  1868,  when  the  Rev.  John  Quinn  was  appointed  first  res- 
ident pastor.  Father  Quinn  and  his  small,  poor,  struggling  con- 
gregation had  by  no  means  a  roseate  future  to  face.  They  pos- 
sessed only  an  unfinished  church,  burdened  with  debt,  and  there 
was  neither  a  pastoral  residence  nor  a  school.  Full  of  hope  and 
'courage,  however.  Father  Quinn  went  to  work  with  a  will,  and 
under  his  guidance  order  and  stability  grew  and  developed.  He 
continued  to  use  the  brick  church,  but  meanwhile,  in  1870,  built 
for  temporary  use  a  frame  church,  54  by  110  feet,  on  lots  he  bought 
at  the  corner  of  Dix  and  Jervis  streets.  This  change  of  location 
was  found  necessary,  among  other  reasons,  because  of  the  rapid 
development  of  that  section  of  Toledo,  and  hence  the  old  church 


642  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

and  its  site  were  abandoned.  Father  Qiiinn  had  an  allotment 
made  of  the  property  and  all  of  it  was  eventually  sold  for  the  bene- 
fit of  the  parish.  The  church  itself  was  used  for  a  time  as  a  dwel- 
ling and  finally  torn  down. 

In  the  summer  of  1870  Father  Quinn  built  a  four-room  frame 
school,  adjoining  the  church  in  the  rear.  It  was  opened  in  Sep- 
tember of  that  year,  with  an  enrollment  of  about  200  children,  and 
placed  in  charge  of  lay  teachers. 

Five  lots,  located  between  Broadway,  Maumee  and  Eastern 
avenues,  were  bought  by  Father  Quinn  in  1871,  to  be  used  as  the 
site  for  a  permanent  church  and  for  the  pastoral  residence.  On  one 
of  the  lots  fronting  on  Maumee  avenue  he  built  the  present  two- 
story  brick  pastoral  residence  in  1872,  at  a  cost  of  about  $3,000. 

The  labors  and  cares  connected  with  a  steadily  growing  con- 
gregation bore  heavily  on  Father  Quinn,  whose  health  was  never 
robust.  He  was  accordingly  transferred  in  May,  1878,  to  lighter 
duties,  as  pastor  of  Wakeman.  The  Rev.  Patrick  O'Brien  was 
appointed  his  successor  on  the  19th  day  of  the  same  month. 
He  found  a  church,  school  and  pastoral  residence,  but  he  also 
found  them  involved  in  a  heavy  debt,  consequent  on  the 
erection  of  these  buildings,  and  the  purchase  by  Father  Quinn 
of  the  real  estate  already  mentioned — comprising  in  all,  ten  lots. 
In  his  efforts  to  reduce  the  parish  debt  Father  O'Brien  had 
also  to  contend  with  the  effects  of  the  financial  depression 
through  which  the  entire  country  was  then  passing.  By  his 
prudence  and  energy,  seconded  by  the  generous  co-operation 
of  his  people,  he  succeeded  in  cancelling  the  debt,  about  1888. 

Father  O'Brien  reorganized  the  school  and  placed  it  on  a 
substantial  basis.  In  1878  he  engaged  as  teachers  of  the  girls  and 
smaller  boys  the  Ursuline  Sisters,  and  two  lay  teachers  were  given 
charge  of  the  boys.  In  a  short  time  the  parish  school  afforded 
as  many  advantages  for  a  thorough  Christian  and  secular  educa- 
tion as  any  school  in  Toledo — and  that  is  also  its  present  record. 

Father  O'Brien's  successful  pastorate  ended  in  March,  1889, 
by  his  transfer  to  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  church,  Toledo.  The  Rev. 
F.  T.  Moran  was  then  sent  to  the  Immaculate  Conception  church, 
as  temporary  pastor,  and  remained  in  charge  until  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  Rev.  T.  P.  McCarthy,  in  March,  1890. 

Shortly  after  Father  McCarthy  took  pastoral  charge  he  called 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  643 

a  meeting  of  his  parishioners  to  discuss  the  question  of  erecting  a 
permanent  church,  which  had  now  become  a  necessity,  as  the  tem- 
porary church  had  become  too  small  and  out  of  keeping  with  the 
size  and  means  of  the  parish.  The  building  project  was  unani- 
mously approved.  Plans  were  therefore  drawn  by  a  competent 
architect  for  a  brick  church,  to  be  built  on  the  lots  fronting  Broad- 
way— formerly  known  as  Western  avenue.  In  the  spring  of  1891 
the  foundation  was  commenced  and  on  May  1  of  the  following 
year  Bishop  Horstmann  laid  the  cornerstone. 

For  lack  of  means  very  little  work  was  done  on  the  new  church 
during  the  next  two  years,  but  in  the  spring  of  1894  it  was  resumed 
Avith  vigor.  The  church  was  brought  to  completion  in  the  fall  of 
1896,  and  dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  Sunday,  November 
15,  of  that  year.  The  solemn  occasion  was  the  climax  of  Father 
McCarthy's  unremittant  labor  and  watchful  care  in  connection  with 
building  the  church,  as  it  was  also  a  day  of  joy,  not  only  for  him- 
self, but  for  his  devoted  people  as  well. 

The  church  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  imposing  in  the 
diocese,  as  it  is  also  one  of  the  most  prominent  edifices  in  Toledo. 
Its  architecture  is  Gothic,  and  is  built  of  brick,  trimmed  with  stone. 
It  is  162  feet  long,  68  feet  wide  and  88  feet  across  the  transept, 
and  has  a  capacity  for  1200  sittings.  The  three  altars  are  of  Gothic 
design  and  were  donated  by  the  Tabernacle  Society ;  they  cost 
$3,500.  The  organ  cost  $3,000  and  is  an  excellent  instrument; 
the  choir  is  also  one  of  the  best  in  Toledo.  The  pulpit,  pews  and 
confessionals  are  in  light  oak,  and  the  beautiful  stained  glass  win- 
dows, as  well  as  the  frescoing,  add  much  to  the  beauty  of  the 
interior.  The  windows  were  all  donated.  Fathers  McCarthy  and 
O'Brien  being  among  the  donors.  The  church,  as  it  now  stands, 
cost  about  $65,000;  all  that  remains  for  its  completion  is  the  spire, 
which  will  be  built  later  on. 

Years  of  unceasing  work  and  worry  began  to  make  inroads 
on  Father  McCarthy's  strong  constitution.  He  was  therefore 
granted  a  three  months'  leave  of  absence  in  January,  1897,  in  the 
hope  that  a  sojourn  in  the  mild  climate  of  southern  California 
might  repair  his  failing  health.  In  the  meanwhile  his  assistant,  the 
Rev.  J.  F.  Donohue,  administered  the  affairs  of  the  parish.  Father 
McCarthy  returned  in  the  following  April,  with  health  slightly 


644  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

improved.  In  June,  1897,  the  Rev.  J.  P.  McCloskey  was  ap- 
pointed his  assistant,  as  successor  to  Father  Donohiie,  and  to  him 
Father  McCarthy  at  once  turned  over  the  spiritual  and  temporal 
management  of  the  parish.  Father  McCarthy  Hngered  on  in 
illness  at  his  residence,  till  death  claimed  him,  on  October  21,  1900. 
His  demise,  deeply  deplored  by  his  people,  was  a  distinct  loss  to 
Toledo  and  to  the  diocese. 

Father  McCloskey  continued  in  temporary  charge  of  the  par- 
ish until  the  appointment  of  the  present  pvastor,  the  Rev.  C.  V. 
Chevraux,  on  November  17,  1900.  Since  his  advent  the  pastoral 
residence  has  been  renovated  and  electric  lights  and  a  handsome 
set  of  Stations  have  been  placed  in  the  church. 

The  Immaculate  Conception  parish,  now  numbering  about 
650  families,  is  most  favorably  located  in  a  flourishing  part  of 
Toledo.  Evidences  of  thrift  and  enterprise  are  visible  everywhere ; 
the  affairs  of  the  congregation  are  well  managed,  and  every  effort 
is  being  made  to  reduce  the  debt,  which,  with  the  present  bright 
prospects  realized,  will  be  cancelled  in  a  few  years. 


TOLEDO. 

SACRED  HEART  OF    JESUS'  CHURCH. 

In  March,  1883,  about  one  hundred  German  families,  residing 
in  and  near  East  Toledo,  petitioned  Bishop  Gilmour  to  allow  them 
to  separate  from  St.  Mary's,  Toledo,  and  build  a  church  for  them- 
selves. The  Bishop  readily  granted  the  petition  and  two  months 
later  authorized  the  Rev.  John  Thein,  pastor  of  St.  Louis'  church, 
to  purchase  a  suitable  site  for  the  proposed  new  German  church. 
Father  Thein  accordingly  secured  eight  lots  on  6th  street,  between 
Oswald  and  Gardner  streets;  the  purchase  price  was  $1,400.  He 
immediately  began  the  erection  of  a  combination  church  and 
school,  expending  about  $5,000  for  building  and  outfit.  The  frame 
structure  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Gilmour  to  the  Sacred  Heart 
of  Jesus,  on  Sunday,  October  28,  1883.  The  building  was  50  feet 
wide  and  100  feet  long.  The  church  auditorium  was  used  for 
school  purposes,  and  had  all  the  necessary  modern  appliances. 
Each  pew  had  a  folding  leaf  which  served  as  a  desk  during 
school  hours,  and  could  be  dropped  during  public  services.     The 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  645 

Ursuline  Sisters  were  g-iven  charge  of  the  school  in  November, 
1883. 

Father  Thein  attended  the  Mission  from  St.  Louis'  church 
until  September,  1884,  when  he  was  appointed  resident  pastor  of 
the  new  parish.  In  the  summer  of  that  year  he  built  the  present 
parish  house  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,600.  A  spirit  of  opposition 
arose  in  the  congregation,  in  consequence  of  which  Father  Thein 
asked  the  Bishop  to  remove  him,  which  was  done  in  November, 
1885.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  W.  A.  Harks,  who  remained 
until  May^  1888,  when  the  present  pastor.  Rev.  A.  Eilert,  was 
given  charge  of  the  parish.  In  1889  Father  Eilert  bought  four 
lots  opposite  the  church,  and  built  on  three  of  them  the  present 
commodious  two-story  brick  school.  He  had  the  church  fres- 
coed and  painted  in  1891.  In  the  same  year  he  also  engaged  as 
teachers  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame,  from  Cleveland ;  they  have 
been  in  charge  since  then.  In  1895  he  bought  two  additional  lots 
for  school  purposes,  and  enlarged  the  building,  which  with  the  four 
lots  cost  about  $15,000.  At  present  (1900)  five  Sisters  have  charge 
of  the  school,  with  an  attendance  of  about  250  pupils. 

The  rapid  increase  of  the  parish  necessitated  the  erection  of  a 
larger  and  permanent  church.  This  was  commenced  in  the  fall  of 
1899.  The  cornerstone  was  blessed  and  laid  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr. 
T.  P.  Thorpe,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate,  on  May  22,  1900.  The 
temporary  church  was  destroyed  by  fire  on  July  22  of  the  same 
year.  Father  Eilert  was  therefore  obliged  to  hold  Sunday  ser- 
vices in  a  neighboing  public  hall,  and  on  week  days  in  the  school, 
until  the  following  Christmas;  since  then  the  basement  of  the 
church  has  been  in  use,  and  will  be  until  its  completion,  which,  it 
is  hoped,  will  be  about  1903. 

The  membership  of  the  parish  comprises  about  250  families 
and  is  steadily  increasing. 

TOLEDO. 
ST.  ANNE'S  CHURCH. 
St.  Anne's  congregation  was  organized  on  Sunday,  July  3, 
1898,  by  the  present  pastor,  Rev.  J.  H.  Muehlenbeck,  in  that  part 
of  Toledo  known  as  Auburndale,  but  only  after  many  delays, 
extending  back  at  least  twelve  years,  and  more  recently  caused,  in 
part  at  least,  by  opposition  in  regard  to  parish  limits.     These  were 


646  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

finally  settled  by  the  Apostolic  Delegate,  at  Washington,  who  es- 
tablished the  parish  limits  of  St.  Anne's  as  they  had  been  defined 
by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann.  A  church  site,  comprising 
ten  lots,  was  bought  on  December  8,  1898,  at  the  corner  of  Forest 
avenue  and  Bancroft  street;  the  purchase  price  was  $10,000.  In 
May,  1899,  the  foundation  for  a  combination  church  and  school 
was  commenced,  and  on  the  following  27th  of  June  Bishop  Horst- 
mann laid  the  cornerstone.  Mass  was  said  for  the  first  time  in  the 
new  building,  on  December  3,  1899 ;  Father  Muehlenbeck  was  the 
celebrant.     Prior  to  that  time  he  held  services  in  public  halls. 

The  handsome  three-story  structure  has  a  good  basement,  a 
chapel  in  the  first  story,  schools  in  the  second,  and  a  fine  parish  hall 
in  the  third  or  Mansard  story.  It  is  built  of  Sandusky  lime-stone, 
in  rock-faced  ashlar,  trimmed  with  Berlin  Heights  sand-stone,  and 
presents  an  attractive  appearance.  With  the  furnishings  for  the 
church  and  school  it  cost  about  $26,000.  The  building  was  dedi- 
cated by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  July  8,  1900,  just  two  years  after 
the  parish  was  organized.  Its  membership  is  about  250  families 
— Irish,  Germans  and  Belgians — and  has  a  steady  growth.  The 
parish  has  a  heavy  debt,  but  it  is  within  easy  reach. 

A  pastoral  residence  of  neat  design  was  built  next  to  the 
church,  and  was  ready  for  occupancy  in  July,  1899. 

The  school  has  an  enrollment  of  300  children  and  is  in  charge 
of  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame. 


TOLEDO. 
ST.  ANTHONY'S  (POLISH)  CHURCH. 

Until  1881  St.  Hedwig's  church  served  all  the  Poles  of 
Toledo.  The  rapid  increase  in  the  number  of  families  of  that  nation- 
ality had,  however,  for  some  years  previous,  overtaxed  the  capacity 
of  the  church  and  school  of  St.  Hedwig's.  Hence  a  second  church, 
in  another  and  more  central  locality,  became  an  imperative  neces- 
sity. Bishop  Gilmour  therefore,  in  the  fall  of  1881,  directed  the 
pastor  of  St.  Hedwig's  church,  then  the  Rev.  V.  Lewandowski, 
to  secure  an  eligible  site  for  that  purpose.  This  he  did,  on  Novem- 
ber 5,  of  the  same  year,  by  the  purchase  of  three  lots  at  the  corner 
of  Nebraska  and  Junction  avenues;  they  cost  $1,000.  He  bought 
an  additional  lot,  in  January,  1882,  next  to  those  he  had  first  se- 


ST.    ANTHONY'S    CHURCH.    TOLEDO. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  647 

cured,  and  paid  $300  for  it.  On  the  first  mentioned  lot  a  frame 
church,  40  by  100  feet,  was  built  in  the  summer  of  1882,  at  a  cost 
of  $2,500,  and  dedicated  to  St.  Anthony  of  Padua,  by  the  V.  Rev. 
F.  M.  Boff,  V.  G.,  on  November  12,  of  the  same  year.  In  the 
summer  of  1883  a  two-story  frame  school  was  built  at  an  expense 
of  $2,000,  and  in  September  of  that  year  was  placed  in  charge  of 
the  Felician  Sisters,  from  Detroit,  who  conducted  it  until  June, 
1888.  They  were  succeeded  in  the  following  September  by  Fran- 
ciscan Sisters,  from  the  same  city,  but  these  were  replaced  again 
in  1893  by  the  Felician  Sisters,  who  have  since  remained  in  charge 
of  the  school. 

Father  I.ewandowski  attended  the  congregation  as  a  Mission 
until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  M.  F.  Orchechowski  as  first 
resident  pastor,  in  August,  1884.  In  the  summer  and  autumn 
of  1885  he  built  a  frame  parish  house  at  a  cost  of  about  $2,000. 
Father  Orchechowski  was  succeeded  in  the  pastorate  of  St. 
Anthony's  by  the  Rev.  E.  M.  Slowikowski.  His  connection  with 
the  parish  ended  in  March,  1889,  when  the  Rev.  N.  Kolasinski  was 
appointed  his  successor.  By  this  time  the  temporary  church  had 
become  too  small  for  the  steadily  increasing  congregation  and 
hence  Father  Kolasinski  was  obliged  to  provide  better  and  more 
ample  church  accommodations.  With  this  end  in  view  he  bought 
in  September,  1889,  an  additional  lot  next  to  the  parish  property, 
and  moved  the  pastoral  residence  to  that  lot.  He  also  had  the 
temporary  church  and  school  building  moved,  in  order  to  gain 
room  for  the  new  church.     This  was  commenced  in  the  fall  of 

1890,  and  its  cornerstone  was  laid  on   Sunday,  September  20, 

1891,  by  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  then  administrator  of  the  diocese. 
Father  Kolasinski  met  with  much  opposition  in  the  parish 

which  made  it  difficult  to  raise  subscriptions  for  the  new  church, 
and  hence  the  building  was  much  retarded.  The  effects  of  the 
financial  depression  of  1893  were  also  keenly  felt  in  Toledo,  and  in 
consequence  of  it  many  of  the  parishioners  were  out  of  employ- 
ment. Father  Kolasinski  was  removed  in  June,  1893,  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  F.  S.  Motulewski,  who  found  the 
church  enclosed,  but  not  nearly  ready  for  use.  He  had  to  face 
a  large  debt,  and  the  temporary  church  was  not  half  large 
enough  to  accommodate  the  faithful.  Forced  by  necessity  he  at 
once  set  to  work  to  finish  the  church  by  means  of  borrowed  money, 


648  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

to  which  was  added  a  fair  amount  of  contributions  from  his  people. 
Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time  on  March  4,  1894, 
and  on  Sunday,  July  15,  following-,  the  stately  edifice  was  dedicated 
by  Bishop  Horstmann.  It  is  a  Gothic  brick  structure,  84  by  135 
feet  in  size.  Exclusive  of  altars,  pews,  etc.,  it  cost  about  $95,000. 
The  vaulted  nave  and  sub-arches  are  supported  by  ten  pillars,  two 
of  which  also  support  the  organ  loft.  The  chancel  is  not  continued 
to  the  roof,  but  is  curved  towards  the  rear  wall,  at  about  two- 
thirds  of  the  height  of  the  latter.  The  main  altar,  which  is  a  beauti- 
ful specimen  of  carving,  cost  $2,500.  The  two  side  altars,  which 
were  donated  by  the  church  societies,  cost  $1,000  each,  and  the 
splendid  organ  was  built  at  an  expense  of  $4,500.  The  fresco- 
ing, as  well  as  the  stained  glass  windows,  show  excellent  taste,  in 
their  coloring-  and  figures.  The  people  of  St.  Anthony's  parish 
have  just  reason  to  be  proud  of  their  splendid  church. 

As  soon  as  the  church  was  finished  Father  Motulewski  had  the 
auditorium  of  the  temporary  church  divided  into  four  school 
rooms,  which,  added  to  the  two  already  in  use,  made  six  rooms  in 
all ;  and  even  the  additional  space  now  afforded  was  crowded,  each 
room  having-  not  less  than  one  hundred  children,  and  more  clamor- 
ing for  admission.  This  crowded  condition  of  the  school  made  it 
impossible  for  the  teachers  to  do  full  justice  to  their  pupils.  Owing 
however  to  the  heavy  debt  on  the  parish  it  was  out  of  the  question 
then  to  build  a  larger  and  permanent  school.  Between  1894  and 
1900  every  effort  was  made  by  the  pastor  and  his  people  to  reduce 
the  debt,  in  order  the  better  to  meet  the  additional  debt  they  would 
have  to  incur  in  erecting  the  much  needed  school.  Finally,  in 
February,  1899,  at  a  meeting  of  the  parish  it  was  unanimously 
resolved  that  a  school  sufficiently  large,  and  in  keeping  with  the 
splendid  church,  should  be  built  without  further  delay.  Plans 
were  at  once  ordered  for  a  building,  to  cost  not  exceeding  $50,000. 
Work  was  commenced  in  May,  1900,  and  the  cornerstone  was 
laid  by  the  Rev.  F.  Heiermann,  S.  J.,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate,  on 
the  following  August  19.  The  building  is  now  (December,  1900) 
nearly  under  roof,  and  will  be  completed  in  1901.  According  to 
the  plans  adopted  it  will  be  one  of  the  finest  and  most  spacious 
schools  in  the  diocese. 

The  parish  has  a  steady  growth  and  is  one  of  the  largest  in 
Toledo.    It  has  at  present  about  650  families. 


ST.   FRANCIS    DE   SALES'   CHURCH   (1st  and   2nd),    TOLEDO. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  649 


TOLEDO. 

ST.  FRANCIS  DE  SALES'  CHURCH. 

The  early  history  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  parish  is  also  that 
of  the  early  history  of  Catholicity  in  Toledo,  as  it  was  the  first 
parish  organized  in  that  city.  Hence,  in  order  to  avoid  its 
repetition  in  this  sketch  the  reader  is  referred  to  pages  53,  57,  58, 
68-73,  of  this  volume,  for  a  full  account  of  that  history  from  1837 
to  1847. 

The  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe  was  the  first  resident  pastor  of 
Toledo— from  September,  1841,  to  October,  1847.  Shortly  after 
his  arrival  in  Toledo  he  was  urged  by  his  parishioners  either  to 
build  a  church,  for  which  purpose  they  had  raised  a  subscription 
of  $1,400,  or  to  purchase  a  frame  Presbyterian  meeting  house  then 
offered  for  sale  on  Superior  near  Cherry  street.  After  some  delay 
Father  Rappe  purchased  the  building  in  November,  1842,  and  had 
its  interior  changed  so  as  to  serve  the  purposes  of  a  Catholic 
church— the  first  in  Toledo.  In  October,  1847,  Father  Rappe  was 
consecrated  first  Bishop  of  Cleveland,  and  his  assistant,  the  Rev. 
Louis  De  Goesbriand,  succeeded  him  in  the  pastorate  of  St.  Francis 
de  Sales'  parish.  Father  De  Goesbriand  remained  in  charge  until 
his  transfer  to  the  Cathedral,  at  Cleveland,  in  January,  1848. 

The  Rev.  Philip  Foley  was  then  sent  to  Toledo,  where  he 
resided  from  February,  1848,  till  November,  1854.  He  had  as  his 
assistant,  in  1848,  the  Rev.  James  Moran.  In  1849  St.  Francis' 
church  was  enlarged,  to  accommodate  the  Germans,  to  whom  sepa- 
rate services  were  given ;  first,  by  the  Rev.  Sebastian  Sanner,  assis- 
tant to  Father  Foley,  1849-51;  and  then  by  the  Rev.  Philip  Flum, 
pastor  of  Maumee,  from  1852  till  1854.  In  January,  1854,  the 
Rev.  Charles  Evrard  was  appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  the 
Germans,  who  continued  to  have  separate  service  in  St.  Francis' 
church  till  the  completion  of  their  own  (St.  Mary's),  in  October, 

1856. 

In  November,  1854,  Father  Foley  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
Augustine  Campion,  who  remained  in  charge  until  May,  1856, 
when  the  Rev.  Robert  A.  Sidley  was  appointed  resident  pastor. 
His  successor,  in  April,  1859,  was  the  Rev.  F.  M.  Bof¥.  During 
the  latter's  pastorate,  which  ended  in  October,  1872,  much  was 


650  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

clone  for  the  temporal  and  spiritual  interests  of  the  parish. 
Between  1859  and  1863  Father  BofT  bought  two  of  the  eight  lots 
owned  by  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  church.  The  property  is  bounded 
by  Cherr^^  Superior  and  Orange  streets,  and  at  that  time  was 
considered  one  of  the  best  located  in  Toledo.  The  formation,  in 
1862,  of  St.  Patrick's  out  of  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  parish,  did  not 
seem  to  diminish  the  latter,  so  steadily  and  rapidly  did  it  increase. 
This  growth  necessitated  the  erection  of  a  larger  place  of  worship, 
to  replace  the  proto-church  of  Toledo.  The  new  church  was 
commenced  in  1862,  under  the  direction  of  Father  Boff,  and  was 
completed,  with  the  exception  of  the  spire  (which  is  still  unfin- 
ished), in  1870.  It  is  a  brick  structure,  of  Gothic  architecture, 
with  a  frontage  on  Cherry  street  of  67  feet,  and  a  depth  on  Superior 
street  of  162  feet.  The  church,  exclusive  of  furnishings,  cost 
about  $70,000. 

After  the  completion  of  the  new  church,  in  1870,  the  audi- 
torium of  the  old  building  was  transformed  into  school  rooms. 
Until  1854  the  school  was  in  the  basement  of  the  old  church,  and 
was  taught  by  lay  teachers.  From  1854  to  1891  it  was  under  the 
direction  of  the  Ursuline  Sisters,  assisted  by  a  lay  teacher — the 
latter  havmg  charge  of  the  larger  boys.  In  September,  1891,  the 
Christian  Brothers  were  engaged  to  teach  the  boys,  the  Ursuline 
Sisters  continuing  in  charge  of  the  girls,  and  that  arrangement 
has  been  continued  since  then.  About  300  children  attend 
the  school.  In  1894  an  attempt  was  made  to  build  a  permanent 
school,  worthy  of  the  means  and  standing  of  the  large  parish,  but 
it  ended  in  failure.* 

The  brick  pastoral  residence  was  commenced  in  1858  by 
Father  Sidley,  and  completed  in  1859  by  Father  Boff.  It  is  a 
plain  two-story  structure  and  fronts  on  Cherry  street. 

The  next  priest  in  charge  of  the  parish  was  the  Rev.  James 
O'Reilly.  He  bought  three  additional  lots  on  Superior  street, 
next  to  those  secured  by  Father  Boff,  His  uneventful  pastorate 
ended  with  his  death,  on  September  30,  1885.  In  November, 
1885,  the  Rev.  Patrick  F.  Quigley,  D.  D.,  was  appointed  pastor 
of  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  church.  He  at  once  began  to  reduce  the 
still  large  debt  and  succeeded  in  cancelling  it  in  1890.     Owing  to 

*See   page  156,   this   volume. 


ST.  HEDWIG'S  CHURCH,  TOLrEDO. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  651 

that  fact  he  felt  unable  to  add  any  notable  improvements  to  the 
parish  property  during  his  time. 

In  March,  1899,  Bishop  Gilmour  removed  the  Rev.  Dr.  Quig- 
ley  from  his  pastoral  charge,  and  appointed  the  Rev.  Patrick 
O'Brien  his  successor.  Doctor  Quigley  went  to  Rome  to  appeal 
from  the  Bishop's  action,  with  the  result  that  he  was  reinstated  by 
the  Holy  See.  He  returned  to  his  former  charge  in  the  following 
December  and  remained  until  his  death,  on  August  31,  1895.* 
A  few  weeks  later  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  J.  T.  O'Connell,  was 
appointed  his  successor. 

The  following  priests  were  stationed  at  St.  Francis  de  Sales' 
church  as  assistants:  The  Revs.  J.  Monahan,  from  1854  to  1855; 
W.  O'Connor,  1855-58;  J.  Quinn,  1858-60;  T.F.Halley,  1860-61; 
T.  P.  Thorpe,  1861-62;  J.  B.  Couillard,  1869-71;  J.  Monahan 
(second  time)  1875-76;  W.  J.  Gibbons,  1876-77;  J.  L.  Ahern,  1878- 
79;  M.  J.  Regan,  1893-98;  and  the  Rev.  G.  A.  Branigan,  since 
January,  1900. 

About  500  families  comprise  the  present  membership  of  the 
parish. 

TOLEDO. 

ST.  HEDWIG'S  (POLISH)  CHURCH. 

St.  Hedwig's  congregation  was  organized  in  the  spring  of 
1876.  Previous  to  that  time,  beginning  with  the  year  1871,  when 
the  first  Polish  family  settled  in  Toledo,  they  were  visited  occa- 
sionally by  the  Rev.  F.  X.  Schulak,  S.  J.,  of  Chicago,  111.,  and  from 
1873  by  the  Rev.  V.  Zareczny,  of  St.  Adalbert's,  Berea.  During 
this  time  the  Poles  living  in  the  western  part  of  the  city  attended 
St.  Mary's,  and  those  in  the  southern  part  St.  Peter's  church. 
Gradually  increasing  in  numbers,  and  desirous  of  having  their  own 
church  and  pastor,  they  obtained  permission  in  1874,  from  the 
Very  Rev.  Administrator  Bofif,  to  build  a  church  for  themselves, 
and  the  promise  of  a  priest  of  their  own  language.  In  the  fall  of 
the  same  year  the  Rev.  V.  Lewandowski  arrived  from  Poland,  and 
was  appointed  pastor  of  the  Polish  congregation  about  to  be  organ- 
ized at  Toledo.  Finding  willing  hearts,  and  meeting  with  gener- 
ous encouragement  on  the  part  of  his  spiritual  charge.  Father 
Lewandowski  purchased  for  $3,500,  in  January,  1876,  nine  lots, 

*See  page  156,  this  volume. 


652  A   HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

fronting  on  Dexter  and  Bronson  streets.  In  the  sprins:^  of  the  same 
year  he  began  the  erection  of  a  combination  brick  church  and 
school,  33  by  83  feet.  The  building,  a  two-story  structure,  was 
completed,  dedicated  and  used  for  the  first  time  in  the  following 
November.  The  upper  story  was  used  as  a  temporary  church, 
and  the  lower  story  contained  two  school-rooms.  About  the  same 
time  he  built  a  frame  parish  house  for  himself,  and  a  small  frame 
residence  for  the  Polish  Franciscan  Sisters,  of  Rochester,  Minn., 
who  have  had  charge  of  the  school  since  September,  1877. 

All  went  well  in  the  parish  for  about  eight  years,  and  the  prop- 
erty acquired  and  the  buildings  erected  were  nearly  paid  for,  when 
a  spirit  of  discord  and  open  opposition  to  the  pastor  became  so 
strong  that,  in  June,  1885,  a  riot  broke  out  which  ended  in  blood- 
shed and  a  triple  murder.  Father  Lewandowski  was  forced  to 
leave  the  parish  and  diocese  shortly  after  this  scandalous  affair. 
The  parish  was  then  attended  from  St.  Anthony's  until  the  arrival, 
in  August  following,  of  the  Rev.  C.  Augustinsky,  O.  S.  F.,  who 
was  given  temporary  charge  of  St.  Hedwig's.  Very  soon  he  also 
had  to  contend  with  the  same  discord  and  opposition.  Each  of 
the  two  contending  parties  in  the  parish  accused  the  other  of 
wrong-doing  in  connection  with  the  riot  of  June,  1885.  On  Sun- 
day, February  17,  1886,  the  church  was  almost  entirely  destroyed 
by  fire ;  only  the  bare  walls  remained.  Whether  the  fire  was  acci- 
dental, or  incendiary,  has  never  been  proved.  Father  Augustinsky 
left  St.  Hedwig's  immediately  after  the  fire,  and  a  few  weeks  later 
the  Rev.  J.  M.  Koudelka,  of  St.  Michael's  church,  Cleveland,  was 
given  temporary  charge  of  the  parish.  He  assembled  the  well- 
disposed  members  of  St.  Hedwig's  parish  in  St.  Mary's  church, 
where  he  held  divine  services  for  a  time.  Meanwhile  he  made 
every  effort  not  only  to  bring  about  peace  but  also  to  rebuild  the 
church.  In  both  he  succeeded  admirably.  His  prudence  and 
kindness  soon  brought  order  out  of  chaos  and  in  a  few  months  the 
church  was  rebuilt  and  the  parish  reunited  as  never  before.  The 
re-dedication  of  the  church  took  place  on  Sunday,  June  27,  1886, 
Bishop  Gilmour  performing  the  ceremony.  He  also  preached  a 
most  impressive  discourse  in  reference  to  the  past  sad  history  of 
the  parish  and  by  it  removed  much  of  the  prejudice  which  had 
been  aroused  against  the  Poles,  because  of  the  riots  among  them, 
in  Toledo,  as  well  as  in  other  cities.     From  that  day  to  this,  how- 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  653 

ever,  the  record  of  St,  Hedwig's  has  been  one  of  peace  and  har- 
mony, and  its  members  have  proved  themselves  good  Catholics 
and  good  citizens.     May  that  record  so  continue! 

On  the  day  the  church  was  re-dedicated  Bishop  Gilmour  in- 
stalled the  Rev.  Simon  Wieczorek  as  pastor  of  St.  Hedwig's 
parish,  thus  relieving  Father  Koudelka  of  his  temporary  charge,  of 
which  he  so  ably  acquitted  himself.  Father  Wieczorek  found  the 
parish  united,  and  imbued  with  an  excellent  spirit,  and  continued 
the  policy  of  his  predecessor,  which  was  firmness,  tempered  with 
kindness. 

In  the  summer  of  1886  a  frame  pastoral  residence  was  built  by 
Father  Koudelka  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,600.  It  replaced  the  for- 
mer which  had  proved  unsatisfactory,  and  was  sold  by  Father 
Koudelka. 

Between  1886  and  1890  the  parish  increased  very  rapidly  in 
membership.  When  organized  in  1876  it  had  about  75  families; 
in  1890  the  number  had  reached  over  400  families.  Father  Wiec- 
zorek and  his  people  felt  the  need  of  a  larger  and  better  church. 
With  this  need  in  view  he  bought  with  his  own  money  a  consider- 
able tract  of  land  in  May,  1890,  had  it  surveyed  into  lots,  and 
donated  the  west  half  of  the  property  (20  lots)  to  the  parish,  as  a 
site  for  the  new  church.  The  property  is  bounded  by  LaGrange, 
Dexter  and  Thompson  streets.  It  has  a  frontage  of  160  feet  on 
LaGrange  street  and  a  depth  of  300  feet.  The  church  was  com- 
menced in  the  spring  of  1891,  and  was  brought  to  completion  in 
the  early  fall  of  1892.  It  was  used  for  the  first  time  on  October 
16  of  that  year.  On  Sunday,  April  23,  1893,  Bishop  Horstmann 
dedicated  the  beautiful  Gothic  edifice,  which  is  one  of  the  most 
attractive  in  the  diocese.  The  church  fronts  on  LaGrange  street 
and  is  the  most  conspicuous  building  in  that  part  of  Toledo.  It 
is  built  of  Sandusky  blue  stone ;  its  length  is  160  feet,  and  its  width, 
60  feet,  and  at  the  transept,  75  feet.  Including  the  stained  glass 
windows  and  its  handsome  furnishings,  it  cost  about  $65,000.  The 
auditorium  of  the  old  church  on  which  Father  Koudelka  had 
expended  about  $5,000  when  it  was  rebuilt  after  the  fire,  was  trans- 
formed into  three  well-appointed  school  rooms;  thus  the  entire 
building  was  made  to  serve  as  a  parish  school. 

At  a  meeting  of  St.  Hedwig's  congregation,  held  in  July, 


654  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

1900,  it  was  unanimously  resolved  to  build  a  stone  pastoral  resi- 
dence, in  harmony  with  the  new  church,  to  cost  not  exceeding 
$10,000.  Work  was  commenced  in  the  following  month,  and  is 
now  (December,  1900)  enclosed.  When  finished  it  will  be  one  of 
the  best  appointed  parish  houses  in  the  diocese.  After  its  comple- 
tion the  residence  now  in  use  will  be  given  to  the  Sisters  in  charge 
of  the  school,  and  their  present  residence  will  be  changed  into 
additional  school  rooms.  As  soon  as  the  moderate  parish  debt  is 
cancelled  it  is  expected  that  a  large  school,  equal  to  the  best,  will 
be  built.  The  generosity  of  the  people  of  St.  Hedwig's  will  easily 
make  that  expectation  a  reality. 

For  nearly  a  year  Father  Wieczorek  has  been  in  poor  health, 
and  consequently  has  not  been  able  to  discharge  the  duties  con- 
nected with  his  large  parish  without  assistance.  Since  June,  1900, 
he  has  had  as  his  curate  the  Rev.  F.  F.  Doppke. 

The  parish  now  comprises  nearly  600  families,  and  about  the 
same  number  of  children  attend  the  school. 


TOLEDO. 
ST.    JOSEPH'S    (FRENCH)   CHURCH. 

St.  Joseph's  parish,  at  Toledo,  is  composed  of  the  French 
families  living  west  of  the  Maumee  river,  excepting  those  now 
identified  with  St.  Anne's  and  St.  Michael's  parishes,  recently 
organized.  It  was  established  in  the  summer  of  1854  by  the  Rev. 
Charles  Evrard,  at  that  time  pastor  of  St.  Mary's  German  church. 
He  raised  a  subscription  of  $600  and  at  the  cost  of  $1,800  built  a 
small  brick  chapel,  or  church,  on  the  rear  portion  of  the  grounds, 
which  had  just  then  been  bought  by  Bishop  Rappe  for  the  proposed 
Ursuline  Convent.  Father  Evrard  attended  the  Mission  every 
Sunday  and  Holyday  of  obligation,  for  about  two  years.  His  own 
parish  meanwhile  grew  so  large  that  he  was  finally  obliged  to  give 
it  his  entire  attention,  but  by  an  arrangement  with  the  priests  sta- 
tioned at  St.  Francis'  church,  they  said  Mass  in  the  so-called 
"French  chapel"  while  Father  Evrard  preached  there  the  French 
sermons  in  the  interval  between  the  two  Masses  in  his  own  church. 
This  was  the  manner  of  attending  the  chapel  until  February,  1863, 
when  the  Rev.  J.  Rouchy  was  appointed  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  655 

congregation.  He  remained  in  charge  until  May,  1866,  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  E.  Haemers,  who  attended  it  for  a  few 
months  as  a  Mission.  In  October,  1866,  the  Rev.  C.  Wardy  was 
sent  to  take  pastoral  charge  of  St.  Joseph's ;  he  remained  until  June, 
1868.  His  successors  were  the  following  priests:  The  Revs.  M. 
Jecker,  from  July,  1868,  to  January,  1878 ;  A.  Sauvadet,  to  Febru- 
ary, 1884;  L.  Braire,  until  his  death,  October  20,  1891;  W.  J. 
Burns,  to  February,  1892 ;  and  since  then,  the  present  pastor,  the 
Rev.  L.  Nougaret. 

As  the  Ursuline  Sisters  needed  all  the  grounds  connected  with 
their  Convent  and  Academy,  it  became  necessary  to  secure  another 
site  for  a  permanent  church.  Three  lots  were  therefore  bought  in 
1876,  by  Father  Jecker,  at  the  junction  of  Erie  and  Locust  streets. 
He  commenced  the  present  brick  church  which  faces  Locust 
street ;  but  lack  of  means  and  parish  troubles  prevented  him  from 
completing  it.  That  difficult  task  was  left  to  his  successor.  Father 
Sauvadet,  who,  with  borrowed  money,  collections,  etc..  succeeded 
within  a  short  time  in  finishing  the  interior  of  the  church,  so  that 
it  could  be  used.  The  church  was  dedicated  on  December  8,  1878, 
by  the  Rev.  W.  Kockerols,  S.  J.,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate.  In  1878 
Father  Sauvadet  built  a  brick  addition  in  the  rear  of  the  church, 
at  an  expense  of  about  $1,500.  It  was  used  as  a  temporary  school, 
until  1880.  Father  Sauvadet  also  built  a  belfry  and  secured  a 
chime  of  eleven  bells,  at  a  cost  of  about  $6,000.  Of  this  sum  the 
parish  paid  about  $4,000 ;  the  balance  was  met  by  donations  from 
Father  Sauvadet's  friends  in  Toledo  and  elsewhere. 

The  Ursuline  Sisters  have  had  charge  of  the  parish  school, 
since  its  organization,  in  September,  1878,  when  the  chapel  on 
their  Convent  grounds  was  converted  into  a  school,  and  thus  used 
until  June,  1880.  In  September  of  that  year  the  school  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  rear  of  the  present  church,  and  again  to  a  frame  resi- 
dence bought  by  Father  Sauvadet,  in  1883. 

For  the  sum  of  $2,100  Father  Nougaret  bought  a  lot  next  to 
the  church,  on  Erie  street,  in  July,  1894,  as  a  site  for  the  parish 
school,  the  old  building  bought  by  Father  Sauvadet  having 
become  too  small.  The  new  school,  a  two-story  brick  structure, 
was  commenced  in  the  summer  of  1894,  and  was  ready  for  use 
in  January,  1895;  with  its  furnishings  it  cost  about  $2,500. 

In  1899  Father  Nougaret  had  the  church  renovated  and  deco- 


656  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

rated  in  excellent  taste,  at  an  expenditure  of  about  $2,000.  This 
included  a  new  sanctuary,  new  pews,  a  set  of  Stations,  and  fresco- 
ing. The  church,  school  and  residence  are  in  excellent  condition, 
as  is  also  the  parish.  This  has  lost  a  considerable  portion  of  its 
membership  within  the  last  three  years,  owing  to  the  formation  of 
St.  Anne's  and  St.  Michael's  parishes.  At  present  it  numbers  about 
175  families. 


TOLEDO. 
ST.  LOUIS'  (FRENCH)  CHURCH. 

The  rapid  increase  of  the  French  Canadian  population  of 
Toledo  and  vicinity  necessitated  the  formation  in  1871  of  a  second 
parish  of  that  nationality.  In  that  year  three  lots  were  purchased 
on  Sixth  street,  in  East  Toledo,  although  the  deed  was  not  given 
until  December,  1872.  In  the  fall  of  1871  the  present  church, 
42  by  76  feet,  was  built  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  M.  Jecker. 
It  is  a  brick  structure,  of  very  plain  design,  and  cost  about  $3,000. 
Father  Jecker  attended  the  Mission  from  St.  Joseph's  church  until 
September,  1872,  when  the  Rev.  F.  Gauthier  was  appointed  resi- 
dent pastor.  He  remained  in  charge  until  March,  1876,  when  St, 
Louis'  church  again  became  a  Mission  of  St.  Joseph's.  In  August 
of  the  same  year  the  Rev.  J.  Rouchy  was  appointed  resident  pastor. 
Ill  health  forced  him  to  resign  in  February,  1879.  Again  the 
church  became  a  Mission  and  was  at  first  attended  by  the  Jesuit 
Fathers  of  St.  Mary's,  and  later  by  the  Rev.  A.  Sauvadet,  of  St. 
Joseph's,  until  November,  1879.  From  that  time  until  July,  1880, 
no  regular  services  were  held  and  the  congregation  being  without 
a  pastor  or  visiting  priest,  was  considerably  scattered.  That  was 
its  condition  when  the  Rev.  J.  Thein  was  sent  in  July,  1880,  to 
take  pastoral  charge  of  St.  Louis'  church,  but  he  soon  gathered 
the  people  formerly  identified  with  the  parish.  In  December  of 
the  same  year  he  bought,  for  his  residence,  a  lot  with  a  frame  house 
on  it,  the  purchase  price  being  $1,200.  He  also  greatly  improved 
the  interior  of  the  church  which  had  lacked  ornamentation  of  any 
kind.  The  next  pastor  was  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Primeau,  from  Septem- 
ber, 1884,  until  December,  1888,  when  Bishop  Gilmour  directed 
him  to  leave.  He  ceased  then  to  ofBciate  in  the  church,  but 
refused    to    leave    the    pastoral    residence    until    commanded    by 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  657 

Archbishop  Elder,  in  December,  1890,  to  obey  Bishop  Gilmour's 
orders.  For  further  particulars  regarding  this  unsavory  subject 
the  reader  is  referred  to  pages  157-161,  of  this  volume. 

The  Rev.  W.  J.  Smith  was  appointed  to  succeed  Father 
Frimeau  in  December,  1888,  and  successfully  administered  the 
parish  affairs  until  September,  1890,  during  all  of  which  time  he 
lived  in  a  rented  house  some  distance  from  the  church.  From 
September,  1890,  to  July,  1891,  the  parish  was  again  without  a 
pastor.  The  Rev.  J.  Berger  was  then  appointed  resident  pastor. 
He  built  the  present  brick  pastoral  residence  in  1892,  at  a  cost 
of  $4,000,  which  remained  a  debt  on  the  parish  for  some  years. 
He  was  succeeded  in  October,  1894.  by  the  Rev.  J.  E.  Chapuis, 
who  was  removed  in  January,  1896,  when  the  present  (1900) 
incumbent,  the  Rev.  R.  Prud'homme,  was  given  pastoral  charge  of 
St.  Louis'  church. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  in  1880,  by  Father  Thein 
and  placed  in  charge  of  the  Ursuline  Sisters.  They  have  taught 
it  since  then,  with  the  exception  of  two  years  (1894-5)  when 
two  Sisters  of  Charity,  from  Montreal,  conducted  the  school. 

The  present  membership  of  the  parish  is  about  250  families. 


TOLEDO. 

ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

Until  1854  St.  Francis  De  Sales'  was  the  only  Catholic  church 
in  Toledo.  By  that  time  a  large  part  of  the  parish  was  composed 
of  Germans,  who  had  been  steadily  increasing  in  numbers  since 
1848.  From  1852  until  1854  they  had  separate  services,  as  the 
church,  although  enlarged  in  1849,  had  again  become  too  small  to 
accommodate  all  the  members  of  the  parish,  whose  broad  limits 
were  Toledo  and  the  adjacent  country. 

The  Rev.  S.  Sanner  was  at  St.  Francis'  church  as  curate 
from  1848  to  1849,  and  attended  to  the  spiritual  interests  of  the 
German  members  of  the  parish.  He  did  the  same  while  stationed 
at  Maumee,  until  1852,  when  his  successor,  the  Rev.  Philip  Flum, 
began  and  for  two  years  continued  to  give  them  separate  services 
twice  a  month.  In  November,  1853,  a  petition,  signed  by  over 
200  German  members  of  the  parish,  was  sent  to  Bishop  Rappe, 


658  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

asking-  for  a  pastor  conversant  with  their  langiia^i^e,  and  permis- 
sion to  build  a  church  for  themselves.  The  petition  was  readily 
^[•ranted,  and  in  the  following-  January  the  Rev.  Charles  Evrard 
was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor  of  the  Germans  in  Toledo 
and  vicinity.  At  a  cost  of  v$5,100  he  bought  two  lots,  with  a  fron- 
tage of  150  feet  on  Cherry  street,  and  200  feet  on  Orange  street. 
In  the  summer  of  1854  he  commenced  the  original  part  of  the 
present  brick  church,  making  its  dimensions  62  by  100  feet ;  these 
have  since  been  considerably  enlarged.  The  building  was  en- 
closed in  the  following  year,  and  used  for  the  first  time  in  October, 
1856;  only  the  sanctuary  of  the  church  was  plastered  at  the  time. 
Meanwhile  Father  Evrard  had  continued  to  hold  special  services 
for  his  people,  in  old  St.  Francis  De  Sales'  church.  Bishop  Rappe 
sang  the  first  High  Mass  in  the  new  church  on  Rosary  Sunday, 
of  that  year.  The  plastering  and  frescoing  were  done  during  the 
fall  and  winter,  and  on  March  25,  1857,  the  celebrated  Jesuit  Mis- 
sionary, Father  Weninger,  as  Bishop  Rappe's  delegate,  dedicated 
the  church,  placing  it  under  the  patronage  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
Mary  of  the  Assumption.  The  cost  of  the  building,  as  it  then 
stood,  amounted  to  $12,000.  At  the  close  of  1862  the  entire 
ilebt  incurred  for  the  lots  and  building  was  cancelled.  Three 
years  later  the  spire  was  erected,  and  in  1866  a  large  organ,  three 
bells,  main  altar  and  pulpit  were  bought.  The  improvements 
added  to  the  church  between  July,  1864,  and  July,  1867,  cost 
$45,000,  of  which  sum  $30,000  had  been  paid  during  that  time. 

Father  Evrard  also  provided  a  lofty  basement  under  the 
front  and  rear  parts  of  the  church,  the  front  serving  as  a  parish 
school,  and  the  rear  as  his  residence.  The  school  was  placed  in 
charge  of  the  Ursuline  Sisters  in  1865. 

Father  Evrard's  pastorate  ended  in  September,  1867,  by  the 
appointment  of  the  Rev.  C.  Viere,  who  remained  until  August, 
1869.  Bishop  Rappe  then  gave  the  pastorate  of  St.  Mary's  parish 
to  the  Jesuit  Fathers  of  the  German  Province  of  Buffalo,  and  in 
compliance  with  one  of  the  conditions  of  their  acceptance  he 
deeded  to  them  the  parish  property  acquired  up  to  that  time. 

The  first  Jesuit  Father  to  take  charge  of  St  Mary's  was  the 
Rev.  Peter  Spicher,  who  remained  about  one  year — from  Septem- 
ber, 1869.  Since  1870  the  following  Jesuits  succeeded  Father 
Spicher  in  the  pastorate  of  St.  Mary's:     The  Revs.  J.  B.  Kanz- 


ST.    .MAKVS   CHURCH   AND   SCHOOL,    TOLEDO. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  659 

leiter.  to  March,  1872;  N.  Greisch,  to  February,  1875;  W. 
Kockerols.  to  June,  ]886;  A.  Sigg,  to  January,  1890;  M.  Zoller, 
to  August,  1893;  P.  Schnitzler,  till  his  much  lamented  death, 
March  19.  1900;  A.  Steffen,  in  temporary  charge,  until  August, 
1900;  and  since  then  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  C.  J.  Alten. 
During  this  long  period  many  Jesuit  Fathers  filled  the  position  of 
curate,  at  times  two  or  three  serving  in  that  capacity.  Want  of 
space  forbids  giving  a  list  of  their  names;  but  all  worked  zealously 
for  the  best  interests  of  the  parish. 

The  grade  of  property  along  Cherry  street  was  considerably 
lowered  in  1875,  which  necessitated  a  new  and  deeper  foundation 
for  the  entire  church.  This  costly  improvement  was  finished  in 
1876. 

In  1879  Father  Kockerols  erected  the  present  three  story 
brick  building,  fronting  on  Michigan  street,  as  a  residence  for 
the  Fathers  connected  with  the  parish  work  in  the  various  churches 
or  chaplaincies  of  the  different  religious  institutions  in  Toledo. 

In  1880  the  length  of  the  church  was  considerably  increased, 
and  a  spacious  sanctuary  was  also  added.  In  1895  Father 
Schnitzler  had  the  frescoing  of  the  church  renovated,  thus  making 
its  hitherto  rather  plain  interior  quite  attractive. 

The  school  has  always  received  a  generous  support  from  the 
parish  and  special  attention  from  each  of  the  long  line  of  pastors. 
As  already  stated  in  this  sketch.  Father  Evrard  established  the 
school  in  the  basement  of  the  church.  This  eventually  proving 
unsatisfactory,  on  account  of  location  and  want  of  room,  the  pres- 
ent large  three-story  brick  building  was  erected  by  Father  Greisch, 
in  1873,  on  lots  bought  and  owned  by  the  parish.  In  1877  Father 
Kockerols  engaged  the  Notre  Dame  Sisters,  from  Cleveland,  as 
teachers.  They  have  had  charge  of  the  school  ever  since ;  fourteen 
Sisters,  and  a  lay  teacher  for  the  larger  boys,  are  now  employed  in 
the  school.  The  Sisters'  frame  residence,  bought  in  1879,  near  the 
school,  was  enlarged  in  1891.  The  steady  increase  of  the  member- 
ship of  the  parish  has  made  it  by  far  the  largest  in  Toledo,  and  one 
of  the  largest  German  parishes  in  the  diocese.  It  now  numbers 
upwards  of  800  families  and  in  consequence  the  school  has  become 
uncomfortably  small.  Father  Alten  is  therefore  contemplating 
the  purchase  of  land  for  a  school  in  the  northern  part  of  the  parish, 


660  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

and  hopes  to  erect  a  larger  and  finer  school  thereon  within  the 
next  year  or  two. 

The  parish  and  school  are  in  a  flourishing  condition  and  their 
best  interests  are  safe-guarded  by  pastor  and  curates. 

In  conclusion  it  may  perhaps  be  worthy  of  note  to  state  that 
St.  Mary's  is  the  parent  parish  of  St.  Peter's,  Sacred  Heart,  St. 
Anne's,  and  St.  Michael's, 


TOLEDO. 
ST.  MICHAEL'S  CHURCH. 

In  May,  1897,  the  Rev.  L.  Nougaret,  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's 
church,  Toledo,  organized  a  Society  under  the  name  of  "Associa- 
tion of  Catechists,  of  St.  Joseph's  Church."  Its  object  was  to 
instruct  in  the  Faith  the  Catholic  children  living  in  the  outlying 
district  of  North  Toledo,  Quite  a  number  of  young  people  gener- 
ously gave  their  services  to  this  charitable  work.  They  rented 
Wheeler's  Hall,  at  the  corner  of  Columbus  street  and  Summit 
avenue,  and  there  taught  Catechism  every  Sunday  afternoon. 
Their  efforts  helped  at  the  same  time  to  direct  attention  to  the 
necessity  of  establishing  a  parish  in  that  part  of  Toledo.  Accord- 
ingly, in  1898,  a  petition,  signed  by  many  Catholics  in  North 
Toledo,  was  sent  to  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop,  asking  him  to  appoint 
a  priest  to  organize  the  new  congregation  for  them.  The  Bishop 
could  not  grant  their  petition,  owing  to  a  scarcity  of  priests,  until 
June,  1900,  when  he  directed  the  Rev.  W.  A.  Harks  to  organize 
the  new  parish,  which  was  to  be  placed  under  the  patronage  of 
St.  Michael  the  Archangel.  Father  Harks  arranged  the  hall  above 
mentioned  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship  and  said  Mass  in  it  for 
the  first  time  on  the  feast  of  St.  John  the  Baptist,  1900.  Shortly 
after  he  rented  the  old  Methodist  meeting  house  on  Albany  street 
and  had  its  interior  changed  to  serve  as  a  Catholic  church.  In  July, 
1900,  eight  lots  were  bought,  on  which  to  erect  the  parish  build- 
ings; the  lots  cost  $4,200.  Plans  were  adopted  for  a  three  story 
combination  brick  church  and  school  (73  by  88  feet  in  size),  and  a 
pastoral  residence,  the  cost  of  both  buildings  being  estimated  at 
$20,000.  This  sum  had  to  be  borrowed,  as  the  people  were  un- 
able to  raise  the  necessary  means  at  once.     The  buildings  were 


ST.    PATRICK'S    CHURCH,     (1900)    TOLEDO. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  661 

commenced  in  October,  1900,  and  will  be  ready  for  use  in  the 
spring  of  1901. 

The  parish  is  composed  of  Germans,  Irish  and  French,  its 
members  having  been  formerly  affiliated  with  St.  Mary's,  St. 
Francis'  and  St.  Joseph's  churches.  As  yet  there  is  no  school, 
but  that  too  will  be  organized  in  the  near  future. 


TOLEDO. 
ST.  PATRICK'S  CHURCH. 

Until  1862  St.  Francis  de  Sales'  was  the  only  English-speaking 
parish  in  Toledo.  In  April  of  that  year  the  Rev.  Edward  Hannin 
was  commissioned  by  Bishop  Rappe  to  organize  St.  Patrick's 
parish,  in  the  southern  portion  of  Toledo.  In  the  following  month 
Father  Hannin  bought  three  large  lots,  located  at  the  junction  of 
Lafayette  and  13th  streets.  Two  months  later,  July  4,  the  corner- 
stone of  the  new  church  was  laid  by  Bishop  Luers,  of  Fort 
Wayne,  Bishop  Rappe  being  in  Europe  at  that  time.  The  church, 
a  brick  structure,  55  by  125  feet,  was  enclosed  before  winter,  and, 
although  its  interior  was  not  finished,  divine  services  were  held  in 
it  for  the  first  time  on  February  1,  1863.  Archbishop  Purcell 
dedicated  the  new  edifice  on  St.  Patrick's  day,  1864,  Bishop  Rappe, 
Bishop  Luers,  of  Fort  Wayne,  and  many  priests  being  present  at 
the  ceremony.  With  furnishings,  organ  and  bell,  the  church  cost 
about  $27,000. 

In  the  summer  of  1863,  a  temporary  school  was  erected  in  the 
rear  of  the  church,  and  attached  thereto ;  the  school  was  opened 
in  October  of  the  same  year.  The  present  three-story  school 
building,  next  to  the  church,  and  fronting  on  Lafayette  street,  was 
commenced  in  1864,  and  completed  in  1865.  It  is  a  brick  struc- 
ture, 50  by  60  feet,  and  has  eight  rooms,  and  a  full  equipment  of 
school  furniture ;  it  cost  about  $20,000.  The  former  school  being 
vacated,  the  present  building  has  been  used  in  its  stead  ever  since. 
About  400  children  are  enrolled  and  they  are  taught  by  four  Ursu- 
line  Sisters  and  four  lay  teachers.  The  Sisters  have  had  charge  of 
the  girls'  department  since  the  opening  of  the  parish  school,  in 
1863.  St.  Patrick's  school,  or  Academy,  as  it  is  called,  has  always 
taken  high  rank  with  the  public  and  parochial  schools  of  Toledo, 


662  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Father  llannin  devoting  much  attention  to  tlie  proper  training  of 
the  children. 

In  1S()6  Father  Hannin  erected  a  fourth  brick  building  in 
the  rear  of  and  adjoining  the  school.  It  i.s  also  three  stories  high, 
part  of  it  serving  as  the  rectory. 

When  Bishop  Rappe  resigned  the  See  of  Cleveland,  in  August, 
1870,  Father  Hannin  was  appointed  administrator  of  the  diocese. 
He  filled  that  responsible  and  trying  position  from  September, 
1870,  until  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Richard  Gilmour  as  Bishop 
Rappe's  successor,  in  April,  1872.  Meanwhile,  however.  Father 
Hannin  retained  the  pastorate  of  St.  Patrick's  parish,  with  the 
Revs.  J.  F.  Gallagher,  E.  M.  O'Callaghan  and  F.  J.  Henry  suc- 
cessively in  temporary  charge.  After  the  installation  of  Bishop 
Gilmour,  Father  Hannin  resumed  his  former  post  of  duty  at  St. 
Patrick's  as  pastor,  and  has  retained  it  ever  since. 

In  June,  1873,  Father  Hannin  commenced  the  erection  of  St. 
Patrick's  Institute,  which  was  finished  in  March,  1874.  Its  open- 
ing on  St.  Patrick's  day  of  that  year,  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  was 
attended  by  much  ceremony,  in  the  presence  of  Gov.  Allen  and  a 
large  concourse  of  people.  The  building  is  a  four-story  brick 
structure  and  fronts  on  three  streets,  the  main  facade  being 
towards  Lafayette  street.  Besides  a  gymnasium  and  society  rooms 
it  has  a  well-appointed  parish  hall.  The  building  cost  about 
$30,000. 

Between  1874  and  1891  nothing  out  of  the  ordinary  occurred 
in  the  parish  in  the  way  of  improvements.  In  the  latter  year,  how- 
ever, the  first  steps  were  taken  towards  the  erection  of  the  present 
splendid  church.  The  condition  of  the  old  church  had  become 
such  that  its  further  use  was  considered  unsafe.  Hence  Father 
Hannin  was  obliged  to  commence  the  new  church  sooner  than  he 
had  intended.  As  a  preparatory  step,  therefore,  the  parish  hall 
was  fitted  up  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship  and  the  old  church 
was  torn  down  in  the  spring  of  1891.  The  foundation  of  the  new 
church,  occupying  the  site  of  the  old  edifice,  was  commenced  and 
finished  in  1892,  at  a  cost  of  $9,500,  but  the  cornerstone  was  not 
laid  until  July  15,  1894;  the  ceremony  was  performed  by  Bishop 
Horstmann.  Work  on  the  new  structure  was  now  continued 
steadily.  At  present  (December,  1900)  it  is  near  completion, 
and  Father  Hannin  hopes    to    have    it    dedicated    in    the    spring 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  663 

of  1901.  It  was  used  for  the  first  time  on  Christmas  day,  1900. 
When  finished,  St.  Patrick's  church  will  take  undisputed  rank 
with  the  finest  and  largest  churches  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland, 
if  not  in  the  country.  It  will  cost  upwards  of  $150,000.  Follow- 
ing is  a  brief  description  of  the  imposing  temple:  It  is  built  of 
cut  stone  and  its  architecture  is  pure  Gothic.  Its  length  is  181 
feet,  and  its  width  78  feet.  It  has  two  transepts,  one  in  front  and 
the  other  well  to  the  rear;  the  former  is  88  feet,  and  the  latter  112 
feet  in  width.  It  is  richly  ornamented  with  pediments  and  sharply 
pointed  gables,  and  the  graceful  spire,  242  feet  high,  rises  from 
the  front  transept.  Two  rows  of  columns,  ten  in  number,  support 
the  richly  ornamented  groined  ceiling.  The  bases  of  the 
columns  are  of  dark  red  granite,  octagonal  in  form ;  the  shafts, 
20  feet  in  one  piece,  are  of  bright  red  granite  color  and  cylin- 
drical in  form;  all  of  the  exposed  surfaces  of  the  base  and  shaft 
are  highly  polished.  The  capitals  are  of  white  marble,  bold  in 
design  and  beautifully  carved.  Most  of  the  columns  were  donated 
by  non-Catholic  friends  of  Father  Hannin.  The  stained  glass 
windows  and  ornamental  plastering  are  in  keeping  with  the  beauty 
of  the  church. 

In  the  rear  of  the  church  will  be  five  altars — one  in  the  sanc- 
tuary, one  opposite  each  aisle,  and  one  in  each  arm  of  the 
transept.  The  church  has  five  exits — three  in  the  front  and  two  in 
the  rear.  Five  aisles  will  run  the  entire  length  of  the  church,  and 
two  additional  ones  in  the  transept.  There  will  be  eight  rows  of 
pews  the  entire  length  of  the  edifice,  besides  two  rows  in  the  tran- 
sept, each  accommodating  four  persons.  The  seating  capacity  of 
the  church  is  1400. 

Father  Hannin  was  obliged  to  contract  a  large  debt  in  erect- 
ing the  church,  and  it  will  take  years  of  careful  management  on 
the  part  of  the  pastor,  as  well  as  great  generosity  on  the  part 
of  his  parishioners,  to  cancel  it. 

St.  Patrick's  parish  is  one  of  the  largest  in  Toledo,  and  num- 
bers about  400  families.  In  the  Diocesan  Synod  of  January,  1889, 
it  was  made  a  rectorate,  and  Father  Hannin  was  at  the  time 
appointed  its  irremovable  rector. 


664  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

TOLEDO. 
ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH. 

St,  Peter's,  an  off-shoot  of  St.  Mary's,  was  the  second 
German  parish  established  in  Toledo.  Its  history  dates  back  to 
July,  1866,  when  the  Rev.  Peter  Danenhoffer  was  appointed  its 
first  pastor.  Four  lots  were  secured  on  South  St.  Clair  street,  and 
on  one  ot  them  Father  Danenhoffer  erected  a  two-story  brick 
structure,  40  by  80  feet,  to  serve  as  a  temporary  church  and  school. 
St.  Mary's,  the  parent  parish,  gave  i}51,500  to  assist  the  new  con- 
gregation. Its  growth  was  so  rapid  that  in  1873  a  permanent 
church  had  to  be  commenced.  Bishop  Gilmour  laid  the  corner- 
stone on  August  24,  of  that  year.  The  handsome  brick  edifice, 
70  by  145  feet,  was  finished  within  two  years,  at  a  cost  of  about 
$34,000.  Bishop  Borgess,  of  Detroit,  dedicated  the  church  to  St. 
Peter  the  Apostle,  December  12,  1875,  Bishop  Gilmour  being  then 
ill  in  Europe. 

The  church  was  renovated  from  time  to  time,  and  especially 
so  between  1888  and  1891,  when  Father  Danenhoffer  expended 
nearly  $10,000  for  that  purpose.  This  also  included  new  altars, 
a  fine  set  of  Stations,  and  artistic  frescoing.  In  1899  a  steam- 
heating  apparatus  was  installed  at  a  cost  of  about  $6,000;  it  heats 
all  the  parish  buildings. 

After  the  new  church  was  dedicated,  the  combination  church 
and  school  was  remodeled,  making  the  entire  building  serve  the 
latter  purpose;  six  rooms  are  now  in  use.  Almost  from  the  date 
of  its  organization  the  school  has  been  in  charge  of  the  Franciscan 
Sisters,  from  Rochester,  Minn. 

Father  Danenhoffer  built  the  pastoral  residence  in  1870,  at 
a  cost  of  about  $4,000.  All  the  parish  buildings  are  of  brick; 
they,  as  well  as  the  church  and  school  grounds  and  the  parish 
cemetery,  are  now  in  good  condition.  There  is  practically  no 
debt  on  the  fine  property. 

Father  Danenhoffer's  health  failing,  he  had  as  his  curates, 
for  a  short  time  in  1896,  his  brother,  the  Rev.  A.  Danenhoffer, 
and  later  the  Revs.  W.  S.  Kress,  J.  P.  Haupert,  and  H.  Wichmann. 
After  Father  Danenhoffer's  death,  April  20,  1898,  Father  Wich- 
mann had  temporary  charge  of  the  parish,  until  the  appointment 
of  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  W.  Miiller,  in  June,  1898. 

The  parish  numbers  about  360  families. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  665 


TOLEDO. 

ST.   STEPHEN'S   (MAGYAR)    CHURCH. 

Catholic  Magyars  began  to  settle  in  Toledo,  especially  east 
of  the  Maumee  river,  about  the  year  1888.  As  they  had  no  priest 
of  their  own  nationality,  they  attended  divine  services  in  the 
churches  nearest  to  their  homes.  The  Rev.  C.  Bohm,  of  Cleve- 
land, came  at  stated  periods  to  attend  to  their  spiritual  wants, 
from  1892  until  September,  1898,  when  his  assistant,  the  present 
pastor,  the  Rev.  R.  Paulovits,  was  sent  to  East  Toledo,  to  organize 
a  Magyar  parish.  He  rented  a  hall,  which  he  had  fitted  up  as  a 
temporar}'^  place  of  worship.  He  then  secured  a  church  site  of  ten 
lots,  at  the  corner  of  Genesee  and  Consaul  streets.  On  two  of 
these  lots  he  built  a  neat  frame  church,  45  by  90  feet,  at  a  cost  of 
about  $3,000.  Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time  on 
New  Year's  day,  1899.  During  that  year  its  interior  was  taste- 
fully furnished,  and  brought  to  completion  by  the  following  July. 
It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Stephen,  King  of  Hungary,  on  Sunday, 
August  20,  1899,  by  the  Rev.  Chancellor  Houck,  as  the  Bishop's 
delegate. 

In  November,  1898,  Father  Paulovits  bought,  at  a  cost  of 
$1,200,  a  house  and  lot  next  to  the  church,  and  had  the  former 
fitted  up  for  his  residence. 

In  September,  1899,  the  parish  school  was  opened  in  a  frame 
building,  erected  at  a  cost  of  $2,000.  It  was  placed  in  charge  of 
the  Notre  Dame  Sisters,  of  Cleveland. 

The  parish  is  growing  steadily  and  has  a  promising  future. 
It  has  now  (December,  1900)  about  125  families,  all  of  whom 
contribute  generously  towards  the  support  of  the  church. 

TOUSSAINT,  OTTAWA  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
Toussaint  (also  known  as  "Frenchtown")  is  a  French  Cana- 
dian settlement.  Between  1841  and  1883  Toussaint  was  attended 
from  St.  Francis',  Toledo,  Holy  Angels',  Sandusky,  St.  Ann's, 
Fremont,  and  finally,  beginning  with  the  year  1862,  from  Port 
Clinton.  Until  1845  Mass  was  celebrated  in  the  log  cabins  of 
the  early  settlers,  who  gained  their  livelihood  by  fishing  and  hunt- 


666  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

ing.  A  log  chapel  was  then  built  on  a  half-acre  tract  of  land. 
It  served  its  purpose  until  the  erection  of  the  present  frame  church 
(35  by  50  feet)  in  1861.  by  the  Rev.  L.  Molon,  then  stationed  at 
Fremont. 

In  June,  1881,  the  Rev.  A.  Vigeaut  was  appointed  first  resi- 
dent pastor  of  the  congregation.  His  successors  were  the 
following  priests:  The  Revs.  J.  McMahon  from  November,  1883, 
to  March,  1886;  A.  Hamelin,  August,  1886,  to  August,  1890; 
J.  B.  Primeau.  August,  1891,  to  October,  1892;  T.  M.  Kolb,  for 
one  month,  ending  November  16,  1892.  During  the  interval 
between  Father  Hamelin's  removal  and  Father  Primeau's  appoint- 
ment, Toussaint  was  attended  from  Oak  Harbor,  of  which  place 
it  was  again  a  Mission  from  December,  1892,  until  February,  1896. 
It  was  then  made  a  Mission  of  Big  Ditch,  whence  it  has  since  been 
attended  monthly.  The  pastoral  residence,  a  plain  frame  build- 
ing, was  erected  in  1880;  since  1892  it  has  been  occupied  by  a 
tenant.  The  church  was  re-roofed  and  thoroughly  renovated, 
and  the  adjacent  cemetery  put  in  good  condition,  in  the  summer 
of  1900. 

In  July,  1882,  Mr.  A.  Valliquette,  a  member  of  the  congrega- 
tion, donated  52  acres  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  Mission  which 
receives  the  annual  rent,  as  part  of  its  support.  At  present  about 
35  families,  all  farmers,  are  identified  with  the  Mission. 


UPPER     SANDUSKY,  WYANDOT  COUNTY. 

ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH. 

Wyandot  county,  and  Upper  Sandusky,  its  county  seat,  are 
rich  in  historical  lore  concerning  their  aboriginal  inhabitants,  the 
Wyandotte  tribe  of  Indians.  Nowhere  else  in  Northern  Ohio  are 
so  many  landmarks  left  to  indicate  what  the  habits  and  charac- 
teristics of  these  Indians  were,  so  that,  even  now,  thriving,  bustling 
Upper  Sandusky,  with  its  $250,000  courthouse,  fine  business 
blocks  and  beautiful  residences,  is  known  as  "The  Indian  Village." 
It  was  near  the  site  of  Upper  Sandusky  that  the  brave  Col.  Craw- 
ford was  taken  captive  by  the  Wyandotte  Indians,  1792,  and  burnt 
at  the  stake.  But  the  narrow  limits  of  a  parish  sketch  will  not 
permit  a  more  detailed  account  of  the  early  history  of  Upper 


ST.    PETER'S   CHURCH  (1st  and  2nd),  Ll'PEK  SAXDl  SKV, 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  667 

Sandusky.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  the  reservation  of  the  Wyandotte 
tribe,  which  forms  the  present  site  of  Upper  Sandusky,  was  bought. 
by  the  United  States  Government  in  1843,  its  former  owners 
then  removing  to  the  far  West.  Two  years  later  the  county  of 
Wyandotte  (now  Wyandot)  was  formed,  and  in  1848  the  town  of 
Upper  Sandusky  was  incorporated. 

The  Sanguinist  Father,  Peter  A.  Capeder,  was  the  first  priest 
to  visit  the  few  CathoHc  settlers  in  the  town.  He  did  so  in  1847, 
and  ministered  to  their  spiritual  wants  for  a  short  while.  The 
Holy  Sacrifice  was  offered  for  the  first  time  in  a  public  hall  over 
Ayer's  restaurant.  Later  on,  and  until  1857.  Mass  was  celebrated 
in  the  residence  of  John  Gaa,  who,  in  April  of  that  year,  donated, 
for  a  church  and  school  site,  a  lot  on  Guthrie  street,  then  in  the 
outskirts  of  the  town.  The  foundation  for  a  brick  church,  30  by 
50  feet,  was  commenced  on  August  19,  1857,  and  the  cornerstone 
was  blessed  on  the  15th  of  September,  following.  The  Rev. 
Nicholas  Gales.  C.PP.S.,  was  then  in  charge  of  the  Mission.  In 
a  few  months  the  church  was  ready  for  use;  it  cost  about  $2,600. 
It  was  a  plain  building,  without  any  architectural  pretense,  but 
served  its  sacred  purpose  for  twenty-three  years. 

Upper  Sandusky  was  attended  from  New  Riegel  as  a  Mission, 

until    1865,  by    the    following    Sanguinists:     The    Revs.   P.  A. 

Capeder,  J.  Van  Den  Broek,  N.  Gales,  E.  Gliick,  P.  Henneberry, 

A.  Reichert,   E.  Ruff,    M.   Kreusch,    A.   Laux,  C   Frensch  and 
H.  Drees. 

Father  Henneberry  bought  the  present  well-kept  cemetery, 
covering  about  five  acres;  the  deed  was  given  on  November  24, 
1863. 

The  Rev.  Bernard  A.  Quinn  was  the  first  resident  pastor, 
from  July  to  October,  1865.  His  successors  were  the  following 
priests:  The  Revs.  G.  A.  Spierings,  from  October,  1865,  to  April, 
1867 ;  Joseph  Reinhardt,  to  February  22,  1868,  when  he  was  killed 
by  the  cars  while  on  his  way  to  Bucyrus,  one  of  his  Missions; 
A.  Gerardin,  to  November,  1868;  G.  Peter,  to  March,  1873; 
C.  Braschler,  to  November,  1888,  and  since  then  the  present 
pastor,  the  Rev.  Aloysius  Huthmacher. 

During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Peter  the  congregation  far 
outgrew  its  small  church.  He  foresaw  the  need  of  a  much  larger 
church  for  the  proper  accommodation  of  his  steadily  increasing 


668  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

flock.  Hence,  to  provide  better  and  more  spacious  quarters,  he 
bought  in  March,  1869,  three  lots  at  the  corner  of  Findlay  and 
Eighth  streets — in  the  most  desirable  part  of  the  town;  the  pur- 
chase price  was  $3,000.  Father  Peter  had  the  dwelling  on  one 
of  the  lots,  fronting  on  Eighth  street,  fitted  up  for  his  residence, 
and  took  possession  of  it  in  April  of  the  same  year.  The  former 
pastoral  residence  was  then  rented  until  1875,  when  the  property 
was  sold.  Father  Peter,  unable  to  commence  the  church,  was 
obliged  to  resign  his  pastoral  charge,  because  of  illness.  He  was 
succeeded  in  March,  1873,  by  the  Rev.  C.  Braschler,  to  whom  fell 
the  task  of  building  the  much  needed  church,  for  which  plans  were 
drawn  at  once  and  approved  by  Bishop  Gilmour.  With  less  than 
$600  in  hand.  Father  Braschler  commenced  the  foundation  in  the 
fall  of  1873,  and  on  August  2,  1874,  the  cornerstone  was  blessed 
by  the  Rev.  E.  Hannin,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate.  Owing,  how- 
ever, to  the  financial  panic  of  1873,  Father  Braschler  found  it  very 
difficult  to  raise  the  required  means  for  continuing  the  building 
as  rapidly  as  he  had  hoped ;  hence  its  progress  was  very  slow.  He 
and  his  people  struggled  along  with  the  burdensome  debt,  at  times 
almost  disheartened.  Finally,  in  April,  1879,  the  church  was  in 
condition  to  be  used,  even  though  its  interior  was  far  from  finished. 
Meanwhile  that,  too,  was  completed  in  the  early  fall  of  1880. 
The  church  was  dedicated  to  St.  Peter  the  Apostle,  by  Bishop 
Gilmour,  on  Sunday,  October  17,  of  the  same  year,  and  has  been 
in  use  ever  since.  Its  dimensions  are  60  by  140  feet.  It  faces 
Eighth  street,  and  extends  along  Findlay  street.  The  architecture 
is  Roman-Ionic,  and  the  interior  is  handsomely  ornamented  with 
stucco  work.  The  beautiful  stained  glass  windows  were  all 
donated.  With  its  furnishings  the  church  cost  about  $30,000, 
and  though  there  are  many  more  expensive  churches  in  the 
diocese,  few  excel  it  in  architectural  effect  or  beauty  of  finish. 

In  1885  Father  Braschler  erected  the  present  brick  pastoral 
residence,  next  to  the  church,  at  a  cost  of  about  $3,000.  It  is  a 
neat  but  small  building. 

On  May  30,  1887,  the  beautiful  spire,  200  feet  in  height,  was 
struck  by  lightning  during  a  heavy  storm,  the  massive  structure 
falling  to  the  ground  totally  ruined.  The  insurance  companies 
paid  only  a  part  of  the  loss,  and  not  until  after  much  pressure  was 
brought  to  bear  on  them.     The  spire  was  not  rebuilt,  but,  instead, 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  669 

the  tower  on  which  it  stood  was  put  in  good  repair,  and  it  is  in 
that  condition  at  present. 

Father  Braschler  was  succeeded  in  November,  1888,  by  the 
present  pastor.  Father  Huthmacher.  He  found  a  debt  of  only 
about  $8,000  on  the  parish  property — an  eloquent  evidence  of  the 
generosity  of  the  people  and  the  prudent  financial  management  of 
Father  Braschler. 

In  1891  Father  Huthmacher  designed  and  secured  two  Gothic 
side  altars,  in  harmony  with  the  interior  of  the  church ;  they  were 
donated.  An  artistic  array  of  statuary  (nearly  all  donated)  was 
also  placed  in  position,  thus  adding  much  to  the  beauty  of  the 
church.  The  present  splendid  main  altar  of  Gothic  design,  also 
a  donation  from  a  parishioner,  was  designed  by  Father  Huth- 
macher, and  built  in  1892,  and  in  December,  1900,  a  fine  set  of 
Stations  was  erected.  During  1901  Father  Huthmacher  will  have 
the  church  frescoed  and  otherwise  embellished.  When  that  is 
done  St.  Peter's  church,  for  its  size  and  cost,  will  rank  second  to 
few  churches  in  the  diocese. 

The  present  school  was  organized  in  1857,  shortly  after  the 
first  church  was  erected.  The  building  was  a  small  and  very  plain 
frame  structure,  and  for  many  years  stood  on  the  old  church  lot. 
Until  1890  the  school  was  taught  by  lay  teachers.  The  old 
church  was  remodeled  into  a  school,  in  1880,  shortly  after  the  new 
church  began  to  be  used.  Its  out-of-the-way  location,  however, 
made  it  very  objectionable  to  the  children,  many  of  whom  had  to 
go  a  long  distance  to  attend  school.  To  obviate  this  difficulty 
Father  Huthmacher  purchased  an  excellent  piece  of  property, 
diagonally  opposite  the  church.  It  was  deeded  on  March  6,  1897, 
and  cost  $3,800.  The  large  brick  residence  on  the  acre  of  ground 
purchased  was  remodeled  into  four  school  rooms,  and  a  part  of 
the  building  is  reserved  as  a  home  for  the  four  Dominican  Sisters, 
in  charge  since  September,  1898. 

The  parish  is  now  composed  of  about  ninety  German  and  ten 
Irish  families  and  their  descendants,  and  is  a  model  in  every  respect. 


670  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

VAN  WERT,  VAN  WERT  COUNTY. 

ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

Van  Wert  wa.s  attended  from  Delphos  as  a  Station,  and  then 
as  a  Mission,  from  1867  to  1876.  The  Rev.  F.  Westerholt  paid 
his  first  pastoral  visit  there  in  July,  1867.  He  continued  his  visits 
monthly  until  January,  1868,  which  his  successor,  the  Rev.  A.  I. 
Hoefifel,  continued  to  do  for  about  seven  years  after.  For  nearly 
tviro  years  Mass  was  said  in  the  residence  of  Pete'r  Roach.  In  July, 
1869.  Father  Hoeffel  bought  two  lots  fronting:  on  South  Chestnut 
street.  On  one  of  the  lots  stood  a  frame  house,  which  he  fitted  up 
as  a  temporary  chapel.  This,  however,  soon  proved  too  small, 
and  hence  Father  Hoeffel  was  obliged  to  provide  a  larger  as  well 
as  better  place  of  worship.  He  therefore  built  the  present  brick 
church  (30  by  55  feet),  in  the  summer  of  1874.  The  church, 
together  with  the  two  lots  he  bought  in  186S.  cost  $4,000,  most 
of  which  remained  a  heavy  debt  on  the  little  Mission.  Father 
Hoeffel  did  not  lack  courage,  however,  but  with  the  kind  assist- 
ance of  his  congregation  at  Delphos,  and  of  many  generous 
Protestants  at  Van  Wert,  he  gradually  reduced  the  debt,  and 
finally  cancelled  it  in  1876.  In  September  of  the  same  year  (no 
record  of  date)  Bishop  Dwenger,  of  Ft.  Wayne,  dedicated  the 
church.  Bishop  Gilmour  being  then  ill  in  Europe. 

In  December.  1876,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Leddy  was  appointed  first 
resident  pastor  of  Van  Wert,  but  four  months  later  he  was 
removed.  Followmg  is  a  list  of  his  successors :  The  Revs.  J.  T. 
Cahill,  from  August,  1878,  to  January.  1879,  (attended  from 
Landeck  for  five  months);  P.  Barry,  July,  1879,  to  July,  1881; 
F.  J.  O'Neill,  to  March,  1886;  E.  F.  Rohan,  to  January,  1888; 
M.  J.  Clear,  to  February,  1891;  J.  J.  Clarke,  to  June.  1898;  and 
since  then  the  Rev.  S.  Weber. 

Shortly  after  his  arrival  Father  O'Neill  built  the  spire,  thus 
completing  the  exterior  of  the  church.  In  1881  Father  Barry 
bought  on  credit  a  house  and  lot,  in  the  rear  of  the  church,  and 
had  it  fitted  up  for  his  residence.  Father  O'Neill  paid  for  the 
property  during  his  pastorate.  As  it  proved  unsatisfactory  it  was 
sold  by  Father  Clarke,  in  September,  1897,  and  the  proceeds  of 


ST.   MARY'S  CHURCH,  VAN  WERT,  and  MISSION  CHURCH,   CONVOY. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  671 

the  sale  were  applied  towards  paying  for  the  new  frame  residence 
he  built  that  year,  on  South  Chestnut  street. 

Although  Van  Wert  is  the  county  seat  of  Van  Wert  county, 
and  quite  a  business  town,  it  has  never  attracted  much  of  a  Cath- 
olic population.  This  at  no  time  exceeded  thirty  families,  which 
is  the  present  number.  It  has  not  been  possible  thus  far  to 
establish  a  parish  school. 


VERMILION.  ERIE  COUNTY. 

ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

Vermilion  is  a  pretty  village,  with  a  fairly  good  harbor,  on 
Lake  Erie,  about  25  miles  east  of  Sandusky.  Catholics  began  to 
settle  there  about  1856.  They  were  visited  by  the  pastors  of 
Elyria,  from  1857  to  1871,  the  Rev.  M.  Healy  being  the  first  priest 
to  minister  to  their  spiritual  wants.  Mass  was  said  on  week  days, 
in  private  houses,  until  the  erection  of  the  present  frame  church 
(28  by  50  feet),  in  1862,  by  the  Rev.  R.  A.  Sidley,  who  had  bought 
two  lots  on  Exchange  street,  for  a  church  site,  in  1861.  Enclosed, 
the  church  cost  about  $600,  but  for  lack  of  means  its  interior  could 
not  then  be  finished,  and  was  used  in  that  condition — with  a  dry 
goods  box  for  an  altar,  and  rough  benches  for  pews.  In  1865,  the 
Rev.  L.  Molon  raised  a  subscription  and  with  the  proceeds  paid 
for  the  plastering  and  furnishing  of  the  church.  He  also  bought 
and  paid  for  a  lot  next  to  the  church  property,  to  serve  as  a  site 
for  the  future  parish  house.  In  March.  1871.  the  Rev.  J.  Rouchy 
was  appointed  the  first  resident  priest,  and  shortly  after  built  the 
present  pastoral  residence,  also  a  frame  structure.  In  August, 
1875,  Vermilion  was  made  a  Mission  of  North  Amherst,  and 
thence  attended  monthly  until  May,  1878,  when  the  Rev.  F.  X. 
Nunan  was  appointed  resident  pastor.  His  stay  ended  in  March, 
1879.  Since  then  the  following  priests  succeeded  him:  The 
Revs.  J.  Cullen,  from  April,  1879,  to  July,  1882 :  M.  S.  Smith,  to 
October.  1889;  J.  C.  Kenney,  to  December,  1889;  I.  J.  Wonderly, 
to  January,  1893;  J.  J.  Powers,  to  November,  1893,  since  which 
time  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  N.  W.  Horst,  has  been  in  charge. 
During  the  pastorate  of  Father  Wonderly  the  church  was  entirely 
renovated,  cind  supplied  with  some  beautiful  statuary — all  donated. 


672  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Father  Horst  had  the  church  re-roofed  and  painted,  the  pastoral 
residence  repaired,  and  the  church  lots  enclosed  with  an  iron  fence. 

Captain  C.  Young  deserves  recognition  as  a  special  benefactor 
of  the  church,  having  at  all  times  contributed  most  generously 
tovi^ards  its  support. 

Although  in  past  years  Vermilion  was  a  place  of  considerable 
importance  as  a  lake  port,  it  has  lost  prestige  and  population,  and 
with  that  also  a  considerable  number  of  Catholics.  These  at 
present  number  only  about  28  families.  It  is  a  matter  of  only  a 
short  time  when  Vermilion  will  be  reduced  to  a  Mission  and  as 
such  attached  to  Huron. 


VIENNA,  TRUMBULL  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
The  Mission  of  Vienna  is  composed  entirely  of  coal  miners, 
and  was  organized  in  1871  by  the  Rev.  J.  T.  Schaffeld,  then 
stationed  at  Hubbard.  In  August,  1873,  Father  Schafifeld  bought  a 
one-half  acre  lot  for  $250,  and  built  on  it  the  present  frame  church, 
26  by  48  feet.  It  cost  $1,300,  and  was  dedicated  to  St.  Joseph  by 
Bishop  Gilmour,  June  24,  1878.  Between  1870  and  1880  the  once 
flourishing  Mission  of  Vienna  numbered  about  50  families,  about 
one-half  being  French,  and  the  rest  Irish  and  German.  Within 
the  last  few  years  the  Mission  has  been  steadily  decreasing,  owing 
to  lack  of  employment  in  the  well-nigh  exhausted  coal  banks  near 
the  village.  The  Mission  has  now  only  six  families,  and  is  served 
on  week  days  from  Hubbard,  from  which  place  it  has  been  attended 
since  it  was  established.  A  parish  school  was  opened  in  1879, 
with  an  attendance  of  about  60  children,  but  for  lack  of  means  it 
was  discontinued  in  1881  and  the  building  and  lot  were  sold. 

WADSWORTH,  MEDINA  COUNTY. 

SACRED  HEART  OF  JESUS'  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  Mission  of  Wadsworth,  a  town  dependent  largely  on  the 
coal  mines,  near  by,  was  organized  in  1886,  by  the  Rev.  E.  J. 
Vattmann.  In  July  of  that  year  he  bought  a  lot  50  by  160  feet 
on  Broad  street,  a  very  desirable  part  of  the  pretty  village.  The 
present  church  was  commenced  a  few  days  after  the  purchase  of 


IN   THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  673 

the  lot.  The  foundation  was  blessed  by  the  Rev.  Chancellor 
Houck,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate,  on  Sunday,  August  29,  1886.  On 
October  31,  of  the  same  year,  the  handsome  little  church  was 
dedicated  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Thorpe,  who  was  delegated  for 
that  purpose.  The  church  is  a  slate-roofed  frame  structure,  26  by 
•48  feet,  and  with  its  furnishings  cost  about  $2,000. 

Wadsworth  was  attended  from  Canal  Fulton  by  Father 
Vattmann  until  January,  1888,  when  it  was  attached  to  Medina 
as  a  Mission,  and  so  remained  until  April,  1890.  It  was  then 
assigned  to  the  pastor  of  Wellington,  from  which  place  it  has  since 
been  attended. 

In  1897  the  church  was  put  in  good  repair  and  its  interior  was 
neatly  furnished  by  the  Rev.  S.  Weber,  then  in  charge  of  the 
Mission. 

The  mine  strikes  and  the  financial  depression  in  1893 
seriously  affected  Wadsworth,  and  greatly  reduced  its  population, 
and  with  it  the  number  of  Catholics  of  the  town.  There  are  now 
but  25  famiHes  left,  less  than  half  the  number  when  the  Mission 
was  established  in  1886,  but  these  few  famiHes  cheerfully  and  gen- 
erously respond  to  all  calls  in  support  of  their  church.  The  Rev. 
L.  Plumanns  has  charge  of  the  Mission  since  June,  1898,  attending 
it  monthly  from  Wellington. 


WAKEMAN,  HURON  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH. 

Wakeman  is  a  village  on  the  southern  division  of  the  Lake 
Shore  railroad,  about  12  miles  east  of  Norwalk.  The  history  of 
the  parish  dates  back  to  November,  1853,  when  the  Rev.  M. 
Healy,  then  stationed  at  Elyria,  visited  for  the  first  time  the  few 
Catholic  families  settled  there,  and  on  the  farms  in  the  vicinity. 
Wakeman  continued  to  be  attended  from  Elyria  as  a  Station,  until 
1863,  when  it  was  assigned  to  the  respective  pastors  of  St.  Mary's, 
Norwalk,  until  September,  1875.  In  1867  the  Rev.  T.  P.  Thorpe 
bought  an  excellent  site  in  the  center  of  the  village  for  the  pros- 
pective church,  but  for  some  unexplained  reason  it  was  never  used. 
Mass  was  celebrated  in  private  houses  until  1872,  when  the  Rev. 
T.  F.  Halley  sold  the  above  mentioned  lot,  and  with  the  proceeds 


674  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

of  the  sale  he  built  the  present  frame  church,  at  that  time  30  by  42 
feet.  The  church  was  built  on  a  one-acre  tract  of  land,  in  the 
outskirts  of  the  village.  The  land  was  donated  for  a  church  site 
by  Horace  Griffin,  in  April,  1869.  In  April,  1874,  Father  Halley 
bought  the  present  cemetery ;  it  is  near  the  church  and  covers 
about  one  acre.  The  Rev.  F.  X.  Nunan  was  appointed  first 
resident  pastor  of  Wakeman.  in  October,  1875,  and  shortly  after 
his  arrival  he  built  the  present  parish  house.  His  successor,  in 
May.  1878,  was  the  Rev.  John  Quinn,  who  remained  until  January, 
1885,  when  ill  health  forced  him  to  resign.  Wakeman  was  then 
attended  from  Vermilion  until  January,  1886,  when  the  Rev.  A. 
Sauvadet  was  appointed  pastor.  He  remained  in  charge  until 
April,  1889,  when  the  Rev.  John  Hannan  succeeded  him.  In 
February,  1890,  Father  Sauvadet  was  commissioned  a  second  time 
as  pastor  of  Wakeman,  but  owing  to  ill  health  his  stay  was  short — 
until  April,  1891.  Wakeman  was  then  again  made  a  Mission  of 
Vermilion,  until  July  of  the  same  year,  when  the  Rev.  E.  W.  J. 
Lindesmith  had  temporary  charge  of  the  congregation.  In  the 
following  month  of  August  the  Rev.  James  J.  Ouinn  was  appointed 
resident  pastor.  He  found  that  factions  had  disturbed  the  parish, 
but  by  prudence,  firmness  and  kindness  he  soon  succeeded  in 
restoring  peace  and  harmony;  and  these  have  since  remained. 
In  1892  he  built  an  addition  of  22  feet  to  the  rear  of  the  church, 
to  serve  as  a  chapel  for  week-day  Mass ;  also  a  tower  for  the  bell 
that  had  been  bought  some  years  before  by  Father  Sauvadet. 
The  church  was  entirely  renovated,  and  made  practically  a  new 
structure.  These  improvements  cost  about  $3,000.  The  church 
was  re-dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  October  9,  1892.  The 
present  pastor,  the  Rev.  P.  J.  Shea,  succeeded  Father  Ouinn  in 
November,  1893.  During  his  pastorate  he  cancelled  a  debt  of  about 
$800,  which  was  the  balance  due  on  the  improvements  made  by 
Father  Quinn.  He  also  put  in  good  repair  the  pastoral  residence, 
added  to  the  outfit  of  church  vestments,  etc.,  and  beautified 
the  church  grounds  and  cemetery.  There  is  now  no  debt  on  the 
parish  property.  The  congregation  numbers  about  45  families, 
and  is  composed  chiefly  of  farmers,  of  Irish  birth  or  descent. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  675 


WARREN,  TRUMBULL  COUNTY. 

OUR   L.\DY   OF  MT.   CARMEL'S    CHURCH. 

Warren,  the  county  seat  of  Trumbull  county,  is  one  of  the 
oldest  and  prettiest  towns  in  Northern  Ohio.  It  was  laid  out  in 
1801,  and  its  early  settlers,  who  came  from  Connecticut,  brought 
with  them  a  Puritanic  spirit  that  abhorred  Catholics  and  their 
Church.  This  spirit  prevailed  at  Warren  for  many  years,  and 
effectually  blocked  Catholic  immigration  there  and  in  the  whole 
county.  By  degrees  however  its  influence  waned  and  weakened, 
and  gradually  also  Catholics  began  to  settle  there,  though  in 
sparse  numbers,  from  about  1835  to  1880.  The  Rev.  Patrick 
O'Dwyer  was  the  first  priest  to  visit  Warren.  At  long  intervals 
he  came  from  Cleveland,  where  he  was  stationed  from  1837  and 
1839.  There  is  no  record  of  any  priest  attending  Warren  between 
1839  and  1846.  The  Rev.  James  Conlon,  pastor  of  Dungannon, 
then  visited  it  as  one  of  his  many  Stations,  until  1849.  From  that 
time  forward,  until  1868,  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  few  Cath- 
olics at  Warren  were  looked  after  by  the  resident  pastors  of  the 
following  places;  Randolph,  (1850-53);  St.  Vincent's,  Akron, 
(1854);  Summitville,  (1855-57);  St.  Columba's,  Youngstown, 
(1857-65);  and  Niles,  (1865-68). 

In  1858  the  Rev.  W.  O'Connor,  then  in  charge  of  Warren, 
bought  a  lot  on  Quinby  Hill,  near  the  canal,  for  a  church  site. 
His  successor  (in  1862),  the  Rev.  E.  M.  O'Callaghan,  found  the 
lot  unsuitable  and  therefore  sold  it.  In  1864  he  bought  two  lots 
located  at  the  corner  of  Franklin  street  and  Park  avenue.  He 
had  the  frame  Protestant  meeting  house  (32  by  70  feet),  which 
stood  on  one  of  the  lots,  remodeled  as  a  Catholic  church,  which 
sacred  purpose  the  building  has  since  served.  Prior  to  1864 
Mass  had  been  celebrated  in  private  houses,  and  for  a  short  time, 
during  the  summer  of  1855,  in  Freeman's  Woods,  near  the  town 
of  Warren,  in  order  to  accommodate  the  large  number  of  Cath- 
olic laborers  then  engaged  in  the  construction  of  the  Mahoning 
railroad. 

In  April,  1868,  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Conway  was  appointed  first 
resident  pastor  of  \\''arren.  He  built  the  present  parish  house, 
a  frame  building,  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,000.     His  pastorate  ended 


676  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

in  September,  1869,  when  Warren  was  made  a  Mission  of  Niles, 
from  which  place  it  was  attended  until  October,  1870.  The  Rev. 
E.  J.  Murphy  was  then  appointed  to  the  pastorate  of  Warren. 
He  enlarged  the  parish  house,  and  added  other  improvements 
to  the  church  property.  He  also  established  a  parish  school,  in 
September,  1872,  but  it  was  discontinued  on  his  removal,  in 
March,  1873,  when  Warren  was  again  attended  for  a  short  time 
from  Niles,  as  it  was  also  from  March  to  July,  1876. 

In  May,  1873,  the  Rev.  A.  Paganini  was  sent  to  Warren  as 
resident  pastor.  He  remained  until  May,  1875,  when  he  received 
a  leave  of  absence,  to  visit  his  native  Italy.  His  cousin,  the  Rev. 
J.  Paganini,  meanwhile  attended  the  parish — until  January,  1876, 
when  the  pastor  resumed  charge.  During  his  absence  the  church 
v/as  involved  in  debt  through  the  imprudent  management  of  his 
reverend  cousin,  who  had  added  a  number  of  costly  improve- 
ments to  the  church  property,  without  authority  or  means  to  pay 
for  them.  The  church  was  sold  for  the  debt,  in  February,  1876, 
during  the  absence  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  then  ill  in  Europe.  On 
his  return,  in  July,  1876,  he  was  informed  of  the  condition  of  the 
parish  affairs  at  Warren.  Immediately  he  took  measures  to  have 
the  church  bought  back,  which  he  did  by  raising  a  loan  for  the 
amount  paid  by  its  purchasers.  The  loan  was  repaid  by  collec- 
tions in  a  number  of  parishes  throughout  the  diocese,  as  also  by 
several  successful  church  fairs  at  Warren.  To  the  Revs.  W.  J. 
Manning  and  F.  M.  Scullin  much  credit  is  due  for  their  successful 
efforts  in  reducing  the  debt,  which  was  finally  cancelled,  in  1883, 
by  Father  Scullin.  This  was  the  first  and  only  time  in  the  long 
history  of  the  diocese  of  Cleveland  that  any  parish  defaulted  its 
financial  obligations;  and  in  this  only  case  the  people  were  not  to 
blame. 

The  Rev.  A.  Paganini  was  removed  in  March,  1876.  He 
was  succeeded  in  July,  1876,  by  the  Rev.  B.  B.  Kelley,  who 
remained  in  charge  imtil  February,  1877.  Since  that  time  the  fol- 
lowing priests  were  resident  pastors  of  Warren :  The  Revs.  M.  J. 
Murphy,  from  February,  1877,  to  July,  1879;  W.  J.  Manning,  to 
July,  1882;  F.  M.  Scullin,  to  February,  1884;  D.  O'Brien,  to  Sep- 
tember, 1884.  Then,  for  the  fourth  time,  Warren  was  made  a 
Mission  of  Niles,  whence  it  was  attended  until  July,  1886.  Since 
that  time  the  Rev.  Ambrose  A.  Weber  has  been  resident  pastor. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  677 

Father  Weber  had  the  church  and  parish  house  considerably 
improved  between  1888  and  1890.  In  the  latter  year  he  also 
bought  the  large  bell  now  in  use,  and  had  the  church  supplied  with 
Stations,  neat  furnishings  and  a  fair  supply  of  vestments,  etc.  In 
September,  1895,  he  secured,  for  the  sum  of  $1,700,  six  acres  of 
land  for  a  parish  cemetery.  In  May  of  the  following  year  he  pur- 
chased, at  a  cost  of  $3,000,  a  large  lot,  70  by  202  feet,  on  High 
street,  as  the  site  for  a  new  church.  The  final  payment  for  the 
property  was  made  in  February,  1900.  According  to  present 
indications  the  prospective  and  much  needed  church  will  be  built 
within  the  next  two  years. 

In  June,  1900,  Father  Weber  bought  a  two-story  brick  public 
school  and  its  grounds  for  the  sum  of  $3,500.  He  intends  to  have 
it  fitted  up  and  used  as  a  parochial  school,  as  soon  as  means  are 
available. 

When  Father  Weber  took  charge  of  the  parish  he  found  but 
35  families.  There  are  now  about  125  families  connected  with 
it — principally  of  Irish  birth  or  descent.  For  many  years  it  had 
its  internal  struggles  and  difficulties,  besides  contending  against 
the  latent  and  open  bigotry  of  Warren,  one  of  the  strongholds  of 
Puritanism  in  the  Western  Reserve.  All  that  is  now  of  the  past, 
and  the  prospects  for  Catholicity  at  Warren  are  of  the  brightest, 
and  the  spirit  in  the  parish  is  excellent. 


WAUSEON,  FULTON  COUNTY. 
ST.  CASPAR'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
Although  Wauseon  is  the  county  seat  of  Fulton  county,  and 
a  thriving  town,  it  has  never  attracted  much  of  a  Catholic  popula- 
tion. There  are  only  35  Catholic  families  settled  there  at  present. 
The  Rev.  N.  Kirch  was  the  first  priest  to  attend  Wauseon, 
which  he  did  monthly  from  Stryker,  between  1865  and  1867. 
Wauseon  was  then  attended  from  Edgerton  until  1872,  as  a 
Station,  and  then  as  a  Mission,  until  March,  1873.  In  June,  1872, 
the  Rev.  C.  Braschler,  at  that  time  in  charge,  purchased,  for 
the  sum  of  $300,  one  and  one-half  lots  at  the  corner  of  Clinton  and 
Jefferson  streets.  His  successor,  the  Rev.  J.  G.  Vogt,  bought,  in 
the  summer  of  1873,  an  old  Methodist  meeting  house  and  had  it 
moved  on  the  lots,  and  renovated  as  well  as  refitted  for  its  new 


678  A    HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

piiipose.  The  property  cost  about  $(!00,  and  was  paid  for  by  tlie 
end  of  1873.  As  the  Mission  at  that  time  had  not  more  than  in 
families,  this  is  an  evidence  of  generosity  on  the  part  of  its  people. 

From  March  until  May,  1873,  Wauseon  was  attended  from 
St.  Mary's,  Toledo,  when  it  was  again  attached  to  Edgerton  until 
November,  1875.  Since  that  time  it  has  been  a  monthly  Mission 
of  Archbold. 

In  1888  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Muehlenbeck  had  the  church  put  in 
good  repair,  which  it  greatly  needed.  On  January  21,  1895,  it 
was  destroyed  by  fire.  The  loss  was  a  severe  blow  to  the  small 
Mission,  but  soon  successful  efforts  were  made  to  build  a  far  better 
and  more  substantial  church  than  the  old  one  was.  Shortly  after 
the  fire  Father  Muehlenbeck  took  up  a  subscription  for  that  pur- 
pose and  received  a  generous  response  from  his  people,  as  well  as 
from  the  non-Catholics  of  the  town.  In  the  summer  of  1895  the 
foundation  was  commenced  and  on  August  13th  following  the 
cornerstone  was  laid.  The  church  was  enclosed  before  the  end  of 
that  year,  and  Mass  was  celebrated  in  it  for  the  first  time  on 
February  3,  1896.  The  interior  was  brought  to  completion  by 
August,  and  on  September  6.  of  the  same  year,  the  handsome 
church  was  dedicated  to  St.  Caspar  by  Bishop  Ilorstmann.  The 
church,  34  by  58  feet,  is  built  of  brick,  with  stone  trimmings;  the 
tower  is  98  feet  high.  Including  its  neat  furnishings,  it  cost  about 
$5,500,  and  is  an  ornament  to  the  town  of  Wauseon  as  well  as  a 
credit  to  the  Mission. 

■  WELLINGTON,  LORAIN  COUNTY. 

ST.  PATRICK'S  CHURCH. 
Wellington  was  attended  from  Elyria  as  a  Station,  from  1851 
to  1856,  and  then  as  a  Mission  until  1862.  In  January,  1856,  a 
small  lot  was  bought  in  the  outskirts  of  the  town,  and  in  the 
summer  of  1858  a  frame  church,  24  by  30  feet,  of  very  plain 
design,  was  built  on  it  at  a  cost  of  $600.  The  church  and  lot  are 
still  in  use.  Prior  to  1858  Mass  was  said  in  private  houses  by  the 
visiting  priests,  of  whom  the  Rev.  M.  Healy  was  the  first.  From 
1862  to  1868  Wellington  was  attended  as  a  Mission  from  the  fol- 
lowing places:  Grafton,  until  1871;  Shelby  Settlement,  to  1873; 
again  from  Grafton,  until  1875;  Shelby,  until  July,  1878,  when  the 


1.     ST.   PATRICK'S  CHURCH  AND  PASTORAL  RESIDENCE,    WELLINGTON. 

Mission  Churches— 2.  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes',  New  London.     3.  St.  Francis  Xaviers',  Medina. 

4.     Sacred   Heart  of  Jesus'.    Wadsworth. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  679 

Rev.  J.  L.  Galvin  was  appointed  resident  pastor.  He  built  the 
present  frame  pastoral  residence,  in  1884,  at  a  cost  of  $700.  He 
was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  G.  J-  Vahey,  in  January,  1888,  who, 
however,  was  transferred  in  the  following  September  to  the  Cathe- 
dral. Wellington  was  then  made  a  Mission  of  Medina,  and  so 
continued  until  April,  1890.  Then  the  pastor  of  Medina,  the 
Rev.  N.  W.  Horst,  was  transferred  to  Wellington  as  resident 
pastor,  where  he  remained  until  November,  1893.  Since  that 
time  the  following  priests  have  resided  at  Wellington:  The  Revs. 
J.  J.  Powers,  to  December,  1896;  S.  Weber,  to  June,  1898,  and 
since  then  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  L.  Plumanns.  Welling- 
ton's Catholic  population  has  always  been  small,  never  exceeding 
15  families.  As  they  alone  could  not  support  a  priest,  Wellington 
has  always  had  a  number  of  Missions  attached. 


WELLSVTLLE,  COLUMBIANA  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  CHURCH. 

Wellsville,  charmingly  situated  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Ohio 
river,  a  few  miles  south-west  of  East  Liverpool,  is  a  busy  and  pros- 
perous town.  As  far  back  as  1830  Catholics  began  to  settle  there, 
but  their  numbers  did  not  keep  pace  with  the  growth  of  Wellsville. 
The  first  priest  to  minister  to  them  was  the  Rev.  James  Conlan, 
and  his  first  visit  was  paid  in  1835 ;  there  were  then  only  five 
Catholic  families  in  Wellsville.  Father  Conlan  was  at  that  time 
resident  pastor  of  Steubenville,  whence  he  came  to  Wellsville 
at  long  intervals,  until  1842.  He  was  then  transferred  to  Dun- 
gannon,  but  continued  to  attend  Wellsville  as  a  Station  until  1849. 
His  successors  at  Dungannon  did  likewise,  until  1858,  when  the 
attendance  of  Wellsville  was  assigned  to  the  resident  pastors  of 
Summitville,  until  1872.  Mass  was  said  in  private  houses,  until 
1867,  and  for  many  years  in  the  house  of  Mr.  Oliver  Shearman, 
who  also  gave  hospitaHty  to  visiting  bishops  and  priests.  In  July, 
1866,  General  J.  W.  Reilly  donated  to  the  Mission  a  small  lot  on 
Main  street,  and  in  the  following  year  the  Rev.  P.  J.  McGuire 
bought  10  feet  additional,  thus  making  the  frontage  of  the  lot  60 
feet.  At  a  cost  of  $4,000  he  built  on  the  lot  the  present  brick 
church,   37   by   65   feet.      In   1872   the   Rev.   James   Cullen   was 


680  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

appointed  first  resident  pastor  of  Wellsville,  and  two  years  later 
it  was  made  a  Mission  of  East  Liverpool.  With  the  exception 
of  two  months  in  1879,  when  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Murphy,  of  Summit- 
ville,  had  temporary  charge,  it  so  continued  until  March,  1882. 
The  Rev.  M.  B.  Brown  was  then  appointed  pastor,  remaining 
until  August,  1883.  Since  that  time  Wellsville  has  had  the  follow- 
ing priests  as  resident  pastors:  The  Revs.  F.  X.  Nunan,  from 
August,  1883,  to  September,  1884;  W.  F.  Murphy,  to  May,  1888; 
N.  J.  Drohan,  to  July,  1889;  J.  C.  Desmond,  to  March,  1893,  and 
since  then,  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Halligan. 

In  March,  1888,  Father  Murphy  bought  two  lots  next  to  the 
church,  and  the  two-story  brick  house  which  stood  on  one  of 
them;  the  purchase  price  was  $5,900.  The  house  served  as  a  pas- 
toral residence  until  1891.  During  the  summer  of  that  year  it  was 
remodeled  by  Father  Desmond,  for  a  school  and  Sisters'  residence, 
at  a  cost  of  about  $1,000.  The  school  was  opened  in  September, 
1891.  It  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  from 
Cleveland,  who  conducted  it  until  June,  1900,  when  they  were 
succeeded  by  the  Sisters  of  Loretto,  from  Loretto,  Ky.  About 
100  children  are  now  in  attendance. 

In  April,  1893,  Father  HalHgan  bought  the  cemetery  now  in 
use.  It  covers  about  four  acres  and  is  beautifully  located  and  kept 
in  excellent  condition.  The  former  cemetery,  which  was  bought 
in  1883,  and  proved  very  unsatisfactory  as  a  place  for  interments, 
was  abandoned,  and  sold  in  1893. 

In  December,  1894,  Father  Halligan  bought  an  excellent 
property,  100  by  260  feet,  for  the  sum  of  $14,000.  It  is  bounded 
by  Front,  Eleventh  and  Main  streets.  The  beautiful  brick  house 
situated  thereon  now  serves  as  the  pastoral  residence,  and  the  large 
grounds  are  intended  as  a  site  for  the  future  permanent  church  and 
school.  The  people  of  the  spirited  little  parish  of  about  95  families 
are  justly  proud  of  the  purchase,  and  are  gladly,  as  well  as  gener- 
ously, contributing  each  year  towards  paying  for  it,  and  will  soon 
cancel  the  debt,  which  is  now  less  than  $3,000. 

The  church  was  enlarged  by  Father  McGuire  in  1881,  by  the 
addition  of  a  sanctuary  and  sacristy.  The  interior  has  also  been 
repeatedly  renovated,  notably  during  the  pastorate  of  Fathers 
Murphy,  Drohan  and  Halligan.  Although  its  exterior  is  of  the 
plainest,  its  interior  is  now  quite  attractive. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  681 

WEST  BROOKFIELD.  STARK  COUNTY. 

ST.    BARBARA'S    CHURCH. 

The  parish  of  St.  Barbara,  at  West  Brookfield,  is  an  out- 
growth of  St.  Mar3^'s.  Massillon.  It  is  composed  at  present  of 
about  85  famihes,  all  more  or  less  dependent  upon  the  neighboring 
coal  mines  for  a  livelihood.  St.  Barbara's  was  organized  as  a 
Mission  in  1867.  In  March  of  that  year  the  Catholics  of  the 
village  bought  one  acre  of  ground.  Under  the  direction  of  the 
Rev.  G.  A.  Verlet  a  frame  church,  36  by  68  feet  in  size,  and  of 
plain  design,  was  erected  on  the  north  end  of  the  land,  the  south 
part  being  reserved  for  a  burying  ground.  The  Mission  was 
attended  from  St.  Joseph's,  Massillon,  until  1875,  and  from  Navarre, 
until  July,  1881.  Without  the  knowledge  or  consent  of  Bishop 
Gilmour  the  laity  built  the  present  frame  pastoral  residence,  thus 
trying  to  force  the  Bishop  to  send  them  a  resident  priest.  This 
unwarranted  act  led  to  some  trouble  and  misunderstanding  which 
were  finally  settled.  The  Rev.  J.  H.  Kleekamp  was  appointed 
first  resident  pastor  in  July,  1881.  In  December  of  that  year  he 
bought  an  acre  of  land  for  burial  purposes,  as  the  cemetery  then  in 
use  was  too  near  the  pastoral  residence.  In  November,  1883,  the 
Rev.  Joseph  Horstmann  succeeded  Father  Kleekamp,  who  had 
been  transferred  to  Edgerton  in  August  of  that  year.  During  the 
interval  West  Brookfield  was  again  attended  from  St.  Joseph's, 
Massillon.     Father  Horstmann's  pastorate  ended  in  December, 

1885,  and,  until  the  appoinment  of  the  Rev.  N.  Kirch,  in  August, 

1886,  West  Brookfield  was  attended  from  Navarre.  At  a  cost  of 
about  $650  Father  Kirch  renovated  the  church  and  built  an 
addition  to  it,  of  18  by  36  feet.  The  addition  included  the  sanctuary 
and  two  sacristies.  Father  Kirch  was  transferred  to  another 
charge  in  January,  1886,  and  again  West  Brookfield  was  made  a 
Mission  of  St.  Joseph's,  Massillon,  until  the  following  September, 
when  the  Rev.  H.  D.  Best  was  appointed  resident  pastor.  He  was 
succeeded  in  November,  1891,  by  the  Rev.P.L.  G6bbels,who  built 
the  present  frame  school,  a  two-story  frame  structure,  at  a  cost 
of  $1,600.  In  1893  he  considerably  improved  the  church  and  had 
it  supplied  with  pews  and  a  furnace  at  an  expense  of  about  $700. 
Father  Gobbels  remained  in  charge  of  the  parish  until  his  death. 


682  A    HISTORY   OF  CA'I'l  lOl.ICITY 

October  30,  1894.  A  few  days  later  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev. 
II.  E.  Boesken.  The  church  was  struck  by  lightning  on  June  4, 
181)0,  but  the  damage  was  fully  repaired  by  the  insurance  paid. 
The  necessary  improvements  thus  necessitated  included  the  entire 
renovation  of  the  sanctuary.  By  means  of  a  successful  fair  in  the 
fall  of  1898  Father  Boesken  paid  ofT  the  entire  parish  debt,  besides 
leaving  a  generous  sum  in  the  treasury.  He  was  succeeded  in 
June,  1900,  by  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  J.  B.  Alten. 

The  parish  school  was  organized  in  18G8.  and  is  at  present  in 
charge  of  a  lay  teacher. 


WESTON,  WOOD  COUNTY. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 

The  Mission  of  Weston  was  organized  as  a  Station  in  1874, 
and  was  always  attended  from  Custar,  five  miles  south.  In  Octo- 
ber, 1877,  the  Hon.  W.  P.  Noble,  of  Tiffin,  a  Protestant,  donated  a 
town  lot  to  the  Catholics  of  Weston.  They  then  numbered  about 
14  families,  and  in  the  same  year  built  on  the  donated  lot  a  small 
frame  church,  17  by  25  feet. 

The  Mission,  however,  had  no  growth  but,  on  the  contrary, 
steadily  diminished  in  its  number  of  families  until,  in  1888,  but  four 
families  were  identified  with  it.  As  they  felt  unable  to  support  the 
Mission  they  affiliated  themselves  with  Custar.  Weston  was  aban- 
doned in  1888  as  a  Mission. 


WILLOUGHBY,  LAKE  COUNTY. 
IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  CHURCH. 

A  number  of  Catholic  laborers  who  had  been  employed  in 
1850  and  1851  in  the  construction  of  the  present  "Lake  Shore" 
railroad  through  Willoughby,  made  that  pretty  village  their  home. 
They  received  priestly  attendance  from  the  resident  pastors  of 
Painesville,  until  18G4,  the  Rev.  Peter  Peudeprat  being  the  first 
priest  to  visit  them.  He  and  his  successors  said  Mass  in  the 
shanties  of  the  laborers  along  the  railroad,  and  later  in  private 
houses  in  the  village. 

In  1864  Bishop  Rappe  commissioned  the  Rev.  A.  M.  Martin, 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  683 

pastor  of  Euclid,  to  take  charge  of  Willoughby  as  a  Station,  which 
then  numbered  about  -iO  famihes,  aU  dependent  for  their  support 
on  felhng  the  forests  near  VVilloughby,  for  wood  used  by  the  rail- 
road locomotives.  He  faithfully,  and  often  under  great  difficulties, 
attended  it  monthly  for  nearly  twenty  years.  In  1865  Father 
Martin  bought  two  lots  on  Vine  street,  in  the  outskirts  of  the 
village.  The  lots  cost  $1,100  and  were  paid  for  in  1868.  He 
then  began  the  erection  of  the  present  frame  church,  but  it  was 
hardly  enclosed  when  the  wood-burning  locomotives  gave  wav  to 
"coal-burners."  This  change  put  a  sudden  end  to  the  employment 
of  wood-choppers,  and  forced  those  so  employed  to  seek  other 
fields  of  labor.  In  consequence  of  this  fact  the  Catholic  population 
of  Willoughby  almost  disappeared  and  the  means  for  the  comple- 
tion of  their  church  had  to  be  borrowed.  Father  Martin  had  only 
the  most  necessary  work  done  on  the  building,  to  keep  it  safe  and 
make  it  fairly  comfortable,  but  made  no  attempt  to  ornament  its 
interior.  For  ten  years  the  Mission  suffered  from  the  loss  of  its 
original  membership  and  was  burdened  with  debt.  But  by  degrees 
it  rallied,  and  eventually  cancelledthedebt.  In  December,  1883,  the 
Rev.  J.  A.  TePas.  Ph.  D.,  succeeded  Father  Martin  and  attended 
VVilloughby  twice  a  month,  from  St.  Mary's  Seminary,  until  Sep- 
tember, 1887,  when  the  Rev.  W.  Triimper,  S.  J.,  of  St.  Mary's 
church.  Cleveland,  took  charge.  His  successor,  in  October,  1888, 
was  the  Rev.  J.  T.  O'Connell,  also  of  St.  Mary's  Seminary.  In 
April,  1889,  he  bought  two  lots  and  a  frame  house  next  to  the 
church  for  a  future  pastoral  residence ;  the  purchase  price  was 
$1,100.  In  1892  he  also  thoroughly  renovated  the  church  in  and 
outside,  at  a  cost  of  about  $1,600.  Father  O'Connell  was  suc- 
ceeded in  the  charge  of  Willoughby,  in  June,  1895,  by  the  Rev. 
G.  F.  Murphy,  D.  D.,  who  also  attended  it  from  the  Seminary, 
until  June,  1898,  when  the  Rev.  G.  I.  Bergan  was  appointed  first 
resident  pastor.  In  October,  1898,  Father  Bergan  commenced 
the  erection  of  the  present  well  appointed  frame  parish  house; 
completed,  it  cost  about  $2,500.  He  also  installed  electric  light- 
ing and  steam  heating  in  the  church  and  embellished  its  interior. 
Although  the  parish  now  numbers  about  50  families  it  has  not  been 
found  possible  to  establish  and  support  a  school. 


684  A   HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

WOODVILLE,  SANDUSKY  COUNTY. 
ST.  MARY'S  MISSION  CHURCH. 
The  village  of  Woodville  is  situated  al)out  four  miles  from 
Elmore,  and  the  Mission  is  composed  chiefly  of  farmers.  It  was 
attended  from  St.  Ann's,  Fremont,  first  as  a  Station,  from  1858  to 
1862,  and  then,  as  a  Mission,  until  1871.  In  1862  the  Rev.  M. 
O'Neill  bought  a  lot  and  built  on  it  a  brick  church,  33  by  50  feet, 
at  a  cost  of  $1,600.  Woodville  was  attended  from  Elmore, 
between  1871  and  1891,  and  then  from  Genoa,  until  1895,  when 
the  Rev.  G.  Burkhard,  S.J.,  of  St.  Mary's,  Toledo,  was  appointed 
to  take  charge  of  it.  This  he  did  until  May,  1896,  when  Woodville 
was  attached  as  a  monthly  Mission  to  Gibsonburg,  whose  resident 
pastors  have  since  attended  it.  It  has  steadily  decreased  since 
1895,  the  few  remaining  families  preferring  to  belong  to  the  parish 
of  Gibsonburg,  with  its  regular  Sunday  service.  Hence  it  is  a 
matter  of  but  a  very  short  time  when  the  Mission  will  cease  to 
exist. 

WOOSTER,  WAYNE  COUNTY. 

IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  CHURCH. 

It  was  at  Wooster  that  the  saintly  Edward  D.  Fenwick,  first 
Bishop  of  Cincinnati,  while  on  a  tour  tlirough  his  vast  diocese,  died 
of  cholera,  September  20,  1832.^  There,  alone,  among  strangers, 
with  no  priest  to  administer  to  him  the  last  sacraments,  and  not 
even  a  Catholic  layman  to  breathe  a  prayer  into  his  dying  ear,  he 
ended  his  busy  career,  as  a  true  servant  of  his  Master. 

About  1826  a  few  Catholics  began  to  settle  in  and  near  Woos- 
ter.^ Until  1846  they  were  visited  at  irregular  intervals  by  the 
priests  stationed  at  Canton,  Akron  and  Doylestown.  The  Rev. 
Philip  Foley,  of  Massillon,  was  directed  by  Bishop  Purcell,  in 
1846,  to  attend  Wooster  as  a  Station.  About  eight  Catholic 
families  then  resided  at  Wooster.  Father  Foley  bought  a  lot  of 
nearly  two  acres,  fronting  on  Madison  avenue,  and  built  on  it  the 
present  brick  church,  38  by  68  feet.  Bishop  Purcell  laid  the 
cornerstone  on  August  20,  1847.^     Owing  to  lack  of  means,  and 

(1)  The   Church   in    Northern    Ohio,    4th    ed.,    p.    260-262.     (2)  Ibid.,    p.    259.     (3)  See   this 
volume,   p.  49. 


IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  CHURCH  AND  PASTORAL  RESIDENCE,  YOUNGSTOWN. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  685 

the  poverty  of  the  few  people,  the  church  was  not  enclosed  for 
nearly  two  years,  and  even  then  the  completion  of  its  interior  had 
to  be  deferred  still  longer.  The  Rev.  A.  Campion  was  appointed 
first  resident  pastor  in  1849,  and  remained  in  charge  for  nearly 
two  years.  From  April  to  October,  1851,  he  had  as  his  assistant, 
in  the  care  of  his  many  Stations  and  Missions,  the  Rev.  M.  Healy. 
After  Father  Campion  the  following  pastors  had  charge,  suc- 
cessively, of  Wooster:  The  Revs.  G.  H.  Brennan,  1852-56;  M. 
O'Neill,  to  July,  1861;  V.  Amould,  to  May,  1862;  J.  F.  Gallagher, 
to  October,  1865 ;  and  since  that  time  the  Rev.  F.  Ankly. 

Father  Gallagher  erected  a  small  brick  building  for  a  school, 
which  he  opened  in  1865.  He  also  cancelled  the  burdensome 
parish  debt  contracted  by  Father  Foley  for  the  purchase  of  land 
and  the  erection  of  the  church.  The  pastoral  residence,  a  small, 
plain  brick  structure,  was  built  by  Father  O'Neill,  in  1858. 

Father  Ankly  remodeled  the  school  and  built  an  addition 
larger  than  the  original  structure,  and  supplied  both  with  modern 
school  appliances.  The  school  was  taught  by  two  lay  teachers 
until  1890.  but  since  then,  owing  to  the  reduced  number  of  chil- 
dren, only  one  teacher  has  been  employed.  The  school  has  been 
in  existence  without  interruption  since  1865.  In  1869  Father 
Ankly  bought  ten  acres  of  land  for  burial  purposes.  He  also 
secured  the  present  large  bell  and  pipe  organ. 

The  parish  numbers  about  75  families.  For  lack  of  means  the 
church  has  been  left  quite  plain  in  and  outside,  and  is  without  any 
ornamentation. 


YOUNGSTOWN,  MAHONING  COUNTY. 
IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION  CHURCH. 
Youngstown,  the  county  seat  of  Mahoning,  is  an  iron 
manufacturing  and  railroad  center  of  much  importance.  Its 
growth  has  been  almost  phenomenal,  and  with  it  the  Catholic 
population  has  also  kept  even  pace.  Special  reference  to  the 
history  of  Catholicity  in  Youngstown — of  its  early  struggles  and 
gradual  development,  in  the  face  of  poverty  and  adversity,  will  be 
found  in  the  sketch  of  St.  Columba's  parish,  the  first  established  in 
Youngstown,  and  of  which  that  of  the  Immaculate  Conception  is 
an  offshoot.     The  latter  was  organized  in  July,  1882,  by  the  Rev. 


686  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

W.  J.  Manning-,  who  erected  the  first  parish  building,  a  combina- 
tion church  and  school,  on  lots  bought  on  Oak  street  by  the  Rev. 
E.  Mears,  in  March,  1881.  The  two-story  frame  building,  40  by 
100  feet,  which  is  now  used  entirely  for  school  purposes,  was  com- 
menced in  August,  1882,  and  was  ready  for  use  four  months  later. 
Father  Mears  was  delegated  to  bless  it  on  December  10,  of  the 
same  year.  It  was  placed  under  the  patronage  of  the  Immaculate 
Conception.  The  parish  school  was  opened  on  the  first  floor,  in 
February,  1883,  and  placed  in  charge  of  three  Ursuline  Sisters  and 
a  lay  teacher. 

As  the  congregation  continued  to  grow,  it  was  found  that 
neither  the  temporary  church  nor  school  afforded  sufficient  room 
for  the  increasing  number  of  adults  and  pupils.  Father  Manning 
therefore  bought  two  additional  lots  opposite  those  secured  in 
1881.  with  a  frontage  of  182  feet  on  Oak  street;  the  purchase  price 
was  $2,600.  The  foundation  for  the  present  brick  church  was 
commenced  in  the  fall  of  1887,  and  the  cornerstone  was  laid  by 
Bishop  Gilmour  on  June  17,  1888.  The  building  was  brought 
to  completion  in  the  spring  of  1891,  although  used  for  the  first 
time  on  Christmas,  1890.  It  was  dedicated  on  May  10,  1891,  by 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  then  administrator  of  the  diocese. 

The  architecture  of  the  beautiful  church  is  Gothic.  Its  length 
is  140  feet,  its  width  60  feet,  and  its  cost  about  $40,000.  The 
fine  basement  is  nearly  as  large  as  the  church  auditorium ;  part  of  it 
is  at  present  used  for  a  primary  school,  and  part  for  society  rooms. 

In  1891  Father  Manning  commenced  the  present  brick  pas- 
toral residence,  which  was  ready  for  occupancy  in  December  of 
the  following  year.  It  is  a  handsome  well-appointed  building,  in 
fact,  one  of  the  best  in  the  diocese,  and  cost  about  $10,000. 

Father  Manning's  health  gave  way  under  the  strain  of  his 
arduous  pastoral  duties,  to  which  were  added  the  care  and  worry  in 
connection  with  building  the  church  and  pastoral  residence  at  a 
time  when  the  effects  of  the  financial  panic  of  1893  were  keenly 
felt  in  Youngstown  and  throughout  the  country.  The  summons 
of  Death  came  to  him  on  July  2,  1899;  his  demise  was  deplored 
by  his  parishioners,  whose  love  and  respect  he  had  won  in  a  high 
degree.  In  June,  1898,  the  Rev.  D.  B.  Crotty  was  sent  as  assistant 
to  Father  Manning,  after  whose  death  he  had  temporary  charge 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  687 

of  the  parish,  until  the  appointment  in  August,  1899,  of  the  present 
pastor,  the  Rev.  M.  P.  Kinkead. 

The  prospects  of  the  parish  are  the  brightest,  as  it  is  steadily 
growing  in  numbers  and  means.  With  a  few  more  years  of  pros- 
perous times,  such  as  Youngstown  is  now  enjoying,  the  debt  on 
the  church  property,  which  is  considerable,  will  be  cancelled. 

The  parish  has  at  present  (1900)  a  membership  of  about  375 
families.  Nearly  400  children  attend  the  school,  which  is  in 
charge  of  six  Ursuline  Sisters. 


YOUNGSTOWN. 

SACRED  HEART  OF  JESUS'  CHURCH. 
The  district  of  Haselton,  the  eastern  suburb  of  Youngstown, 
and  since  April,  1889,  a  part  of  that  city,  was  formed  into  a  parish 
in  October,  1888.  For  some  years  previous  the  Catholics  of  that 
neighborhood  found  it  difficult  to  attend  Mass,  or  discharge  their 
other  religious  obligations,  as  there  was  but  one  road  leading  into 
the  city,  and  that  was  rough,  unpaved,  and  at  certain  seasons  of 
the  year  almost  impassable.  The  only  other  way  to  reach  Youngs- 
town was  the  railroad,  and  that  was  dangerous,  especially  for 
women  and  children.  To  remedy  these  disadvantages  the  Catho- 
lics of  Haselton  petitioned  Bishop  Gilmour  to  organize  a  separate 
parish  in  their  own  locality,  and  to  give  them  the  services  of  a 
resident  pastor.  The  Bishop  granted  the  first  request  and 
promised  to  send  them  a  pastor  as  soon  as  circumstances  would 
permit.  Meanwhile  two  lots  were  purchased  in  July,  1887,  by  the 
Rev.  W.  J.  Manning.  They  were  located  at  the  corner  of  Mont- 
gomery, now  Wilson  avenue,  and  Walnut  street,  and  cost  $1,500. 
In  October,  1888,  the  present  pastor,  the  Rev.  George  W.  Learn- 
ing, received  his  appointment.  As  there  was  no  church  at  his 
disposal  he  was  granted  the  use  of  a  class  room  in  the  village  public 
school  for  Sunday  services.  Shortly  after  Father  Leeming's 
arrival  he  and  his  parishioners  resolved  to  change  the  location  of 
the  intended  church,  as  the  site  bought  in  1887  was  considered 
unsuitable.  Father  Leeming,  having  obtained  Bishop  Gilmour's 
consent,  bought  a  tract  of  land  fronting  on  Wilson  avenue.  The 
purchase  was  made  in  November,  1888,  for  the  sum  of  $1,500, 
although  the  deed  was  not  given  until  January,  1889.     Here  the 


688  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

present  frame  church,  32  by  70  feet,  was  speedily  erected,  and 
used  in  its  unfinished  state  for  the  first  time  on  Christmas  morning, 
1888.  In  the  following  January  the  church  was  completed,  a 
spacious  gallery  erected  and  pews  supplied  for  the  accommodation 
of  300  people.  The  church  cost  about  $4,000.  During  the  year 
a  frame  pastoral  residence  was  added  to  the  rear  of  the  church  at 
a  cost  of  about  $3,000.  and  was  paid  for  when  completed ;  it  fronts 
on  Quarry  street. 

In  1892  Father  Leeming  bought  the  Haselton  public  school, 
a  frame  building  consisting  of  three  class  rooms  and  a  large  hall, 
32  by  80  feet,  with  a  fine  basement  of  the  same  dimensions.  The 
structure  will  serve  the  purposes  of  a  school  admirably  when  that 
necessary  adjunct  to  the  future  welfare  of  the  parish  is  once 
established  which,  for  lack  of  means,  it  has  been  found  impossible 
thus  far  to  do. 

In  the  years  1899  and  1900  a  number  of  improvements  were 
added  to  the  property.  The  church  was  removed  from  its  first 
location  60  feet  eastward,  and  placed  upon  a  substantial  basement 
in  which  is  located  the  heating  apparatus.  The  vacant  part  of  the 
church  land  was  also  graded  and  made  quite  attractive  as  a  lawn. 
The  church  and  house  are  heated  and  lighted  by  means  of  natural 
gas.  The  sanctuary  has  also  been  re-decorated,  and  supplied  with 
a  neat  outfit  of  altar  ornaments.  The  church  has  been  enriched 
by  a  number  of  stained  glass  windows;  most  of  them  were  donated, 
as  was  also  the  main  altar.  These  and  other  improvements  that 
might  be  mentioned,  evidence  the  generosity  and  religious  earnest- 
ness of  the  congregation,  which  numbers  about  65  families. 


YOUNGSTOWN. 
ST.  ANN'S  CHURCH. 
In  September,  1869,  Bishop  Rappe  authorized  the  formation 
of  a  congregation  at  Brier  Hill,  then  a  suburb,  but  since  April, 
1889,  a  part  of  Youngstown.  Up  to  that  time  the  Catholics 
residing  at  and  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  Brier  Hill  were 
identified  with  St.  Columba's  parish,  at  Youngstown.  In  Septem- 
ber, 1869,  the  Rev.  E.  J.  Murphy  was  appointed  the  first  resident 
pastor  of  Brier  Hill.  In  the  following  month  he  secured  by  land 
contract  a  lot  fronting  on  Federal  street ;  the  purchase  price  was 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  689 

$1,000.  For  the  sum  of  $700  Father  Murphy  bought  a  frame 
building,  which  was  formerly  used  as  a  store.  He  had  it  moved 
on  the  lot,  and  fitted  up  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship,  and  as  a 
school.  In  September,  1870,  he  bought  on  the  same  street,  for 
the  sum  of  $1,550,  an  additional  lot;  the  frame  house  on  it  he  made 
his  residence.  He  was  succeeded  in  October,  1870,  by  the  Rev. 
Patrick  McCaffrey.  In  1871  Father  McCaffrey  built  the  first 
church,  a  plain  frame  structure,  45  by  65  feet,  at  a  cost  of  about 
$3,000.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Ann,  but  there  is  no  record  when 
or  by  whom  the  ceremony  was  performed.  Owing  to  ill  health 
Father  McCaffrey  was  obliged  to  resign  his  charge  in  April,  1872. 
His  successor  was  the  Rev.  F.  J.  Henry,  who,  in  spite  of  the  finan- 
cial depression  following  the  "Black  Friday"  panic  of  1873, 
reduced  the  debt  contracted  by  his  predecessor.  Father  Henry 
was  succeeded  in  July,  1876,  by  the  Rev.  Francis  McGovern,  who 
added  a  number  of  improvements  to  the  church  property  during 
his  pastorate,  which  ended  with  his  death  on  August  28,  1887. 
St.  Ann's  congregation  was  then  attended  from  Hubbard  until  the 
following  December,  when  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  J.  P. 
Barry,  received  his  appointment  as  pastor.  In  1888  Father  Barry 
built  a  frame  parish  house  at  an  expense  of  about  $2,300.  He  also 
remodeled  and  enlarged  the  frame  school ;  it  had  been  erected  in 
1872,  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary. 
They  were  succeeded  in  September,  1888,  by  the  Ursuline  Sisters, 
who  have  taught  the  parish  school  since  that  time.  It  has  an 
attendance  at  present  of  about  225  pupils. 

The  location  of  the  church  having  proved  undesirable,  chiefly 
for  the  reason  that  most  of  the  members  of  St.  Ann's  lived  too  far 
distant  from  the  church.  Father  Barry  obtained  the  necessary 
permission  in  1892  to  secure  another  location  better  suited  to  the 
wants  of  the  people.  This  he  did  in  March  of  that  year,  by  pur- 
chasing four  lots,  with  a  frontage  of  200  feet  on  Federal  street, 
and  142  feet  on  Jefferson  street,  and  about  one  mile  south  of  the 
original  parish  property;  the  lots  cost  $3,900.  In  April,  1893, 
the  foundation  of  the  present  church  on  the  new  site  was  com- 
menced. Mgr.  F.  M.  Boff,  V.G.,  laid  the  cornerstone  on  July  30, 
following.  Owing,  however,  to  lack  of  means  in  consequence  of 
the  financial  panic  of  1893,  which  also  seriously  affected  Youngs- 
town,  the  building  progressed  very  slowly.     Thus  far  only  the 


690  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

interior  of  tlic  tine  basement  is  finished;  it  was  used  for  the  first 
time  on  April  25,  1897.  The  church  is  a  brick  structure,  trimmed 
with  sand-stone.  Its  length  is  128  feet,  and  its  width  60  feet.  It 
has  two  towers  in  keeping  with  the  Norman  architecture  of  the 
church;  their  respective  height  is  150  and  115  feet.  When  com- 
pleted interiorly  the  church,  with  its  furnishings,  will  have  cost 
upwards  of  v$40,000.  Much  of  this  sum  is  still  a  debt  on  the  parish, 
but  is  being  steadily  reduced. 

In  1898  Father  Barry  built  a  two-story  school  and  a  neat 
pastoral  residence.  Both  are  frame  buildings  and  stand  near  the 
church;  the  former  cost  $2,400,  and  the  latter  $3,500. 

Tn  1898  the  old  church  and  the  lot  on  which  it  stands  were 
sold  to  the  Italians  who  were  organized  in  that  year  under  the 
patronage  of  St.  Anthony  of  Padua.  In  1899  the  balance  of  the 
former  property  was  also  sold,  the  proceeds  from  both  sales 
amounting  to  nearly  $6,000. 

The  parish  now  numbers  about  225  families,  all  dependent  on 
the  iron  industry  of  Youngstown. 


YOUNGSTOWN. 

ST.    ANTHONY'S    (ITALIAN)    CHURCH. 

Prior  to  1898  the  Italians  in  Youngstown,  numbering  at  that 
time  about  100  families,  attended  divine  service  at  St.  Ann's  and 
St.  Columba's  churches.  They  were  visited  about  five  or  six  times 
a  year  by  the  Rev.  P.  Capitani,  of  St.  Anthony's  church,  Cleveland, 
and  occasionally  also  by  other  priests  of  their  own  nationality. 
In  May,  1898,  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  Anthony  Petillo, 
was  appointed  their  first  resident  pastor.  In  June  of  that  year  he 
bought,  for  the  sum  of  $2,500,  the  former  church  of  St. 
Ann's  parish.  He  remodeled  and  beautified  the  interior  of  the 
church,  and  secured  three  new  altars,  Stations,  statuary,  and  a  fair 
supply  of  vestments,  etc. 

The  parish  has  a  membership  of  about  150  families  and  is 
steadily  increasing. 

For  lack  of  means  it  has  not  been  found  possible  thus  far  to 
organize  a  parochial  school. 


ST.    COLUMBA'S    CHURCH,    YOUNGSTOWN. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  691 

YOUNGSTOWN. 

ST.    COLUMBA'S    CHURCH. 

The  early  history  of  St.  Columba's  church  is  identified  with 
the  origin  and  development  of  Catholicity  in  Youngstown,  as  it 
was  the  first  Catholic  church  built  in  that  busy  and  bustling  city. 
Long  before  Mahoning  county  was  formed  (in  March,  1846,  out 
of  parts  of  Trumbull  and  Columbiana  counties),  missionary  priests 
visited  the  scattered  Catholic  families  in  that  vicinity.  The  first 
priest  to  minister  to  them  was  the  Dominican  Father,  Thomas  H. 
Martin,  who  came  some  time  in  1826.  He  was  then  stationed  at 
the  Dominican  Convent,  near  Somerset,  Perry  county,  and  covered 
the  entire  distance,  about  125  miles,  on  horseback.  Other 
Dominicans  from  the  same  place,  and  from  Dungannon,  followed 
at  long  intervals,  between  1830  and  1840.  Among  these  were 
the  Revs.  John  H.  M.  McGrady,  V.  De  Raymacher,  A.  Fahey, 
N.  D.  Young  and  E.  P.  Montgomery.  The  Very  Rev.  E.  T. 
Collins,  of  Cincinnati,  came  once  in  1834;  the  Rev.  James  Conlan, 
of  Steubenville.  once  or  twice  in  1835.  For  many  years  these 
priests  said  Mass  in  private  houses,  principally  in  the  homes  of 
Daniel  Sheehy,  William  Woods  and  Neal  Campbell — pioneers  of 
Catholicity  in  the  Mahoning  Valley.  From  1840  to  1847  Youngs- 
town was  regularly  attended  as  a  Station,  by  the  Rev.  James 
Conlan,  resident  pastor  of  Dungannon.  Between  1847  and  1858 
the  following  priests  paid  periodical  visits :  The  Revs.  M.  Howard, 
of  Cleveland,  until  January,  1848 ;  James  Moran,  of  Dungannon, 
1848-49;  J.  Ringele,  C.PP.S.,  of  Randolph,  1850-51;  F.  McGann, 
of  St.  Vincent's,  Akron,  1851-52;  William  O'Connor,  of  Dun- 
gannon, a  few  months  in  1853;  F.  Stroker,  of  Summitville, 
1853-54;  P.  Flum,  of  Dungannon,  1855-56;  and  M.  Prendergast, 
of  Summitville,  1856-58.  In  July,  1858,  the  Rev.  William 
O'Connor  was  appointed  the  first  resident  pastor  of  Youngstown. 
The  small  frame  church  then  in  use  was  commenced  by  Father 
McGann,  in  1851,  but  owing  to  the  poverty  of  the  few  Catholics 
then  at  Youngstown,  it  was  not  brought  to  completion  until  1853. 
It  stood  at  the  corner  of  Wood  and  Hazel  streets.  From  Youngs- 
town Father  O'Connor  also  attended  a  number  of  Missions  and 
Stations,  and  by  his  zeal  and  earnestness  endeared  himself  to  all 


692  A  HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

who  were  under  his  pastoral  care.  He  resigned  his  pastorate  in 
May,  1861,  and  joined  the  Redemptorists,  of  which  Society  he 
was  a  valued  member  until  his  death  at  Boston,  Mass.,  September 
9^  1899.  His  successor  was  the  Rev.  E.  M.  O'Callaghan,  who 
was  pastor  of  St.  Columba's  parish  from  May,  1861,  until  January, 
1871.  For  some  years  before  his  advent  in  Youngstown  the 
congregation  had  far  outgrown  its  little  frame  church.  Father 
O'Callaghan  was  therefore  compelled  to  provide  larger  as  well  as 
better  church  accommodations.  He  chose  the  site  of  the  first 
church  as  that  of  the  second,  for  the  erection  of  which  he  at  once 
began  to  raise  funds.  The  new  church  was  commenced  in  the 
spring  of  1863  and  used  for  the  first  time,  with  its  interior  still 
unfinished,  in  the  summer  of  1864,  and  has  been  used  ever  since. 
It  is  a  brick  structure,  135  feet  in  length,  by  50  feet  in  width,  and 
of  Gothic  architecture.  The  belfry  tower  is  104  feet  high.  There 
is  no  record  of  the  cost  of  the  church,  but  judging  from  its  size 
and  solidity,  $30,000  seems  a  very  lo,w  estimate.  Certainly,  what- 
ever its  cost,  it  required  much  generous  giving  on  the  part  of  the 
laity  and  prudent  management  on  the  part  of  the  pastor  to  defray 
the  expense  of  such  a  structure  in  those  days.  Father  O'Callaghan 
lived  in  a  rented  house  for  some  years.  Later  on  he  bought  a  lot 
on  West  Wood  street,  nearly  opposite  the  church,  and  moved  on  it 
the  old  frame  church  which  he  fitted  up  for  his  residence. 

The  parish  school  was  established  in  1860  by  Father 
O'Connor  and  was  taught  by  lay  teachers.  These  were  replaced 
in  September,  1868,  by  the  Sisters  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary. 
They  remained  in  charge  until  June,  1871,  when  lay  teachers 
were  again  employed,  until  1876.  In  September,  1864. 
the  school  was  transferred  from  the  old  frame  building,  erected 
by  Father  O'Connor,  to  the  basement  of  the  newly  erected  church. 
But,  as  the  parish  grew  in  numbers,  ampler  quarters  for  school 
purposes  became  necessary.  Father  O'Callaghan  therefore 
bought  a  large  lot  at  the  corner  of  West  Rayen  avenue  and  Elm 
street,  and  commenced  on  it  the  present  two-story  brick  school. 
Before  completing  it  he  went  to  Rome*  in  the  spring  of  1870  and 
was  absent  some  months.  During  part  of  that  time  the  Rev.  E.  J. 
Murphy    had    temporary    charge    of    the    parish.     On     Father 


(*)  See  p.  91,   this  volume. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  693 

O'Callaghan's  return  he  continued  his  pastoral  charge  until 
August,  1871,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Gibbons, 
who  completed  the  school.  With  its  furnishings  it  cost  about 
330,000.  The  Rev.  P.  H.  Brown  was  appointed  successor  to 
Father  Gibbons  in  August,  1872.  Father  Brown  gave  the  Ursu- 
line  Sisters  charge  of  the  school,  in  1876,  and  they  have  ably 
conducted  it  ever  since.  At  present  about  850  children  are  in 
attendance  and  are  taught  by  14  Sisters. 

In  the  fall  of  1876  Father  Brown  was  stricken  with  paralysis 
which  rendered  him  unable  to  perform  any  pastoral  duties ;  these 
had  to  be  attended  to  by  his  assistants.  He  resigned  in  July,  1877, 
and  some  months  later  was  taken  to  Charity  Hospital  where  he 
died  on  September  26,  1878.  The  Rev.  Edward  Mears  succeeded 
him  in  the  pastorate  of  St.  Columba's  church  in  July,  1877.  He 
found  a  debt  of  $40,000  burdening  the  parish,  and  much  of  it 
dating  back  to  1871,  when  the  school  was  built.  Father  Mears 
made  every  effort  to  pay  ofT  the  debt  and  in  doing  so  he  was  most 
generously  supported  by  his  parishioners.  The  result  was  that 
at  the  close  of  the  year  1881  the  entire  debt  was  cancelled.  The 
large  increase  of  population  that  came  to  Youngstown,  after  it  had 
recovered  from  the  effects  of  the  dark  and  dreary  days  of  the 
financial  panic  of  1873,  brought  also  many  English-speaking 
Catholics.  This  fact  soon  made  the  formation  of  a  new  parish  a 
necessity,  as  St.  Columba's  church  could  not  accommodate  them 
all,  nor  was  it  conveniently  located  for  many  of  the  new  arrivals, 
who  had  settled  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  city.  With  Bishop 
Gilmour's  approval,  therefore,  the  Immaculate  Conception  parish 
was  organized  in  1882.  St.  Columba's  parish  paid  for  the  church 
lot,  besides  giving  $5,000  towards  paying  for  the  erection  of  the 
new  church. 

By  city  ordinance  Lawrence  street  was  extended  in  1882  ;  the 
extension  ran  through  the  center  of  St.  Columba's  parish  ceme- 
tery, which  by  that  time  had  become  nearly  filled  with  interments. 
In  the  Diocesan  Synod  of  1882  it  was  decreed  that  whenever  a 
new  cemetery  was  thereafter  bought  in  any  place  having  more 
than  one  church,  it  should  be  for  the  use  of  all  parishes  in  such 
place.  After  some  delay,  caused  by  want  of  agreement  on  the 
part  of  those  concerned  regarding  the  location  of  a  "Union  ceme- 
tery"  for  Youngstown,   Father  Mears  bought,   for  the   sum   of 


694  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

$6,000,  20  acres  of  land  for  that  purpose  in  July,  1884.  Six  years 
later  he  purchased  at  a  cost  of  $1,700  the  10-acre  tract  adjoining 
the  20  acres.  He  graded  and  put  it  in  proper  condition  for  burial 
purposes,  and  named  it  "Calvary  Cemetery."  It  was  blessed  by 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  F.  M.  Bofif,  V.  G.,  the  first  part  in  1885  and  the 
second  in  the  fall  of  1890.* 

In  May,  1886,  the  foundation  of  the  present  handsome  brick 
rectory  was  commenced.  The  building  was  completed  in  January, 
1887,  and  cost  about  $12,000.  It  replaced  the  old  weather-worn 
frame  structure  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  sketch. 

For  a  long  time  it  had  become  a  matter  of  grave  concern  to 
the  pastor  and  people  that  the  children  of  the  south  side  of  the 
city  were  forced  to  cross  so  many  railroad  tracks  on  their  way  to 
school.  As  this  danger  was  steadily  increasing  with  each 
additional  track  laid,  steps  were  taken  as  soon  as  possible  to  erect 
a  school  on  the  South  Side.  Therefore,  in  the  spring  of  1887 
Father  Mears  bought  four  lots  at  a  cost  of  $2,600,  and  by  Septem- 
ber of  the  following  year  a  commodious  six-room  frame  school 
was  ready  for  occupancy;  it  cost  about  $3,000. 

In  July,  1887,  a  lot  adjoining  the  pastoral  residence  at  the 
corner  of  Wood  and  Elm  streets  was  bought  for  $6,000,  as  a  site 
for  the  future  church.  This  additional  lot  gave  a  frontage  of  150 
feet  for  church  and  pastoral  residence. 

After  paying  ofT  the  debts  for  the  improvements  made  and  for 
the  lots  purchased  in  1893,  the  new  church  was  commenced  in 
April  of  that  year.  Everything  looked  bright  and  promising  for 
the  great  work  in  hand,  but  in  the  following  July  the  disastrous 
effects  of  the  financial  panic  struck  Youngstown,  as  it  did  the 
entire  country.  The  rolling  mills  were  shut  down  and  all  other 
dependent  industries  in  the  city  were  brought  to  a  standstill,  and 
years  of  great  distress  followed.  Work  on  the  new  church  had, 
of  course,  to  be  stopped,  but  not  until  the  walls  were  raised  high 
enough  to  make  a  very  commodious  hall  of  the  basement.  In 
order  the  better  to  preserve  the  walls,  and  to  afford  a  meeting 
place  for  all  purposes  of  the  congregation,  money  was  borrowed 
in  1894  and  a  solid  temporary  roof  was  placed  over  the  walls. 
This  gave  a  large  hall  which  was  used  for  six  years,  many  of  the 


(*)  A  more  detailed  account  of  the  cemetery  will  be  found  in  a  separate  sketch. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  695 

church  entertainments  being    held    therein,  and  it  was  also  the 
source  of  much  revenue  to  the  church  in  the  way  of  rentals,  etc. 

In  May,  1900.  the  building  of  the  new  church  was  resumed 
and  is  now  in  course  of  erection.  The  cornerstone  was  laid  by 
Mgr.  F.  M.  Bofif,  V.G..  on  Sunday,  July  1,  1900.  It  is  a  large 
Gothic  church,  75  feet  wide  by  175  feet  long;  built  of  grey  lime- 
stone it  has  a  very  imposing  appearance.  It  is  hoped  by  Father 
Mears  to  have  the  whole  exterior  of  the  church  completed  during 
the  summer  of  1901,  and  as  soon  as  possible  thereafter  the  interior 
work  will  be  begun.  When  the  church  is  completed,  according 
to  the  plans  drawn  by  Architect  Ginther,  it  will  easily  rank  with 
the  finest,  largest  and  costliest  churches  in  the  diocese  of  Cleve- 
land; its  estimated  cost  is  about  $100,000. 

St.  Columba's  parish  is  one  of  the  largest  in  the  diocese,  and 
now  numbers  nearly  700  families.  It  is  noted  for  its  generous 
response  to  all  calls  of  religion  and  charity,  and  its  long  history 
has  never  been  marred  by  discord,  or  want  of  respect  for  those 
charged  with  its  spiritual  or  temporal  interests.  In  January,  1889, 
St.  Columba's  parish  was  made  a  rectorate,  and  its  pastor  was 
appointed  its  first  irremovable  rector — both  well  merited  distinc- 
tions. 

In  attending  to  the  affairs  of  the  parish  the  various  pastors 
as  well  as  the  present  rector  have  had  the  assistance  of  the  follow- 
ing priests:  The  Revs.  W.  F^ugh,  from  1862-64;  B.  Quinn, 
1864-65;  P.  O'Brien,  1872-73;  J.  M.  Hunt,  1874-75;  J.  Molloy, 
1875-76;  M.  B.  Brown,  1876-77;  J.  Hannan,  1879-80;  M.  B. 
Brown  (second  time),  March  to  December,  1881 ;  P.  H.  O'Mara, 
1881-83;  J.  B.  McGlone,  1883-84;  W.  F.  Murphy,  1884-85;  J.  P. 
Barry,  1885-87;  G.  J.  Vahey,  two  months  in  1888;  J.  Walsh, 
January  to  September,  1888;  J.  J.  Quinn,  1888-91;  J.  P.  O'Con- 
nor, 1891-94;  P.  Devanny,  September,  1894,  to  January,  1895; 
J.  P.  Brennan,  1894-99;  A.  J.  Schwertner,  June  to  September, 
1897;  P.  J.  Hendrick,  June  to  November,  1899;  and  since  Novem- 
ber, 1899,  the  Rev.  E.  M.  Laycock. 


696  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

YOUNGSTOWN. 

STS.  CYRIL  AND  METHODIUS'  (SLOVAK)  CHURCH. 

About  the  year  1880  Slovaks  began  to  settle  at  Youngstown 
and  its  immediate  vicinity.  Five  years  later  many  had  established 
their  homes  in  Youngstown,  Struthers,  Girard  and  other  towns, 
near-by.  As  nearly  all  the  Slovaks  were  Catholics  they  attended 
the  churches  nearest  to  their  homes.  The  Revs.  S.  Furdek  and 
J.  Martvon  came  from  Cleveland  at  stated  times  to  minister  to 
their  spiritual  wants.  In  1896  a  meeting  of  the  Slovaks  was  held, 
at  the  call  of  Father  Furdek,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  preliminary 
steps  towards  organizing  a  congregation  and  building  a  church 
for  themselves.  But,  beyond  starting  a  subscription  for  the  pur- 
chase of  property,  nothing  further  was  or  could  be  done  for  nearly 
three  years,  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  could  not 
send  them  a  resident  pastor  of  their  nationality,  or  one  conversant 
with  their  language.  In  May,  1899,  with  the  Bishop's  approval, 
the  Rev.  J.  Klute  bought  two  lots  for  the  Slovaks,  as  a  church 
site,  at  the  corner  of  East  Wood  and  Watt  streets,  for  the  sum  of 
$5,500.  In  June  of  the  same  year  the  Rev.  A.  Kolar  was  appointed 
resident  pastor  of  the  Slovaks,  whom  he  organized  as  a  congre- 
gation under  the  patronage  of  Sts.  Cyril  and  Methodius.  They 
were  kindly  granted  the  use  of  the  basement  of  St.  Columba's 
church  as  a  temporary  place  of  worship.  Meanwhile  Father  Kolar 
started  a  subscription  and  had  plans  made  for  a  brick  church,  of 
Roman  architecture.  The  foundation  was  commenced  in  the 
early  sum.mer  of  1900,  and  the  cornerstone  was  blessed  by  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  T.  P.  Thorpe,  as  the  Bishop's  delegate,  on  the  23d 
of  September,  following.  Work  on  the  new  church  progressed 
so  rapidly  that  the  handsome  structure  was  enclosed  in  December, 
1900.  According  to  present  prospects  the  church  will  be  ready 
for  occupancy  before  the  close  of  the  year  1901.  Its  dimensions 
are:  Length,  112  feet;  width,  68  feet;  width  at  transept,  85  feet. 
The  estimated  cost  of  the  church  is  about  $35,000,  most  of  which 
will  be  a  debt  for  a  time.  However,  as  the  parish  is  steadily  increas- 
ing and  the  Slovaks  are  noted  for  their  generosity,  the  debt  will 
not  be  a  burden  of  long  duration. 

Owing  to  some  dissatisfaction  which  arose  in  regard  to  Father 


SS.    CYRIL    AND    METHODIUS'    CHURCH.    YOUNGSTOWN. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  697 

Kolar's  administration  of  parish  affairs  he  was  removed  in  Decem- 
ber, 1900,  but  the  vacancy  in  the  pastorate  will  soon  be  filled. 

The  parish  has  now  a  membership  of  about  260  families,  and 
is  steadily  increasing.  As  soon  as  means  and  teachers  are  avail- 
able a  parochial  school  will  be  organized. 


YOUNGSTOWN. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  CHURCH. 

The  Catholic  Germans  at  Youngstown  were  identified  with 
St.  Columba's  parish  until  March,  1870,  when  Bishop  Rappe 
appointed  the  Rev.  Peter  Becker  as  their  first  pastor.  They  then 
numbered  about  60  families.  Father  Becker  secured  by  land 
contract  a  lot  90  by  150  feet,  at  the  corner  of  Wick  and  West 
Rayen  avenues,  in  one  of  the  most  desirable  locations  in  Youngs- 
town. The  cost  of  the  lot  was  $3,500  and  was  deeded  to  Bishop 
Gilmour  in  October,  1872.  The  frame  house  on  the  lot  was  made 
the  pastoral  residence. 

At  an  expense  of  about  $3,000  Father  Becker  built  a  small 
brick  church  on  the  re?r  end  of  the  lot,  facing  West  Rayen  avenue. 
It  was  dedicated  to  St.  Joseph,  in  the  summer  of  1870,  by  the  Very 
Rev.  E.  Hannin,  then  administrator  of  the  diocese.  The  Rev. 
H.  D.  Best  succeeded  Father  Becker  as  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's 
parish,  in  September,  1870,  but  remained  only  till  May  of  the 
following  year,  when  St.  Joseph's  was  attended  from  Hubbard. 
The  Rev.  C.  Barbier  was  then  appointed  resident  pastor.  His 
stay  was  short — till  April,  1873,  when  St.  Joseph's  was  again  made 
a  Mission  of  Hubbard  until  July  of  the  same  year,  with  the  Rev. 
J.  T.  Schaffeld  in  charge,  as  he  had  been  before,  from  May,  1871, 
to  August,  1872.  In  July,  1873,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Eyler  was 
appointed  resident  pastor.  For  nearly  eight  years  he  labored 
successfully  in  that  capacity,  although  under  the  disadvantage  of 
ill  health.  For  this  reason  he  resigned  his  pastorate  in  May,  1881, 
when  St.  Joseph's  became  a  Mission  of  Hubbard  for  the  third  time, 
for  a  few  weeks,  with  the  Rev.  J.  Klute  as  attending  priest. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Seltzer  was  the  next  resident  pastor  of  St. 
Joseph's  parish,  from    June,   1881,  to  December,    1882.     From 


698  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

December,  188],  to  March,  1882,  Father  Eyler  was  in  Europe;  the 
Rev.  M.  B.  Brown  acted  as  his  substitute  in  his  absence. 

Father  Eyler  had  raised  a  subscription  of  $2,000  for  a  much 
needed  and  larger  church,  the  congregation  having  outgrown  the 
old  one.  Father  Seltzer  took  up  the  building  project  which  had 
been  deferred  because  of  his  predecessor's  resignation.  The 
result  was  that  the  foundation  for  the  new  church  was  commenced 
a  few  weeks  after  his  arrival,  and  the  cornerstone  was  laid  by 
Bishop  Gilmour  on  September  4,  1881.  The  ceremony  was  wit- 
nessed by  a  great  multitude  of  interested  spectators,  Protestants 
as  well  as  Catholics.  The  church  was  ready  for  use  in  September, 
1882,  although  its  interior  was  far  from  being  complete. 

Father  Seltzer  was  succeeded  in  December,  1882,  by  the  Rev. 
M.  Becker.  He  had  the  church  plastered  and  furnished  with 
stained  glass  windows.  His  pastorate  ended  in  August,  1883, 
when  the  present  incumbent,  the  Rev.  John  Klute,  was  given 
pastoral  charge  of  St.  Joseph's  parish.  Father  Klute  at  once  set 
to  work  to  finish  the  interior  of  the  church,  and  to  supply  it  with 
the  necessary  furnishings.  This  was  done  by  degrees,  as  means 
became  available.  Nearly  three  years  had  passed  since  the  laying 
of  the  cornerstone,  before  the  beautiful  edifice  was  ready  for  dedi- 
cation. The  ceremony  was  performed  by  Bishop  Gilmour  on 
Sunday,  July  20,  1884.  The  occasion  was  a  memorable  one  for 
the  pastor  and  people  of  St.  Joseph's  parish,  who  were  now  in 
possession  of  a  church  worthy  of  its  sacred  purpose,  and  a  credit 
to  the  80  families  whose  generosity  made  its  erection  possible.  It 
cost  about  $30,000,  exclusive  of  its  furnishings,  and  had  a  debt  on 
it  of  less  than  $5,000  when  it  was  dedicated.  The  architecture  of 
the  church  is  Gothic,  and  the  material  is  brick,  with  a  liberal 
amount  of  stone  trimmings.  It  has  a  frontage  of  56  feet  on  Wick 
avenue  and  a  depth  of  116  feet  on  West  Rayen  avenue ;  the  height 
of  the  graceful  spire  is  171  feet. 

The  parochial  school  was  established  by  Father  Becker,  in 
1870.  In  1883  the  first  church  was  remodeled  to  serve  as  a 
temporary  school.  A  large  lot  (75  by  175  feet)  at  the  corner  of 
West  Rayen  avenue  and  Phelps  street  was  bought  in  June,  1890, 
for  a  school  site,  at  a  cost  of  $8,500.  The  two-story  frame  house 
on  the  lot  was  fitted  up  for  school  purposes;  its  four  large  class 


ST.    JOSEPH'S    CHURCH,    YOUNGSTOWN. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  699 

rooms  were  ready  for  use  in  September  of  that  year,  and  placed 
in  charge  of  two  Ursuline  Sisters  and  two  lay  teachers.  The 
former  school  building  was  then  changed  into  a  parish  hall,  which 
purpose  it  served  for  some  years. 

In  1893  the  present  brick  school  was  erected  on  the  site 
bought  in  1890,  as  above  mentioned.  It  is  a  three-story  building, 
has  four  well  ventilated,  cheery  class  rooms,  a  fine  parish  hall  on 
the  third  floor,  and  all  the  appliances  and  conveniences  found  in  a 
modern  school.  It  cost  $15,000  and  was  ready  for  occupancy  in 
October,  1893.  Four  Ursuline  Sisters  are  now  engaged  as 
teachers  and  about  200  children  are  in  attendance. 

In  July,  1900,  Father  Klute  bought  for  the  sum  of  $10,000 
the  fine  property  adjoining  the  new  school  lot.  The  elegant 
twelve-room  frame  house  on  the  lot  was  made  the  pastoral  resi- 
dence, which  had  become  a  necessity,  as  the  former  residence  was 
small,  dingy  and  unsanitary.  With  the  last  purchase  the  parish 
property  now  has  a  frontage  of  300  feet  on  West  Rayen  avenue. 

St.  Joseph's  congregation  numbers  about  200  families. 
Financially  it  had  its  dark  days,  notably  between  the  years  1893 
and  1898,  when  the  industries  of  Youngstown  were  paralyzed  by 
the  effects  of  the  panic  of  1893.  Those  days  are  happily  of  the 
past,  and  although  the  parish  has  still  considerable  debt,  it  is  not 
burdensome  and  will  soon  be  cancelled. 


Part  III 

Section  II 

PREFATORY  REMARKS. 

THE  cause  of  Catholic  education,  whether  parochial,  col- 
legiate, or  academic,  has  ever  found  earnest  and  tireless 
champions  in  the  bishops  of  Cleveland.  They  spared 
neither  time  nor  labor  in  its  advancement,  so  that  Catholics  might 
have  schools  and  higher  institutions  of  learning  in  no  way  inferior 
to  the  best.  The  Diocesan  Seminary,  the  well-spring,  it  may  be 
said,  of  ecclesiastical  life  in  the  diocese,  has  always  been  an  object 
of  special  care  to  the  three  bishops  who  have  ruled  the  See  of 
Cleveland.  The  studies  that  are  pursued  and  the  mental  and  moral 
discipline  enforced  upon  the  students  give  it  rank  with  the  best 
seminaries  of  the  country. 

Under  the  watchful  eye  of  the  bishops  and  the  skillful  man- 
agement of  faithful,  self-sacrificing  religious,  the  charitable  institu- 
tions have  also  grown  apace  with  the  needs  of  the  diocese, 
thanks  to  a  noble,  generous  laity  who  have  always  given 
freely  of  their  means — and  these  often  very  limited — in  order  to 
relieve  the  needy,  the  wayward  and  the  afflicted.  One  by  one  they 
have  sprung  into  existence  as  necessity  required  it  until,  after 
fifty  years,  there  is  scarcely  a  want  of  frail  humanity  for  which 
provision  has  not  been  fully  made.  The  sick  and  maimed  have 
access  to  well-equipped  Hospitals ;  the  aged  poor  have  Homes  to 
give  them  shelter;  the  waifs  and  orphans  are  provided  for  in 
Asylums,  and  wayward  girls  and  fallen  women  are  given  a  Refuge 
in  which  to  repent  and  reform. 

One  crying  want  however  is  yet  unprovided  for — a  Protectory 
for  wayward  boys,  a  place  in  which  to  gather  these  neglected 
ones,  and  train  them  to  be  good  Catholics  and  good  citizens.  May 
Heaven  inspire  some  one,  or  many,  to  supply  this  great  want,  and 
save  these  little  ones  that  are  straying  from  the  flock  of  Christ ! 

The  following  historical  sketches  of  educational  and  charitable 
institutions  in  the  diocese  show  how  humbly  they  began  ;  how  hard 

700 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  701 

and  long  they  struggled  for  existence ;  and  how  flourishing  their 
condition  now.  It  is  the  parable  of  the  mustard  seed  illustrated 
over  and  over  again — small  and  insignificant  at  first  but  gradually 
developing  into  a  spreading  tree,  under  whose  shadow  the  weary 
may  find  rest.  And  nearby  flows  the  unsullied  stream  of  knowledge 
at  which  those  who  desire  it  may  slake  their  thirst.  The  Hand  of 
Charity  is  there,  doling  out  to  the  poor;  the  Good  Samaritan, 
binding  up  wounds  and  soothing  fevered  brows;  and  the  Good 
Shepherd,  rescuing  from  spiritual  ruin  the  stray  lambs  and  sheep 
of  His  flock. 

May  these  institutions  of  education  and  charity  continue  to 
grow  and  flourish,  and  carry  on  the  work  for  which  they  were 
founded ;  and  may  they  never  lose  sight  of  the  fact  that  the  Glory 
of  God  and  love  of  souls  is  the  only  reason  for  their  existence. 


EDUCATIONAL  INSTITUTIONS 


CLEVELAND. 

ST.   MARY'S  THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY, 
AND  ST.   MARY'S  COLLEGE. 

The  history  of  St.  Mary's  Seminary  is  almost  coeval  with 
that  of  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  whose  first  Bishop  was  its  founder. 
Hardly  had  Bishop  Rappe  taken  possession  of  his  See  when 
he  sought  to  provide  laborers  for  the  vast  portion  of  the 
Lord's  vineyard  committed  to  his  care.  Numerous  however  were 
the  difficulties  that  stood  in  the  way  of  his  project,  chief  of  which 
was  the  lack  of  means  for  the  necessary  building  and  the  support 
of  an  institution  suitable  for  the  training  of  aspirants  to  the  priest- 
hood. The  diocese  was  poor;  it  owned  not  even  a  house  to 
shelter  its  first  Bishop  who  on  his  arrival  at  Cleveland,  in  October, 
1847,  was  forced  for  a  time  to  live  in  a  rented  house  near  the  Hay- 
market.  The  entire  Catholic  population  of  Cleveland,  then  very 
small  in  number  and  poor  in  purse,  found  ample  room  in  the  little 
frame  church  on  the  "Flats,"  which  was  the  only  church  in  all 
Cuyahoga  county. 

Such  was  the  disheartening  condition  of  the  diocese  when 
Bishop  Rappe  entertained  the  plan  of  founding  a  seminary.     But 


702  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

difficulties  could  not  daunt  this  brave  Apostolic  man.  A  seminary 
he  would  have,  be  its  beginning  ever  so  humble.  He  according-ly 
bought,  in  1848,  a  few  lots  at  the  corner  of  Bond  and  St.  Clair 
streets,  on  which  there  stood  several  buildings,  one  of  which  was 
a  brick  structure,  the  rest  were  frame.  These  frame  buildings, 
which  were  used  as  stables,  the  Bishop  had  fitted  up  as  class  rooms, 
the  brick  building  serving  as  his  own  residence,  in  which  he 
lodged  a  number  of  students  who  evinced  a  desire  to  study  for  the 
holy  priesthood.  After  a  lapse  of  two  years  no  less  than  eigh- 
teen young  men  had  gathered  around  their  Bishop  in  this  impro- 
vised seminary,  on  Teresa  street  near  Bond,  to  prepare  them- 
selves to  aid  him  in  his  Apostolic  work.  They  needed  care- 
ful training;  learning,  both  sacred  and  profane,  they  must  have, 
and  above  all  the  science  of  the  Saints,  true  piety  and  a  great  zeal 
for  the  salvation  of  souls.  And  who  was  there  to  impart  these 
essentials?  There  was  one  who  was  eminently  fitted  for  this  work 
— the  friend  and  companion  of  Bishop  Rappe  himself  in  his  mis- 
.sionary  career — the  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand,  a  man  of  scholarly 
attainments,  trained  to  all  the  hardships  of  missionary  life.  The 
Bishop  called  him  to  Cleveland,  in  1848,  to  be  his  Vicar  General, 
and  to  assume  the  direction  of  the  little  seminary.  Father  De 
Goesbriand  gave  up  the  missionary's  cross  for  the  professor's  chair 
and  devoted  himself  with  zeal  to  the  all  important  task  assigned 
him,  to  train  young  men  for  the  missions  of  Northern  Ohio. 

November  19,  1848,  the  first  ordination  of  students  from  the 
recently  established  seminary  took  place  in  old  St.  Mary's  church 
on  the  "Flats,"  the  Rev.  James  Monahan  being  the  first  priest 
ordained  by  Bishop  Rappe. 

In  September,  1849,  after  the  Very  Rev.  Louis  De  Goesbriand 
had  asked  to  be  relieved  of  his  charge,  which  did  tiot  agree  with 
his  health,  the  direction  of  the  seminary  was  intrusted  to  the  Very 
Rev.  Alexis  Caron,  who  had  just  then  come  from  France.  He 
was  a  remarkable  man  and  especially  fitted  by  piety  and  learning 
for  his  new  position. 

A  new  epoch  in  the  history  of  St.  Mary's  Seminary  began  in 
September,  1850,  when  Bishop  Rappe  purchased  the  fine  property 
on  Lake  street,  now  occupied  by  the  seminary.  It  was  then  known 
as  "Spring  Cottage,"  and  had  been  a  place  of  amusement  in 
what  were  then  the  outskirts  of  Cleveland — a  plot  of  ground, 
255  feet  square,  extending  from  Lake  to  Hamilton  streets,  and 
occupying  the  middle  part  of  the  block  between  Dodge  street  and 
what  is  now  known  as  Ross  street. 

The  work  of  refitting  the  large  three-story  frame  building  on 
the  property  for  seminary  purposes  was  begun  at  once.  In  a  few 
weeks    the    frame    structure    was    changed    into    a    comfortable 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  703 

seminary,  with  chapel,  classrooms,  quarters  for  professors  and 
small  rooms  for  students.  Two  months  later  it  was  ready  for 
occupancy,  and  one  can  readily  imagine  the  joy  of  the  students 
(eighteen  in  number)  when  leaving  their  former  cramped  quarters 
to  take  possession  of  the  new  seminary  on  Lake  street  with  its 
beautiful  grounds  and  comparatively  spacious  apartments. 

In  its  new  home,  St.  Mary's  Seminary  began  to  be  conducted 
on  a  more  regular  plan,  which  for  various  reasons  was  impossible 
in  the  limited  quarters  on  Bond  street.  In  the  summer  of  1853 
a  two-story  brick  structure,  25  by  35  feet,  was  put  up  and  attached 
to  the  west  end  of  the  frame  building  to  provide  ampler  accom- 
modations. The  brick  building,  dingy  in  appearance,  and  time- 
worn,  fronts  on  Lake  street,  near  the  main  entrance  to  the  semin- 
ary grounds.  After  a  lapse  of  forty-seven  years  it  is  still  in  use. 
On  the  second  fioor  it  harbors  a  number  of  students  who,  owing 
to  lack  of  room,  cannot  be  accommodated  in  the  seminary  proper. 

In  1850  additional  room  had  to  be  provided  for  the  steadily 
increasing  number  of  students.  Up  to  that  time  St.  Mary's 
Seminary  had  also  served  the  purpose  of  a  college,  where  the 
classics  and  other  branches  of  learning  were  taught,  preparatory 
to  the  study  of  philosophy  and  theology.  The  object  of  Bishop 
Rappe  now  was  to  establish  a  separate  house,  a  sort  of  "petit 
seminaire,"  where  the  preparatory  studies  for  the  higher  eccle- 
siastical sciences  could  be  conducted  apart. 

For  this  purpose  he  secured  by  purchase  a  large  section  of  a 
mansion  on  Euclid  avenue,  which  at  that  time  was  being  taken 
down,  and  had  it  removed  to  the  southwest  corner  of  the  seminary 
grounds,  near  Hamilton  street. 

This  was  the  building  in  which  young  candidates  for  the 
priesthood  pursued  their  classical  studies  and  was  known  by  the 
name  of  "St.  Mary's  College." 

It  was  opened  September,  1856,  with  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Salaun 
as  president,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  A.  T.  Martin  as  professor  of 
classics.  In  the  summer  of  1856  Father  Caron,  who  till  June  of 
that  year  had  directed  the  seminary  with  eminent  success,  fell 
sick  and  desired  to  be  relieved  of  his  charge.  Bishop  Rappe 
accepted  his  resignation  and  granted  him  a  six  months'  leave  of 
absence  to  visit  France  for  the  benefit  of  his  health. 

He  was  succeeded  in  September,  1856,  by  the  Rev.  John  F. 
Salaun.  Besides  the  presidency  of  the  theological  seminary  he 
also  exercised  the  office  of  superior  of  St.  Mary's  College,  which 
had  been  founded  by  Bishop  Rappe  in  the  fall  of  1856,  as  above 
stated. 

Later  on,  when  the  college  at  Louisville,  Stark  county,  O., 


704  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

was  built  under  the  direction  of  Rev,  Louis  Hoffer,  it  was  part  of 
an  agreement  between  him  and  Bishop  Rappe  that  the  prepara- 
tory department  of  St.  Mary's  Seminary  was  to  be  transferred  and 
united  to  the  colleg-e  at  Louisville,  to  help  towards  its  support. 

This  agreement  was  carried  into  effect  in  the  fall  of  1866, 
when  the  college  at  Louisville  was  opened,  and  in  consequence 
St.  Mary's  College,  which  for  ten  years  had  humbly,  yet  effectively, 
done  its  work  in  instructing  the  young  candidates  for  the  priest- 
hood in  classical  lore,  closed  its  doors. 

Only  a  decade  of  years  had  elapsed  since  the  establishment  of 
the  See  of  Cleveland,  and  already  the  seminary  was  found  too  small. 
Fully  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  a  spacious  building,  Bishop 
Rappe  vigorously  set  about,  in  1859,  to  erect  a  new  brick  seminary 
with  center-building-  and  wing.  Work  was  steadily  pushed  forward 
so  that  by  September,  1860,  the  new  seminary  was  completed  and 
ready  for  occupancy.  It  was  then  considered  a  fine  building  and 
cost  only  about  $12,000.  The  main  building,  30  by  70  feet,  and 
three  stories  high,  is  flanked  by  a  wing-,  36  by  60  feet,  two  stories 
high.  Besides  there  is  a  large  baserpent  which  extends  under 
the  entire  structure  and  contains  kitchen,  refectory  and  store- 
rooms. 

In  September,  1860,  the  philosophers  and  theologians  moved 
into  the  new  seminary,  leaving  the  old  Spring  Cottage  building 
for  the  college  boys,  who,  under  the  supervision  of  Rev.  A. 
Martin  as  prefect  of  studies  and  discipline,  had  occupied  since 
September,  1856,  the  house  in  the  southwest  corner  of  the  grounds. 
The  latter  building,  then  known  as  St.  Mary's  College,  was  sold 
some  years  after  the  students  had  been  transferred  to  Louisville, 
as  it  had  ceased  to  be  of  any  use  for  its  original  purpose. 

In  August,  1864,  the  Rev.  John  F.  Salaun,  who  since 
January,  1856,  had  held  the  position  of  superior  of  St.  Mary's 
Seminary  with  distinction,  was  compelled  to  resign  his  ofifice  on 
account  of  physical  ailments. 

Father  Salaun's  successor  was  the  Rev.  John  Quinn,  who 
was  appointed  superior,  and  professor  of  moral  theology  and 
sacred  scripture  in  April,  1864.  This  post  of  honor  he  filled  most 
acceptably  till  July,  1866,  when  sickness  also  obliged  him  to 
retire. 

Bishop  Rappe  then  engaged  the  services  of  the  Rev.  James 
Stremler,  D.  D.,  formerly  of  Laval  University,  Quebec,  and 
appointed  him  rector  of  St.  Mary's  Seminary,  September,  1866. 
He  continued  in  oflfice  until  August,  1870,  when  he  left  the  diocese. 

A  few  days  after  the  resignation  of  Bishop  Rappe,  in  August, 
1870,    Archbishop    Purcell    appointed    the    Very    Rev.    Edward 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  705 

Hannin  administrator  of  the  Diocese  of  Cleveland.  One  of  the 
first  of^cial  acts  of  Father  Hannin  was  to  appoint  a  successor  to 
the  Rev.  Doctor  Stremler,  as  rector  of  the  diocesan  seminary. 
He  chose  for  that  important  and  responsible  position  the  Rev. 
Nicholas  A.  Moes,  who  had  been  ordained  but  three  years  before 
(1867)  by  Bishop  Rappe,  and  was  at  that  time  pastor  of  St. 
Augustine's  church,  at  Napoleon,  Henry  county. 

The  Very  Rev.  Dr.  Moes  has  fulfilled  the  onerous  duties  of 
rector  of  the  seminary  with  marked  ability  ever  since  his  appoint- 
ment. Like  his  predecessors,  he  is  assisted  by  a  corps  of  able 
professors.  There  are  at  present  in  the  faculty  three  priests, 
besides  the  rector,  who  instruct  forty  students  in  philosophy 
and  theology  and  kindred  sciences.  Since  there  is  not  a  com- 
plete record  of  the  list  of  professors  who  have  taught  in  the  sem- 
inary, mere  reference  made  to  some,  who  by  their  ability  and  long 
service  merit  due  praise,  might  seem  an  arbitrary  distinction; 
hence  the  absence  from  this  sketch  of  any  mention  of  them. 

When  Bishop  Gilmour  took  possession  of  the  Episcopal  See 
of  Cleveland,  in  April,  1872,  he  at  once  recognized  the  great 
importance  of  a  good  diocesan  seminary.  Like  his  predecessor, 
he  considered  it  "the  heart  of  the  diocese."  His  object  was  to 
raise  the  standard  of  studies,  taking  as  his  motto  "Excelsior." 
For  this  purpose,  he  sought,  from  the  beginning  of  his  administra- 
tion, to  provide  learned  and  efficient  professors  for  the  seminary 
of  the  diocese. 

Again,  in  1882,  under  the  Bishop's  direction,  a  much  needed 
improvement  was  made  by  adding  to  the  south  flank  of  the  main 
seminary  building,  erected  in  1859,  a  spacious  brick  extension, 
40  by  54  feet.  This  new  addition  corresponds  with  the  wing  on 
the  north  side  of  the  center  building,  thus  perfecting  the  form  of 
the  entire  structure,  which,  through  lack  of  funds,  had  stood  incom- 
plete for  the  preceding  twenty  years. 

From  the  first  floor  there  is  a  hallway  to  the  old  part  of  the 
seminary  through  a  covered,  glazed  corridor  which  extends  along 
a  portion  of  the  south  wall  of  the  old  building,  until  it  connects 
with  the  front  hall  of  the  old  seminary.  The  new  wing  was  put 
up  at  a  cost  of  nearly  $14,000. 

On  the  completion  of  the  new  south  wing  in  September, 
1882,  it  was  occupied  by  the  students  of  theology,  and  as  many 
of  the  students  of  philosophy  as  could  find  accommodation  there. 
How  happy  they  felt  in  their  elegant  new  quarters  They  were 
no  longer  stowed  away  in  dingy,  close,  box-like  compartments,  but 
now  each  one  was  provided  with  a  lofty,  cheery,  well  ventilated 
room,  10  by  13  feet  in  size,  furnished  with  a  new  writing-desk, 
book-case,  wash-stand,  and  wardrobe. 


706  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Another  great  improvement  in  the  building-  of  St.  Mary's 
Seminary  was  made  during  the  year  1SS4.  Up  to  this  time  the 
seminary  chapel  had  occupied  the  first  and  second  stories  of  the 
center  building,  with  a  number  of  dingy,  "stuffy"  rooms  over- 
head, which  had  been  occupied  by  the  students.  The  Bishop  now 
ordered  these  rookeries  to  be  torn  down,  and  had  the  seminary 
chapel  placed  on  the  second  floor,  leaving  the  first,  a  spacious  hall, 
25  by  53  feet,  to  serve  the  two-fold  purpose  of  lecture  hall  and 
library.  The  library  now  contains  upwards  of  10,000  volumes, 
contributed  largely  by  Bishop  Gilmour  and  his  successor,  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Ignatius  F.  Horstmann,  and  some  by  the  priests  of  the 
diocese. 

The  chapel,  24  by  68  feet  in  size,  is  unique  in  its  architecture. 
The  handsome  oak  trusses  supporting  the  ceiling,  tastefully 
decorated ;  the  stained  glass  windows,  admitting  light  from  their 
lofty  positions  in  the  surrounding,  neatly  frescoed  walls ;  the 
beautiful  sanctuary  with  an  array  of  statuary — all  contri- 
bute in  their  way  to  make  it  a  fitting  place  of  meditation  and 
prayer.  The  cost  of  the  new  chapel  amounted  to  about  $5,000. 
The  total  cost  of  new  wing  and  renovating  of  chapel  was  nearly 
$19,000.  Of  this  sum  the  clergy  of  the  diocese  contributed 
about  $1,700. 

In  September,  1894,  Bishop  Horstmann  bought  a  lot  having 
a  frontage  of  50  feet  on  Hamilton  street,  and  in  July,  1896, 
another  lot  having  a  frontage  of  35  feet  on  Lake  street.  The  latter 
purchase  included  a  two-story  brick  house  which  now  serves  as  a 
comfortable  residence  for  the  Sisters  who  have  charge  of  the 
domestic  economy  of  the  seminary.  The  beautifully  kept  semi- 
nary grounds  have  now  a  frontage  of  290  feet  on  Lake  street,  and 
305  feet  on  Hamilton  street. 

Up  to  the  time  of  Bishop  Gilmour  the  regular  course  of 
studies  in  St.  Mary's  Seminary  comprised  three  years,  the  first 
of  which  was  devoted  to  philosophy,  the  two  following  to  theology. 
Shortly  after  his  accession  to  the  Episcopal  See  of  Cleveland,  he 
added  a  year  to  each  of  the  two  departments  of  studies,  so  that 
henceforth  the  philosophical  course  embraced  two  years  and  the 
theological  three.  About  the  year  1885  he  further  added  one  half 
year  to  the  theological  course.  Finally,  in  1896,  Bishop  Horst- 
mann extended  the  regular  seminary  course  to  six  years,  in 
accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the  HI  Plenary  Council  of 
Baltimore.  The  students  of  the  seminary  therefore  devote,  at 
present,  the  first  two  years  to  the  study  of  scholastic  philosophy, 
after  which  they  spend  four  years  in  the  pursuit  of  the  different 
branches  of  the  sacred  science  of  theology. 

Candidates  for  admission  into  the  seminarv  must  have  com- 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  707 

pleted  a  classical  course  of  six  years  and  are  required  to  furnish 
sufficient  testimony  of  good  moral  character,  and  pass  a  satis- 
factory examination  before  the  seminary  faculty  in  Latin,  Greek, 
History,  and  other  collegiate  studies. 

After  admission  into  the  seminary,  students  are  given  boards 
and  tuition  free  of  charge,  but  are  expected  to  pay  for  their  books 
and  furnish  their  own  clothing,  unless  in  exceptional  cases.  Today 
the  seminary  takes  high  rank  for  the  intellectual  and  moral  train- 
ing given  to  its  students;  in  this  respect  it  compares  most 
favorably  with  other  institutions,  which  are  older  and  far  more 
pretentious. 

With  few  exceptions,  the  secular  clergy  of  the  diocese  of 
Cleveland  are  all  alumni  of  St.  Mary's  Seminary,  some  having 
attended  it  on  Bond  street  (1848-50),  others  on  Lake  street  in  the 
old  Spring  Cottage  (1850-60),  others  in  the  present  building, 
from  1860  until  now. 

The  diocesan  seminary  is  a  standing  monument  to  the  earnest 
faith  and  unfailing  generosity  of  the  good  Catholics  of  the  diocese 
of  Cleveland,  who,  aside  from  their  many  other  charities,  yearly 
contribute  the  sum  of  twelve  thousand  dollars  for  its  maintenance. 

It  is  hoped  that  St.  Mary's  Seminary,  which,  ever  since  the 
days  of  its  foundation  by  the  saintly  Bishop  Rappe,  has  creditably 
fulfilled  the  noble  mission  for  which  it  was  intended,  may  continue 
its  sublime  work  of  educating  a  learned  and  pious  clergy,  full  of 
zeal  and  devotion  to  their  calling,  ever  ready  to  sacrifice  them- 
selves for  the  cause  of  God  and  the  salvation  of  immortal  souls 
in  our  beloved  diocese  of  Cleveland. 


CLEVELAND. 

ST.  IGNATIUS'  COLLEGE. 

For  want  of  support  Bishop  Rappe  was  obliged  in  1859  to 
close  St.  John's  College.*  From  that  time  forward,  with  exception 
of  a  few  years — from  1875  to  1878 — Catholic  parents  in  Cleveland, 
desirous  of  giving  their  sons  an  education  more  advanced  than 
that  afforded  by  a  parochial  school,  were  obliged  to  send  them 
elsewhere.  Bishop  Gilmour,  always  on  the  alert  to  promote  the 
cause  of  Catholic  education,  made  several  ineffectual  efforts  to 
have  a  college  for  boys  again  established  in  his  episcopal  city. 
After  long  negotiations  with  the  Jesuit  Fathers,  of  Buffalo,  they 
finally  agreed  to  open  a  college  in  Cleveland,  one  of  the  conditions 
being  that  a  parish  church  in  close  proximity  to  the  proposed 

*  See  page  709,  this  volume. 


708  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

college  be  assigned  to  them.  The  Rev.  S.  Falk,  pastor  of  St. 
Mary's  church,  being  informed  of  this  condition,  most  generously 
resigned  his  pastorate,  in  August,  1880,  in  order  to  enable  the 
Bishop  to  put  into  effect  his  long  cherished  plan.  For  various 
reasons,  however,  the  project  was  delayed  until  1886,  when,  on 
September  (5  of  that  year,  the  doors  of  St.  Ignatius'  College  were 
opened.  The  first  building,  a  plain  two-story  frame  structure, 
was  erected  during  the  summer  of  1886,  near  the  corner  of  Carroll 
and  Jersey  streets,  on  lots  the  Jesuit  Fathers  had  bought  a  short 
time  previous.  It  afforded  scant  accommodations  to  the  steadily 
increasing  number  of  students,  until  the  north  wing  of  the  present 
building  was  erected  in  1889.  Two  years  later  the  south  wing  was 
added,  thus  giving  to  the  beautiful  and  imposing  four-story 
brick  structure  a  frontage  of  nearly  200  feet  on  Jersey  street  and  a 
depth  of  80  feet  on  Carroll  street.  It  is  one  of  the  largest,  costliest 
and  best  appointed  buildings  in  Cleveland,  devoted  to  educational 
purposes,  and  its  architecture  is  far  beyond  the  ordinary. 

The  college  course  has  been  steadily  strengthened,  year  by 
year,  and  now  embraces  a  complete  collegiate  curriculum,  as  good 
as  the  best  offered  anywhere.  This  includes  a  thorough  training 
of  the  students  in  classic  literature,  as  well  as  in  the  higher  mathe- 
matics. Two  years  ago  the  study  of  mental  philosophy  was  also 
added. 

St.  Ignatius'  College  has  made  wonderful  progress  during  its 
comparatively  short  period  of  existence.  It  has  fully  come  up  to 
the  expectations  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann  and  its  host 
of  friends  among  the  clergy  and  laity,  acquainted  with  its  excellent 
work.  The  institution  has  long  since  passed  the  experimental 
period ;  it  is  a  potent  educational  factor  in  the  community  and 
diocese. 

In  September,  1900,  210  students  were  enrolled,  and  the 
faculty  numbered  10  professors,  each  a  master  in  his  own  branch  of 
studies. 

The  moral  training  of  the  students  goes  hand  in  hand  with 
their  mental  development,  and  is  based  on  the  practice  of  the 
precepts  of  religion,  and  the  frequent  use  of  the  supernatural 
means  of  grace,  the  distinguishing  feature  of  every  Catholic 
educational  institution.  Nor  is  physical  development  neglected ; 
on  the  contrary,  students  are  encouraged  and  trained  in  this 
direction  as  well,  and  are  given  every  reasonable  facility,  in  line 
with  the  rule :     "A  sound  mind  in  a  sound  body." 

St.  Ignatius'  College  has  also  gained  great  repute  in  con- 
nection with  its  meteorological  observatory  which,  since  its 
opening  in  1891,  has  been  in  charge  of  the  Rev.  F.  Odenbach,  S.  J., 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  709 

who  has  gained  national  fame  as  a  meteorologist.  The  observatory 
ranks  with  the  best  under  control  of  the  United  States,  and  Father 
Odenbach's  efficiency  is  recognized  by  government  officials. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  Jesuit  Fathers  who  have  filled  the 
office  of  President  of  St.  Ignatius'  College :  The  Revs.  J.  B. 
Neustich,  from  1886  to  1888;  H.  Knappmeyer,  to  1893;  J. 
LeHalle.  to  1897,  and  since  then,  the  Rev.  G.  Schulte. 


CLEVELAND. 
ST.  JOHN'S  COLLEGE. 

In  1853  Bishop  Rappe  bought  several  lots  at  the  corner  of 
Fulton  and  Carroll  streets,  near  old  St.  Patrick's  church.  On  the 
property  were  several  unfinished  frame  buildings.  These  the 
Bishop  fitted  up  for  college  purposes,  and  for  the  accommodation 
of  boarding  pupils.  The  college  was  opened  in  September,  1854, 
about  30  pupils  being  enrolled.  The  Rev.  Philip  Flum  was 
appointed  President  of  the  institution  and  professor  of  Latin  and 
Greek.  The  other  members  of  the  faculty  during  the  first 
scholastic  year  were  the  Rev.  N.  Ponchell,  Professor  Wakefield — 
a  layman  and  convert, — and  two  of  the  more  advanced  students. 
One  of  these  was  Mr.  Seraphin  Bauer,  the  present  rector  of  St. 
Joseph's  church,  Fremont,  who  had  just  then  come  to  this  country 
and  was  received  by  Bishop  Rappe  as  a  student  for  the  diocese. 
The  students  were  a  motley  collection  of  boys,  young  and  even 
middle-aged  men,  of  native  and  foreign  birth,  and  of  varied  talent 
— all  mixed  together  in  one  study  room  and  in  classes.  It  was 
truly  a  Western  pioneer  college.  But  among  that  varied  collec- 
tion of  students  there  was  sturdy  ambition,  and  love  of  study  had 
rather  to  be  restrained  than  fostered. 

In  September,  1855,  the  Rev.  L.  Molon  succeeded  Father 
Flum  as  President  of  the  college,  then  already  on  the  wane  for 
want  of  support,  in  consequence  of  which  its  doors  were  closed  in 
January,  1856.  The  college  had  then  only  16  boarders  and  a  few 
day  scholars. 

In  September.  1856,  the  building  was  given  as  a  temporary 
residence  to  the  Brothers  of  Mary,  who  at  that  time  took  charge 
of  St.  Patrick's  parish  school ;  in  one  of  the  rooms  they  taught  the 
smaller  boys  of  St.  Patrick's. 

The  college  property  was  sold  to  the  Brothers  in  1858,  and 
in  the  same  year  they  opened  a  boarding  and  day  school  for  boys, 
but  not  receiving  sufficient  support  the  institution  was  again  and 
finally  closed  in  June,  1859. 


710  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

CLEVELAND. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  COLLEGE. 

St.  Joseph's  College  was  established  in  September,  1875,  by 
the  Rev.  Kilian  Schloesser,  O.F.M.,  at  that  time  pastor  of  St. 
Joseph's  church.  With  an  enrollment  of  24  students,  taught  by 
two  Franciscan  Fathers  and  a  secular  priest,  the  first  scholastic 
year  was  passed  in  part  of  the  building  of  St.  Joseph's  parochial 
school,  on  Chapel  street,  near  Woodland  avenue.  In  September, 
1876,  the  Franciscan  Fathers  transferred  the  college  to  the  two- 
story  brick  building  they  had  erected  on  Chapel  street,  during 
the  spring  and  summer  of  that  year.  They  expended  for  the 
ground  and  building  nearly  $11,000. 

The  Rev.  Meinolph  Schmitz,  O.S.F.,  was  appointed  the  first 
director  of  the  college,  in  January,  1877.  Previous  to  that  time 
the  Rev.  Kilian  Schloesser  had  acted  in  that  capacity,  besides 
attending  to  his  pastoral  duties.  During  the  scholastic  year  which 
began  in  September,  1876,  the  attendance  of  students  increased 
considerably.  This  necessitated  a  corresponding  increase  in  the 
staf¥  of  professors,  six  of  whom  were  now  engaged,  half  the 
number  being  Franciscan  Fathers.  The  college  was  chartered  in 
1878,  and  thus  empowered  to  confer  the  ordinary  college  degrees. 
At  the  opening  of  the  third  scholastic  year  80  students  were 
enrolled.  With  very  few  exceptions  they  were  day  scholars  and 
from  various  city  parishes;  a  small  number  were  received  by  the 
Franciscan  Fathers  as  boarders.  Although  the  college  had 
reached  a  prosperous  condition  within  four  years  after  it  was 
established  the  Franciscan  Fathers  were  regretfully  obliged  to 
close  it  to  secular  students  in  June,  1879.  This  step  they  were 
forced  to  take  because  they  were  unable  to  provide  a  sufficient 
number  of  professors  for  this  and  two  other  older  and  larger 
colleges  under  their  control  in  Illinois.  Hence  the  Cleveland 
institution  had  to  yield  to  the  wants  of  its  seniors. 

From  September,  1879,  until  June,  1893,  the  college  building 
was  used  as  a  parish  school  for  boys.  It  was  then  re-opened  as  a 
college  for  members  of  the  Franciscan  Order  only,  and  has  been 
thus  used  since  then.  The  building  is  part  of  the  present 
Franciscan  Monastery. 


XOTRE  DAME  ACADEMY,  CLEVELAND. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  711 

f 

CLEVELAND. 

NOTRE  DAME  ACADEMY  AND  CONVENT. 

The  Community  of  the  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  of  Cleveland, 
is  a  branch  of  the  order  founded  by  the  Venerable  Mother  Julia 
Billiard.  It  was  called  into  existence  by  the  Rev.  Theodore  Elting, 
a  zealous  priest  of  Coesfeld,  Germany,  who  desired  to  found  a 
relio-ious  community  whose  members  should  devote  themselves  to 
the^ducation  of  youth.  The  execution  of  his  plans  demanded 
financial  resources  and  intellectual  ability  on  the  part  of  candidates. 
Divine  Providence,  favoring  his  design,  inspired  a  young  lady  of 
wealth  with  the  desire  to  devote  her  fortune  to  the  education  of 
poor  children,  while  a  friend  of  hers,  a  teacher  of  ability,  was 
eager  to  instruct  the  poor.  Thus  the  two  friends.  Misses  Wolbring 
and  Kuhling,  became  the  first  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  of  the 
German  branch,  being  initiated  into  religious  life  by  three  Sisters 
of  Notre  Dame,  from  Amersford,  Holland,  as  Sisters  Aloysia  and 
Ignatia. 

God's  signal  blessing  rested  upon  the  newly  established 
community  at  Coesfeld.  The  number  of  novices  and  sisters 
rapidly  increased,  thus  enabling  them  to  open  a  Normal  School 
for  the  education  of  teachers.  In  a  short  time  pastors  of  different 
parishes  in  Westphalia  and  Rhenish  Prussia  applied  for  Sisters  to 
teach  the  children  of  their  schools,  and  as  the  official  examinations 
passed  by  the  Religious  proved  them  competent  to  teach,  the 
Prussian  government  readily  consented  to  their  appointment  on 
condition,  however,  of  their  independence  of  foreign  authority. 
This  occasioned  the  separation  from  Amersford.  In  June,  1855, 
the  convent  at  Coesfeld  was  made  the  Motherhouse  and  Sister 
Mary  Anna  was  appointed  General  Superioress.  In  less  than 
twenty-five  years  the  community  numbered  three  hundred  Sisters 
and  thirty  convents.  When  the  "Kultur-Kampf"  broke  out,  in 
1871,  the  Religious  at  Coesfeld  were  among  its  first  victims.  They 
were  obliged  to  leave  their  dear  native  land  and  seek  a  new  field 
of  labor.  Through  the  influence  of  the  Rev.  F.  Westerholt, 
pastor  of  St.  Peter's  church,  Cleveland,  the  first  exiled  Sisters, 
eight  in  number,  came  to  the  diocese  of  Cleveland  and  were  kindly 
welcomed  by  Bishop  Gilmour,  in  July,  1874.  Shortly  after  their 
arrival.  Bishop  Toebbe,  of  Covington,  Ky.,  applied  for  Sisters  to 
teach  in  his  diocese;  hence  more  Sisters  were  summoned  from 
Germany.  Thus  the  number  kept  on  increasing  until  in  October, 
1877,  about  two  hundred  Sisters  of  the  community  were  engaged 
in  this  country  as  teachers. 

For   a  time   Covington,   where   the   Sisters   had   erected   an 


712  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

Academy  near  the  Mother  of  God's  church,  was  the  central  station 
of  the  American  province.  From  the  beginning,  however,  it 
was  determined  to  estabhsh  the  Motherhouse  in  Cleveland. 
Therefore,  in  the  autumn  of  1877,  Mother  M.  Chrysostom  who, 
at  the  death  of  Mother  M.  Anna,  in  1872,  succeeded  her  in  the 
office  of  General  Superioress,  let  the  contract  for  a  structure  at  the 
corner  of  Superior  and  Huntington  streets.  The  work  progressed 
rapidly  and  the  new  convent  was  under  roof  before  winter  set  in. 
A  second  building,  comprising  classrooms  and  a  beautiful  chapel, 
was  erected  in  1880.  In  1879  the  Rev.  H.  Kikiim  arrived 
from  Germany  and  was  appointed  spiritual  director  of  the  com- 
munity, which  responsible  office  he  filled  for  ten  years.  He 
returned  to  Germany  in  October,  1890,  where,  as  the  revered 
pastor  of  Ascheberg,  he  died,  April  8,  1898. 

A  cherished  project  of  Mother  Chrysostom  was  to  open  an 
institution  for  children  whose  circumstances  denied  them  the 
benefits  of  a  good  home  training.  Woodland  Hills,  where  the 
community  owned  eleven  acres  of  land,  was  the  site  chosen.  In 
1883  the  building  was  commenced,  and  on  January  27,  1884, 
Bishop  Gilmour  dedicated  the  chapel.  "Mt.  St.  Mary's,"  as  it  is 
usually  called,  has  gradually  developed  into  a  flourishing  boarding- 
school,  well  adapted  to  the  needs  of  parents  who  wish  to  have 
their  children  fitted  for  the  duties  of  life  at  a  small  expense. 

In  188G,  the  Prussian  government  allowed  the  return  of  the 
Sisters  who  had  been  expelled  at  the  time  of  the  "Kultur-Kampf." 
Mother  Chrysostom  desiring  to  re-open  an  institution  in  Germany 
left  for  Europe  on  May  12,  1887,  accompanied  by  three  Sisters. 
After  an  absence  of  ten  years  from  their  native  land  they  were 
joyfully  welcomed  at  the  convent  in  Vechta,  Oldenburg,  where 
about  twenty-five  Sisters  had  been  permitted  to  remain  in  charge 
of  a  boarding  school.  Mother  Chrysostom  lost  no  time  in 
selecting  a  site  for  a  new  Motherhouse,  her  choice  being  the 
picturesque  village  of  Muehlhausen  in  Rhenish  Prussia,  an  ideal 
place  for  a  boarding  school,  which  soon  became,  as  it  is  now,  a 
flourishing  institution. 

In  September,  1891,  Mother  Chrysostom  visited  the  Ameri- 
can province.  She  returned  to  Europe  the  following  year,  with 
no  thought  that  she  had  bid  her  last  farewell  to  the  Sisters.  A 
sudden  illness  cut  short  her  earthly  career,  April  24,  1895,  and 
her  unexpected  death  plunged  the  community  into  the  deepest 
grief.  The  election  of  her  successor  took  place  on  August  27, 
1895,  and  Sister  M,  Cecilia  was  chosen  to  fill  the  responsible  office. 

The  rapid  increase  of  the  community  soon  made  the  need 
of  more  commodious  apartments  imperative.  The  convent 
grounds  had  been  enlarged  by  the  addition  of  two  more  lots.    In 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  713 

March,  1896,  the  work  of  excavation  was  begun,  and  in  October 
of  that  year  a  new  three-story  brick  building,  fronting  on  Hunt- 
ington street,  and  fitted  up  with  all  modern  improvements,  was 
brought  to  completion.  It  was  dedicated  on  October  25,  1896, 
by  the  Rev.  F.  Westerholt.  This  was  the  last  of  the  many  kind 
offices  which  he  had  rendered  to  the  community;  for  scarcely  three 
weeks  later  he  answered  the  summons  of  Death.  On  February 
1,  1897,  the  new  auditorium  in  the  same  building  was  formally 
opened  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann. 

The  course  of  study  pursued  at  Notre  Dame  Academy  com- 
prises all  the  branches  requisite  to  a  solid  and  refined  education. 
Besides  the  preparatory,  commercial  and  scientific  departments, 
there  are  special  departments  for  music  and  art;  likewise  a  class 
for  boys  under  12  years  of  age.  The  first  graduates  went  forth 
from  the  Institution  in  June,  1882,  it  having  been  incorporated 
under  the  laws  of  Ohio  in  that  year. 

The  present  Provincial  Superioress  is  Sister  M.  Louise.  The 
community  now  has  about  350  members  in  this  country.  They 
conduct  schools  in  23  parishes  in  the  Cleveland  diocese;  an 
academy,  eight  parochial  schools  and  one  orphan  asylum  in  the 
diocese  of  Covington;  also  an  orphanage  and  two  parochial 
schools  in  the  archdiocese  of  Cincinnati. 


CLEVELAND. 
OUR   LADY    OF   LOURDES'   ACADEMY. 

This  Institution  was  established  in  September,  1892,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  Mary,  whose 
Motherhouse  is  located  at  the  Villa  Maria,  Pa.  The  academy  was 
first  situated  on  Lorain  street.  It  was  incorporated  in  February, 
1896,  under  the  laws  of  Ohio. 

On  March  25,  1897,  the  Sisters  purchased  the  beautiful 
residence  of  Mr.  J.  Weidemann,  at  the  corner  of  Franklin  avenue 
and  Franklin  court.  The  residence  was  at  once  remodeled  to  suit 
the  purposes  of  an  academy.  It  was  opened  for  the  reception  of 
pupils  in  September  of  the  same  year,  and  placed  under  the 
patronage  of  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes.  In  the  spring  of  the  follow- 
ing year  the  attendance  of  pupils  had  become  so  large  that  more 
commodious  quarters  became  a  matter  of  imperative  necessity. 

An  additional  building,  adjoining  the  academy  and  fronting 
on  Franklin  court,  was  therefore  commenced  in  the  summer  of 
1898,  and  by  April  of  the  following  year  it  was  brought  to 
completion.     It  is  a  handsome  brick  structure  and  has  all  the 


714  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

modern  appointments  necessary  for  a  fully  equipped  educational 
institution. 

The  aim  of  the  Sisters  conducting  the  academy  is,  to  train  the 
minds  and  hearts  of  the  pupils,  to  inspire  them  with  a  love  and 
taste  for  learning,  with  ambition  for  self  improvement,  and  with 
a  sincere  respect  for  intellectual  and  moral  excellence.  The 
course  of  studies  embraces  a  thorough  English  education,  and 
special  attention  is  given  to  elocution,  physical  culture,  music, 
drawing,  and  in  fact  all  the  branches  necessary  to  prepare  the 
pupils  for  the  practical  duties  of  true  Christian  womanhood,  which 
is  the  salt  of  society.  If  what  has  thus  far  been  done  by  the  Sisters 
in  behalf  of  their  responsible  charge,  in  the  short  career  of  the 
Academy,  is  a  criterion,  it  augurs  well  and  most  promisingly  for 
the  future  of  the  Institution. 


CLEVELAND. 

URSULINE  ACADEMY  AND  CONVENT. 

When,  in  1839,  Bishop  Purcell,  of  Cincinnati,  passed  through 
England  on  his  way  to  Rome,  he  kindly  took  charge  of  two  young 
ladies  who  were  going  from  London  to  attend  school  in  the 
Ursuline  Convent  at  Boulogne-sur-mer.  This  simple  act  of 
courtesy  on  the  part  of  the  bishop  was  rich  in  consequences  to  the 
diocese  of  Cleveland.  The  chaplain  of  the  French  Convent  at 
Boulogne  was  the  Rev.  Amadeus  Rappe,  a  zealous  young  priest, 
who  thus  formed  the  acquaintance  of  the  American  bishop  and 
learned  from  him  of  the  great  need  of  priests  in  his  vast  diocese, 
and  of  the  many  souls  who  were  left  without  the  comforts  of  Holy 
Religion.  These  facts  so  impressed  the  young  priest  that  two 
years  later  he  resigned  his  chaplaincy  and  devoted  himself  to  the 
American  missions.  Northern  Ohio  became  the  field  of  his 
zealous  labors. 

In  1847  Father  Rappe  was  consecrated  first  Bishop  of 
Cleveland.  He  went  to  France  in  1849  to  seek  aid  for  his  diocese. 
His  efforts  were  blessed  with  success,  for  on  his  return  he  brought 
with  him,  not  only  material  assistance,  but  also  priests,  students 
and  a  colony  of  Ursulines  from  the  Convent  of  Boulogne-sur-mer. 
This  colony  consisted  of  Mother  Mary  of  the  Annunciation  (Miss 
Mary  Beaumont),  Superior,  Mother  M.  Charles  (Miss  Victoria 
Bourdelierj,  Mother  des  Seraphines  (Miss  Teresa  Young),  Sister 
M.  Benoit  (Miss  Sylvia  Picquot)  and  a  young  English  lady.  Miss 
Arabella  Seymour,  a  convert  whom  Bishop  Rappe  had  received 
into  the  Church  while  he  was  still  chaplain  at  Boulogne.  On  July 
16,   1850,   they  bade   farewell  to   the   associations  of  home   and 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  716 

community  and  three  days  later  embarked  at  Havre  for  America 
with  Bishop  Rappe.  They  reached  New  York  on  the  6th  of 
August  and  were  met  on  board  of  ship  by  the  Most  Rev.  John 
Hughes,  then  Archbishop  of  that  city,  who  cordially  welcomed 
Bishop  Rappe  and  the  band  of  missionaries  and  Sisters.  On  their 
arrival  in  Cleveland,  two  days  later^  the  Sisters  were  immediately 
conducted  to  the  home  prepared  for  them  on  Euclid  avenue. 
This  home  was  the  former  residence  of  Judge  Cowles.  It  was 
situated  on  the  south  side  of  the  avenue,  a  few  hundred  feet  west 
of  Erie  street,  and  had  been  purchased  for  them  by  direction  of 
Bishop  Rappe.  In  an  improvised  chapel,  on  an  altar  made  of 
traveling  trunks,  the  Very  Rev.  L.  De  Goesbriand,  V.  G.,  after- 
wards Bishop  of  Burlington,  Vermont,  celebrated  the  Holy 
Sacrifice  of  the  Mass  for  the  little  community,  for  the  first  time, 
on  the  day  after  they  reached  Cleveland.  The  simple  chapel, 
the  hastily  constructed  altar,  the  young  missionary  priests  and  five 
brave  women  in  a  strange  country,  sure  of  nothing  but  the 
magnitude  of  the  work  that  lay  before  them  and  the  overshadow- 
ing care  of  the  Master,  Whose  call  had  led  their  feet  into  hard 
and  untried  ways — all  this  is  an  illustration  of  the  planting  of  the 
tiny  spiritual  mustard  seed,  with  whose  wondrous  growth  the 
subsequent  portion  of  this  sketch  is  concerned. 

On  September  8,  1850,  the  Ursulines  opened  their  boarding 
and  day  schools.  They  also  fitted  up  a  parochial  school  in  one  of 
the  frame  buildings  of  the  convent  grounds;  and  at  once  the 
schools  were  filled  by  the  many  pupils  seeking  admission. 

The  first  two  candidates  for  the  novitiate  were  received  on 
the  following  October  15,  one  of  them  being  Miss  Seymour,  the 
convert  alluded  to  above.  She  brought  to  the  convent  not  only 
distinguished  virtues  of  heart  and  mind,  and  accomplishments 
beyond  the  ordinary,  but  also  a  large  fortune — which,  under  kind 
Providence,  was  the  chief  means  whereby  the  community  and 
schools  were  maintained  for  years.  These  candidates  were  clothed 
as  Ursuline  novices  by  Bishop  Rappe  on  December  26,  1850. 
Miss  Seymour,  who  received  the  name  of  Sister  Mary  Austin, 
pronounced  her  vows  on  December  28,  1852.,  Miss  Catharine 
Bissonnette,  a  truly  valiant  woman,  received  the  name  of  Sister 
Mary  Ursula.  Later,  at  the  request  of  Bishop  Rappe,  she 
sacrificed  her  Ursuline  vocation  to  become  a  Sister  of  Charity. 
She  pronounced  her  vows  on  October  21,  1852,  and  on  the  same 
day  left  her  loved  convent  home  to  take  charge  of  the  Sisters  of 
St.  Augustine,  as  their  first  Superioress. 

For    the    greater    accommodation    of    the    children    of    the 
Cathedral  parish  the  nuns  erected  two  one-story  brick  buildings. 


716  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

extending  the  length  of  the  convent  grounds  on  EucHd  avenue; 
these  served  as  the  parochial  school  for  girls  until  1867. 

In  1853  Bishop  Rappe  obtained  from  Rome  for  the  Ursulines 
of  his  diocese  a  dispensation  from  the  strict  observance  of  the 
cloister,  in  order  that  they  might  take  charge  of  the  parish  schools 
throughout  the  city.  In  October,  1853,  the  Ursulines  opened  St. 
Patrick's  parochial  school  for  girls.  The  school-house  then  situ- 
ated on  Fulton  street,  near  the  Circle,  was  a  two-story  brick 
building,  with  two  large  class  rooms  on  each  floor.  On  the  first 
day  the  three  teachers  appointed  for  the  new  mission  found  on 
their  arrival  at  the  school  a  large  number  of  children  awaiting 
them ;  these  were  soon  graded  and  work  was  immediately  begun. 

Of  the  convent  buildings  which  had  to  be  erected  from  time 
to  time,  the  chapel  was  the  principal  one.  This  was  a  three-story 
brick  structure,  30  by  80  feet,  adjoining  the  main  building  on  the 
rear.  The  chapel,  sacristy,  organ  loft  and  an  ante-chapel, 
occupied  the  two  upper  stories,  the  first  floor  was  used  for  school 
rooms,  and  a  basement,  extending  the  entire  length  of  the  new 
building,  served  for  refectories. 

Under  Bishop  Rappe's  direction  the  Ursuline  Convent  at 
Toledo  was  founded  in  December,  1854,  by  a  colony  of  six 
professed  nuns  from  the  Cleveland  community,  and  Mother  des 
Seraphines,  one  of  the  pioneers,  was  appointed  Superioress. 

Bishop  Rappe  again  called  on  the  community  to  extend  its 
work.  A  colony  of  five  professed  nuns  and  a  novice,  with  Mother 
Mary  Joseph  as  Superioress,  was  therefore  sent  to  Tiflftn,  in 
September,  1863,  to  found  there  an  Ursuline  Convent ;  and  eleven 
years  later,  at  the  request  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  the  Ursuline  Convent 
of  Youngstown  was  established  by  six  professed  nuns  from  the 
community  of  Cleveland. 

In  1874,  Bishop  Gilmour  advised  the  Cleveland  Ursulines  to 
remove  their  boarding  school  beyond  the  confines  of  the  city, 
directing  them  to  the  Gilbert  estate  on  the  Lake  front,  near 
Nottingham.  In  order  to  pay  the  heavy  debt  incurred  by  the 
purchase  of  this  property  and  to  erect  the  necessary  buildings,  the 
Sisters  were  obliged  to  borrow  a  large  sum  of  money.  The 
interest  on  the  loan  nearly  overwhelmed  the  Institution,*  whose 
income  had  been  greatly  reduced  by  the  "hard  times,"  due  to  the 
financial  crisis  of  1873.  But  Divine  Providence  did  not  forsake 
the  Sisters,  for  the  saintly  Bishop  Rappe  who  died  in  Vermont, 
in  1877,  bequeathed  to  them  a  munificent  legacy  in  consideration 
of  the  fact  that  for  seventeen  years  they  had  maintained  at  their 
own  expense  the  Cathedral  parochial  school  for  girls.     Though 

*It  was   incorporated    In  1872,   with  power  to  confer  the  usual  Academic  degrees. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  717 

the  legacy  did  not  cancel  the  debt,  yet  it  was  so  reduced  that  the 
community  could  easily  meet  the  interest  as  it  became  due. 

Bishop  Brondel,  of  Helena,  Montana,  appealed  to  Bishop 
Gilmour  for  Sisters  to  help  the  struggling  Ursulines  laboring 
among  the  Indians  of  Montana.  Three  Ursuline  nuns  of  the 
Cleveland  community  generously  offered  themselves  for  the  ardu- 
ous mission,  one  going  there  in  October,  1884,  and  the  others  in 
March,  1886. 

It  had  become  quite  apparent  that  the  convent  property  on 
Euclid  avenue,  owing  to  the  want  of  room  and  the  advance  of 
trade,  was  no  longer  suitable  for  the  Sisters  and  their  work.  With 
the  sanction  of  Bishop  Gilmour  its  sale  was  accordingly  decided 
on  by  the  community,  in  May,  1890.  Soon  after  a  sale  was 
effected,  with  the  condition  stipulated  that  the  Sisters  were  to 
have  the  use  of  the  Convent  for  three  years,  rent  free,  and  to 
receive  a  part  of  the  purchase  price  at  once.  The  money  then 
received  was  used  to  pay  off  the  community  debt,  and  to  buy  five 
lots  for  a  new  Ursuline  Convent  and  Academy  at  the  corner  of 
Willson  and  Scovill  avenues.  The  plans  for  the  new  building 
were  approved  in  1892  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Horstmann.  The 
present  magnificent  edifice  was  ready  for  the  opening  of  school 
in  September,  1893,  and  the  first  Mass  was  said  in  the  community 
room  on  the  24th  of  the  same  month.  On  November  25,  1893, 
the  Holy  Sacrifice  was  offered  for  the  first  time  in  the  new  chapel 
of  St.  Ursula  by  Bishop  Horstmann,  who  blessed  the  house  on  the 
same  day.  Two  additional  lots,  with  a  frontage  of  80  feet  on 
Scovill  avenue,  adjoining  the  convent  grounds  on  the  west,  were 
bought  by  the  community  in  1899.  The  wisdom  of  selecting  the 
new  location  for  the  academy  is  proved  by  the  large  number  of 
pupils  in  attendance,  also  by  the  facilities  afforded  the  teachers 
for  reaching  their  schools  in  the  various  parts  of  the  city. 

The  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  arrival  of  the  pioneer 
Ursulines  in  Cleveland  was  celebrated  in  1900.  On  August  8, 
1900,  Bishop  Horstmann  celebrated  Pontifical  High  Mass  of 
thanksgiving  in  the  chapel  of  St.  Ursula.  About  sixty  priests, 
forty-five  sisters  from  Villa  Angela,  and  representatives  from  the 
Ursuline  Convents  of  Toledo,  Tiffin  and  Youngstown,  as  also 
from  many  Religious  Orders  in  Cleveland,  assisted  at  the  impres- 
sive ceremony.  On  the  next  day  a  solemn  High  Mass  of  Requiem 
was  celebrated  for  the  deceased  Religious,  among  whom  are 
numbered  all  the  members  of  the  pioneer  band.  On  the  last  day 
of  the  celebration  the  Holy  Sacrifice  was  offered  for  the  living 
members  of  the  community,  their  relatives,  benefactors,  friends 
and  pupils.     The  celebration  of  the  Golden  Jubilee  of  the  Ursuline 


718  A  HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

comnumity  in  Cleveland  was  a  fitting  close  of  a  half  century  of 
fruitful  work  for  God's  glory  and  Christian  education. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  Mothers  Superior:  Mother  M. 
Annunciation,  from  July,  1850,  to  August,  1866;  August,  1869,  to 
August,  1875;  November,  1878,  till  her  death,  on  March  9,  1881; 
Mother  M.  Austin,  from  August,  1866,  to  August,  1869 ;  August, 
1875,  to  November,  1878;  March,  1881,  to  July,  1884;  Mother  M. 
Immaculate  Conception,  from  July,  1884,  to  July,  1890;  July, 
1893,  to  July,  1899;  Mother  M.  Liguori,  from  July,  1890,  to  July, 
1893,  and  Mother  M.  Peter,  since  July,  1899. 


LOUISVILLE. 
ST.  LOUIS'  COLLEGE. 

This  Institution  was  opened  in  September,  1866,  for  the 
reception  of  students  desirous  of  preparing  for  the  Sacred 
Ministry,  or  for  commercial  life.  It  was  begun  in  1864,  under 
the  supervision  of  the  Rev.  Louis  Hoffer,  pastor  of  Louisville, 
and  cost  about  $10,000.  Of  this  sum  Father  Hoffer  collected 
nearly  $5,000  in  France,  whitTier  he  went  for  that  purpose.  The 
people  of  Louisville  also  gave  much  of  the  building  material  and 
labor  without  charge,  besides  paying  nearly  $3,000.  It  is  a  note- 
worthy fact  that  the  women  of  the  parish  carried  nearly  all  the 
brick  used  in  the  building.  The  balance  of  the  amount  expended 
for  the  building  remained  a  burdensome  debt  for  a  number  of 
years. 

Among  the  students  first  enrolled  at  St.  Louis'  College  there 
were  about  twenty  who  had  been  at  the  college  connected  with  St. 
Mary's  Seminary,  Cleveland,  which  was  closed  in  June,  1866. 
Although  glad  to  leave  the  old  building,  they  were  much  disap- 
pointed when  they  saw  their  new  college  home  located  in  the 
village  of  Louisville.  It  was  a  place  of  which  they  had  heard 
little  or  nothing  before  their  arrival  there  and  for  which  they 
conceived  no  liking  after  their  arrival.  They  found  a  compara- 
tively large  but  still  incomplete  brick  building,  and  small  college 
grounds,  which  precluded  the  possibility  of  strenuous  out-of-door 
exercise  near  the  Institution,  such  as  only  college  boys  can  and 
do  enjoy. 

The  Rev.  Julius  Clement  was  the  first  Superior  and  one  of  the 
professors  of  the  college.  He  had  as  his  assistant  the  Rev.  B. 
Quinn  and  Messrs.  N.  A.  Moes,  W.  J.  Gibbons  and  E.  J.  Conway, 
who  had  finished  their  Theological  course  of  studies  at  the 
diocesan  seminary  but  were  too  young  to  be  ordained. 

The  students  were  a  motley  collection,  ranging  in  age  from 


■A)      4^..t.  ^iiwU«i.    .    ,«    ill 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  719 

10  to  30  years,  and  representing  various  races  and  climes.  But, 
withal,  they  were  as  a  band  of  brothers,  each  earnest  in  the  pursuit 
of  knowledge,  or  fair  rivals  in  college  games  or  sports. 

In  September,  1867,  Bishop  Rappe  placed  the  college  under 
the  direction  of  the  Basilian  Fathers,  from  Toronto,  Canada,  with 
the  Rev.  Francis  Hours  as  Superior,  and  the  Revs.  Francis  Walsh, 
Michael  Mulcahey,  Leo  Cherrier,  Joseph  J.  Aboulin  and  Michael 
Ferguson  as  professors.  For  six  years  the  Basilian  Fathers 
struggled  against  the  discouragement  of  a  poor  attendance  of 
students,  and  finally  had  to  abandon  and  close  the  college  in 
June.  1S73.  This  result  however  was  not  unexpected,  as  from  the 
very  outset  the  college  was  looked  upon  with  disfavor  by  a  large 
number  of  the  clergy  and  laity  of  the  diocese,  owing  to  its  location 
in  a  small  town,  difficult  of  access  and  devoid  of  city  attractions 
and  conveniences.  This  disfavor  was  succeeded  by  lack  of  sup- 
port, which  of  necessity  led  ultimately  to  the  closing  of  the  college. 


LOUISVILLE. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  ACADEMY. 
After  St.  Louis'  College  was  abandoned  by  the  Basilian 
Fathers,  in  June,  1873,  the  building  remained  closed  for  two 
months.  It  was  then,  at  the  request  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  that  the 
Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary,  from  Cleveland,  agreed  to 
re-open  the  building  as  a  boarding  school  for  girls  and  young 
women.  The  name  was  changed  to  St.  Joseph's  Academy,  but 
this  transformation  again  resulted  in  a  failure,  as  the  average 
annual  attendance  did  not  exceed  eighteen  boarding  pupils.  In 
consequence  the  Academy  was  closed  in  June,  1878.  In  the 
following  September  the  same  community  opened  a  school  for 
deafmutes,  but  it  also  proved  a  failure  for  want  of  support  and  was 
closed  in  June,  1883.  This  was  the  last  venture  to  make  a  success 
of  the  college  building  as  an  educational  Institute. 

NOTTINGHAM. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  SEMINARY  FOR  YOUNG  BOYS. 
Although  amply  provided  with  institutions  devoted  to  the 
care  and  education  of  girls,  the  diocese  of  Cleveland  had  no 
boarding  school  for  little  boys  within  its  extensive  limits,  prior  to 
1886.  Many  felt  this  necessity,  and  often  expressed  the  wish  that 
such  provision  be  made.  Bishop  Gilmour  especially  appreciated 
this  want  and  had  it  in  view  when,  in  April,  1886,  he  urged  the 
Ursulines  to  buy  the  27  acres  adjoining  the  Villa  Angela  property. 
He  considered  it  an  ideal  place  for  the  proposed  Institution,  where 


720  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

the  little  boys  would  receive  the  training  they  needed  during  their 
early  years.  Therefore,  at  the  Bishop's  request,  the  Ursulines 
consented  to  establish  the  boarding  school. 

On  the  land  bought  by  the  Sisters  was  a  two-story  frame 
building.  With  some  additions  it  was  suitably  and  quickly  fitted 
up  for  the  beginning  of  school,  in  September,  1886.  It  was 
placed  under  the  protection  of  St.  Joseph,  and  was  named  "St. 
Joseph's  Seminary  for  Young  Boys." 

On  September  3,  1886,  the  late  Rev.  Anthony  Martin,  of 
Euclid,  blessed  the  house  and  said  the  first  Holy  Mass  in  a  small 
room  on  the  second  floor.  Five  days  later  the  school  was  opened 
and  a  High  Mass  was  celebrated  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Boff,  V.G. 
In  the  following  October  a  larger  room  was  appropriated  for  a 
chapel.  The  school  steadily  grew  and  prospered.  Bishop 
Gilmour  seeing  the  need  of  more  ample  accommodations  advised 
the  erection  of  a  new  building;  he  approved  of  the  plans  in 
January,  1891. 

The  first  stone  in  the  foundation  of  the  new  St.  Joseph's 
Seminary  was  laid  on  April  13,  1891,  the  very  day  Bishop  Gilmour 
died  in  Florida.  The  building  was  completed  in  February,  1892, 
and  dedicated  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Boff,  on  March  6.  The 
beautiful  chapel  was  placed  under  the  patronage  of  Our  Lady  of 
Good  Counsel,  and  on  the  Feast  of  St.  Joseph,  March  19,  1892, 
the  class  rooms  were  opened  to  the  pupils. 

Special  attention  is  given  to  the  preparation  of  the  boys  for 
First  Communion.  Before  they  leave  the  school,  they  usually 
receive  the  Sacrament  of  Confirmation  also.  Considering  their 
youth,  the  boys  of  St.  Joseph's  are  well  equipped  both  intellec- 
tually and  spiritually,  and  carry  away  with  them  many  happy 
recollections  of  their  stay  at  the  little  seminary,  where  many 
have  spent  some  of  boyhood's  happiest  days. 

Mother  Mary  Ascension  was  placed  in  charge  of  St.  Joseph's 
Seminary  as  local  Superioress,  from  the  day  of  its  opening.  She 
was  well  fitted  by  her  long  experience  with  young  people,  as  well 
as  by  her  superior  education  and  general  ability  to  make  the 
work  a  success ;  and  so  it  proved  to  be  from  the  very  outset.  But 
soon  after  beginning  work  at  St.  Joseph's  her  health  visibly 
declined.  She  bore  up  with  heroic  courage  until  disease  com- 
pelled her  to  give  up  the  w^ork.  She  died  a  most  edifying  death, 
on  December  29,  1894,  at  the  Ursuline  Convent  in  Cleveland. 
Her  remains  were  interred  in  the  community  vault  at  Villa  Angela. 
She  was  succeeded  by  the  present  local  Superioress,  Mother  M. 
Joseph. 

The  impetus  given  by  Mother  Ascension  still  shows  itself  in 
the  thoroughness  of  the  instruction  and  training  at  St.  Joseph's, 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  721 

the  curriculum  embracing  all  the  branches  of  an  elementary  and 
grammar  school  education. 

From  the  opening  of  the  school,  the  study  of  Catechism  has 
been  encouraged  by  giving,  at  the  close  of  each  scholastic  year, 
a  gold  cross  to  the  most  deserving  boy  in  the  first  and  second 
Catechism  classes.  Gold  medals  are  also  awarded  for  deportment, 
spelling,  etc.,  the  donors  being  members  of  the  diocesan  clergy. 
To  these  and  other  kind  friends  the  teachers  are  much  indebted 
for  aid  received  in  various  forms,  that  proved  helpful  in  their 
educational  work. 


NOTTINGHAM. 
URSULINE   ACADEMY,   VILLA   ANGELA. 

In  September,  1878,  the  Ursuline  Boarding  School,  now 
known  as  Villa  Angela,  was  removed  from  Cleveland  to  its  present 
beautiful  location  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie.  This  event, 
momentous  for  the  Cleveland  Ursuline  foundation,  was  brought 
about  by  the  pressure  of  circumstances  and  under  the  direction  of 
Bishop  Gilmour.  For  some  time  prior  to  1878,  the  gradual 
advance  of  trade  had  taken  from  the  locality  surrounding  the 
Academy  on  Euclid  avenue,  that  quiet  and  seclusion  which  the 
community  had  enjoyed  for  many  years  following  the  purchase 
of  the  property  in  1850;  also  the  several  buildings  erected  grew 
inadequate  to  accommodate  the  growing  community  and  its  work. 
Bishop  Gilmour,  observing  early  in  1874  this  condition  of  things, 
urged  the  advisability  of  removing  the  boarding  school  to  the 
suburbs  of  the  city.  The  search  for  a  suitable  location  having 
been  entered  upon,  the  Bishop  himself  directed  the  Sisters  to  the 
very  site  of  the  Villa  Angela  property,  then  known  as  "Camp 
Gilbert." 

Improvements  and  preparations  for  building  were  soon  begun 
and  the  west  wing  of  the  proposed  building  was  completed  in  1878. 
The  first  Holy  Mass  was  offered  in  the  new  building  July  16,  1878, 
and  since  that  time  the  Sacramental  Presence  has  never  been 
removed  from  Villa  Angela. 

On  September  8,  1878,  the  boarding  school  was  opened  at  the 
Villa,  and  shortly  after  also  a  school  for  day  scholars.  The  latter 
was  continued  for  three  years,  when  for  want  of  sufTficient  accom- 
modations it  was  discontinued.  The  day  school  did  a  good  work, 
as  the  children,  who  attended  it,  came  from  a  neighborhood 
notably  anti-Catholic.  They  were  instrumental  in  removing 
deeply-rooted  prejudices,  by  implanting  in  the  hearts  of  many, 
respect  for  the  Religious  and  appreciation  of  their  work. 

The  Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Bofif  was  appointed  resident  chaplain  of 


722  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

Villa  Angela  in  December,  1878.  There  he  has  resided  ever  since 
as  spiritual  director  and  as  the  esteemed  friend  and  benefactor  of 
the  institution.  During  the  four  months  preceding  Mgr.  Boff's 
appointment,  the  Rev.  Anthony  Martin,  pastor  of  St.  Paul's 
church,  Euclid,  said  Mass  as  often  as  his  home  duties  allowed. 
For  Father  Martin's  unvaried  and  continued  kindness,  the 
Ursulines  will  always  remain  deeply  indebted. 

When  the  Gilbert  property  was  bought,  it  was  a  treeless 
tract  of  ground,  excepting  the  banks  of  Euclid  Creek  running 
through  it,  and  a  part  of  what  is  now  Maple  avenue,  but  by  the 
end  of  1879  the  walks  were  laid  out,  and  fruit,  shade  and  orna- 
mental trees  planted. 

For  the  first  commencement  exercises,  held  on  July  2,  1879, 
a  temporary  hall  was  erected.  Bishop  Gilmour,  in  his  own 
felicitous  manner,  congratulated  the  teachers  and  graduates  on 
the  good  work  done,  and  of  which  he  said :  "The  exercises  were 
an  evidence  and  at  the  same  time  an  earnest  of  that  which  will 
follow."  In  speaking  to  the  Sisters  later,  relative  to  the  com- 
mencement program  and  the  large  and  appreciative  audience, 
he  used  these  words:  "You  have  made  your  mark;  you  have 
established  yourselves." 

The  heating  apparatus  (hot  air  furnace)  first  used  at  Villa 
Angela,  was  replaced  by  a  steam  plant  in  1886.  The  erection  and 
equipment  of  a  steam  laundry  and  various  other  small  departments 
followed.  The  first  gas  well,  over  one  thousand  feet  deep,  was 
drilled  in  1886.  It  has  been  a  veritable  boon  to  the  owners  as  a 
time  and  money  saver. 

In  1895  the  temporary  chapel  was  enlarged  and  renovated 
and  the  auditorium  building  erected.  This  last  contains  a  hall 
with  a  capacity  of  seating  about  six  hundred  persons ;  also  music 
rooms,  two  large  dormitories,  a  library  and  reference  room. 

From  the  very  beginning  Christian  Doctrine  received  special 
attention  and  generous  encouragement  through  the  zeal  of  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Mgr.  Bofit:',  V.  G.  A  further  impetus  was  given  this 
study,  when,  at  the  commencement  exercises  of  1895,  the  Rt.  Rev. 
Bishop  Horstmann  announced  his  intention  of  giving  an 
examination  in  Christian  Doctrine  to  the  senior  pupils  before  the 
close  of  each  scholastic  year  and  awarding  to  the  writer  of  the 
best  essay  a  gold  cross.  On  the  same  occasion  Mgr.  Boff,  who  for 
the  preceding  years  had  awarded  a  gold  cross  for  Christian  Doc- 
trine, now  generously  transferred  his  beautiful  gift  to  the  Junior 
Catechism  Class. 

Besides  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  and  Mgr.  Boff,  many  of  the 
reverend  clergy  and  other  well-wishers  have  befriended  the 
institution  by  offering  yearly  prizes  for  excellence  in  deportment. 


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IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  723 

domestic  economy  and  other  branches  of  study;  to  all  these  the 
Ursulines  are  deeply  grateful. 

Until  1884,  Villa  Angela  had  for  its  first  local  Superioress 
Mother  Mary,,  who  very  successfully  directed  its  affairs  since  the 
opening  of  the  Institution,  in  1878.  She  was  succeeded  in  August, 
1884,  by  Mother  Mary  Louis,  who  since  that  time  has  been  in 
charge. 

The  equipment  of  an  educational  institution  in  appliances 
used  to  aid,  promote  and  facilitate  its  work  is  a  necessity,  but  a 
very  costly  necessity.  At  Villa  Angela  these  furnishings  have 
been  gradual  but  steady.  They  consist  of  physical,  chemical  and 
astronomical  apparatus,  natural  history  cabinets,  maps,  charts  and 
globes,  to  all  of  which  additions  are  constantly  being  made.  A 
select  library  of  over  five  thousand  volumes  is  available  to  the 
students. 

All  these  literary  and  scientific  equipments  are  furnished  by 
the  Institution,  which  is  without  scholarships  or  endowments.  In 
spite,  however,  of  this  financial  drawback  Villa  Angela  is  steadily 
progressing  and  adding  lustre  continually  to  its  well  established 
reputation,  for  giving  its  pupils  a  thorough  Christian  education. 


TIFFIN. 

URSULINE    ACADEMY    AND    CONVENT. 

This  flourishing  Institution  is  a  fruitful  graft  from  the  Ursu- 
line  Convent  of  Cleveland  with  which  it  has  ever  been  closely 
connected. 

The  Catholics  of  Tififin  feeling  the  need  of  efificient  instructors 
for  their  children,  the  Revs.  J.  L.  Bihn  and  M.  Healy,  pastors  of 
the  respective  congregations  of  St.  Joseph's  and  St.  Mary's,  applied 
to  Bishop  Rappe  and  obtained  from  him  a  small  colony  of  Ursu- 
Hnes  consisting  of  Mother  M.  Joseph,  who  was  appointed  Supe- 
rioress, Mother  M.  Maxime,  Sister  M.  Alexis  (a  novice),  now 
Assistant  Superioress  of  Cleveland  Convent,  and  Sister  Scholastica. 
On  Monday,  September  28,  1863,  this  devoted  Httle  band  accom- 
panied by  Mother  M.  Annunciation,  at  that  time  superioress  of 
the  Ursulines  of  Cleveland,  arrived  in  Tififin.  Father  Bihn  having 
rented  rooms  for  himself  in  the  home  of  one  of  his  parishioners, 
the  Sisters  moved  into  the  pastoral  residence  where  they  remained 
six  months,  awaiting  possession  of  the  house  purchased  for  them 
the  previous  spring.  St.  Mary's  church  donated  $1,000,  and  St. 
Joseph's  $2,000  towards  the  purchase  of  the  property;  it  forms 
part  of  the  present  convent  grounds.  In  September,  1863,  the 
Ursulines  took  charge  of  St.  Joseph's  school,  and  one  year  later 


724  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

St.  Mary's  school  was  also  placed  under  the  care  of  the  same  com- 
munity. 

On  October  5,  1863,  in  one  of  the  rooms  of  St.  Joseph's  pas- 
toral residence,  the  Ursulines  opened  their  select  school,  the  germ 
of  that  institution  which  has  proved  a  boon  for  Tif^n.  It  has  kept 
pace  with  the  growth  of  the  beautiful  little  city  itself,  whilst  its 
influence  has  been  spread  far  and  wide,  by  the  noble  women  who 
have  been  educated  within  its  walls.  Of  the  seven  pupils  that 
formed  the  first  day's  attendance,  three  are  now,  and  have  been 
for  many  years,  useful  members  of  the  community,  viz..  Mother 
M.  Liguori,  the  present  Superioress,  Sister  M.  Ursula,  and  Sister 
Margaret  Mary. 

In  April,  1864,  the  community  removed  to  its  present  loca- 
tion, which  at  that  time  was  wild  and  lonely.  The  dwellings  on 
the  property  consisted  of  a  number  of  low-roofed  frame  houses. 
A  small  room  12  feet  square  and  8  feet  high  was  fitted  up  for  a 
chapel  where  the  first  Mass  was  celebrated  on  the  feast  of  the 
Sacred  Heart,  1864.  The  apartment  used  as  a  schoolroom  was  of 
the  same  dimensions,  only  one-half  foot  higher.  The  small,  incon- 
venient and  primitive  chapel  and  school  room  were  used  until 
September,  1865.  A  two-story  brick  building  was  erected  during 
the  summer  of  that  year.  The  upper  story  was  fitted  up  as  a  neat 
chapel  and  the  lower  as  a  well  equipped  school  room. 

Early  in  September,  1865,  Mother  M.  Joseph,  the  beloved 
Superioress,  became  seriously  ill  of  typhoid  fever,  and  died  on 
the  following  October  25.  She  was  a  model  Religious,  and 
her  death  was  deeply  mourned.  She  was  succeeded  on  November 
10,  1865,  by  Mother  M.  Ignatius,  who  was  sent  by  the  Cleveland 
Ursulines,  with  Bishop  Rappe's  approval.  Most  successfully  she 
guided  the  destinies  of  her  community,  with  the  exception  of  one 
term  of  office  (3  years),  until  April  2,  1897,  when  she  passed  to 
her  eternal  reward. 

The  names  of  Mothers  Joseph  and  Ignatius  will  ever  be 
held  in  benediction  by  their  Sisters  in  religion,  by  the  people  of 
Tiffin,  as  well  as  by  their  numerous  pupils,  for  their  self-sacrifice 
and  all-embracing  charity. 

In  the  latter  part  of  June,  1873,  the  last  of  the  Cleveland 
Ursulines  returned  to  their  Motherhouse,  leaving  the  Tiffin  com- 
munity, then  numbering  fourteen  members,  the  legacy  of  their 
good  example. 

The  Academy  was  incorporated  in  1878,  with  power  to  confer 
degrees  and  award  diplomas.  For  over  twenty  years  graduates 
have  annually  gone  forth  from  their  Alma  Mater  to  take  the  places 
assigned  to  them  by  Divine  Providence,  and  they  have  thus  far 
been  a  credit  to  the  Institution. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  725 

Mother  M.  Ignatius  was  succeeded  in  April,  1897,  by  Mother 
M.  Liguori,  the  present  Superioress.  She  is  well  qualified  by 
experience  for  the  responsible  office  she  now  (1900)  holds,  as  she 
had  been  filling  the  office  of  Assistant  for  a  number  of  years, 
besides  having  had  full  charge  for  a  long  time  of  all  matters  per- 
taining to  the  Academy.  The  latter  she  has  most  successfully 
directed  as  principal,  and  has  been  largely  instrumental  in  bringing 
it  up  to  its  present  high  standard  of  efficiency. 

The  present  imposing  Convent  and  Academy  buildings  were 
erected  at  different  times,  as  the  needs  of  the  community  and  the 
schools  required  them.  The  large  square  brick  building,  crowned 
with  a  cupola — the  joy  of  the  astronomy  class — was  erected  in 
1870.  The  wing  adjoining  it,  and  extending  100  feet  on  Madison 
street,  was  built  in  1887.  The  splendid  three-story  building — 
now  the  Academy  proper — fronts  on  Jefferson  street  and  stands  on 
the  site  of  the  old  structure,  erected  in  1864.  It  was  completed 
in  June,  1898,  and  is  devoted  exclusively  to  the  use  of  the  pupils. 
Extending  along  Tiffin  street,  and  adjoining  this  new  building, 
is  the  pretty  edifice  containing  the  present  handsome  chapel  and 
spacious  auditorium.  All  these  slate-roofed  three-story  brick 
buildings  form  a  harmonious  whole,  and  are  an  ornament  to  the 
city.  They  are  provided  with  all  the  modern  conveniences  and 
improvements,  conducive  to  the  health  and  comfort  of  the  Sisters 
and  pupils. 

The  Academy  and  Convent  are  in  a  flourishing  condition  and 
have  a  promising  future. 

TOLEDO. 

ST.  JOHN'S  COLLEGE. 

Toledo  had  early  provided  for  the  higher  education  of  young 
women  in  the  Ursuline  Academy,  but  the  young  men  were  not  so 
fortunate.  Catholic  parents  who  wished  to  give  their  sons  the 
advantages  of  a  college  training  were  obliged,  at  considerable 
expense,  to  send  them  a  distance  from  home.  The  clergy  and 
laity  of  Toledo  repeatedly  and  publicly  expressed  their  earnest 
desire  of  having  a  college  for  young  men  established  in  their  city. 
The  Jesuit  Fathers  of  St.  Mary's  church  were  also  asked,  time 
and  again,  to  interest  their  Superiors  in  this  matter.  For  grave 
reasons,  however,  especially  for  the  lack  of  professors,  it  was 
impossible  for  the  Jesuits  to  comply  with  the  urgent  and  repeated 
request,  until  1898.  In  the  spring  of  that  year  the  Very  Rev. 
Theodore  Van  Rossum,  S.  J.,  Superior  of  the  Buffalo  Province 
of  the  Jesuits,  which  includes  Toledo,  gave  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop 
Horstmann,    as    well    as    others    interested,    the   very    gratifying 


726  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

assurance  thai  in  the  following  September  the  long  desired  college 
would  be  opened.  Father  Van  Rossum  bought,  on  Superior 
street,  a  large,  beautiful  brick  house,  surrounded  by  spacious 
grounds.  The  building  was  remodeled  to  serve  as  a  temporary 
college.  It  was  dedicated  to  St.  John  Berchmans  and  was  opened 
for  the  reception  of  students,  on  September  6,  1898,  when  a  regu- 
lar academic  course  of  studies  was  begun,  with  thirty-three  stu- 
dents in  attendance.  The  college  at  once  gained  public  favor,  and 
the  Toledo  clergy  gave  it  unqualified  support.  The  enrollment 
of  students  reached  seventy  at  the  opening  of  the  present  scholas- 
tic year,  in  September,  1900,  and  bids  fair  to  increase  steadily. 
In  order  to  provide  for  this  increase  of  students  the  Jesuit  Fathers 
are  now  arranging  for  the  erection,  in  1901,  of  a  large  three-story 
building  next  to  the  present  one  to  serve  as  a  permanent  college. 

The  college  was  incorporated  on  May  21,  1900.  with  power 
to  confer  the  usual  collegiate  degrees.  Its  future  success  is  now 
assured,  and  it  will  not  fail  to  prove  a  blessing  to  the  Catholic 
young  men  of  Toledo,  desirous  of  the  advantages  of  a  higher  edu- 
cation along  Catholic  lines.  For  this  the  well-known  and  world- 
wide reputation  of  the  Jesuits,  as  educators  and  trainers  of  young 
men,  is  a  sufificient  guaranty. 

The  first  president  of  the  college  was  the  Rev.  P.  Schnitzler, 
who  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  F.  Heiermann,  in  August,  1900. 


TOLEDO. 
URSULINE  ACADEMY  AND  CONVENT. 

In  compliance  with  Bishop  Rappe's  request  the  Ursuline 
community  of  Toledo  was  founded  in  1854.  At  that  time  Toledo 
had  a  population  of  about  8,000,  and  only  two  Catholic  parishes. 
A  colony  of  five  Sisters  was  sent  from  the  Ursuline  Convent  at 
Cleveland,  in  charge  of  Mother  M.  des  Seraphins  as  Superioress. 
They  arrived  at  Toledo  on  December  12,  1854,  and  took  posses- 
sion of  the  property  which  had  been  occupied  by  the  Sisters  of 
Notre  Dame,  from  Cincinnati,  between  1840  and  1848.  The 
property,  which  is  part  of  the  present  convent  site,  at  the  corner 
of  Cherry  and  Erie  streets,  was  the  first  gift  of  the  Bishop  to  the 
Ursulines. 

Four  days  after  the  arrival  of  the  Sisters  200  children  were 
entrusted  to  their  care  as  teachers.  The  latter  were  reinforced 
in  number  from  time  to  time,  thus  giving  the  community  a  steady 
even  if  slow  increase.  Braving  Toledo's  malignant  "Maumee 
fever,"  then  claiming  many  victims,  these  heroic  women  seemed 
to  have  merited  health  as  a  special  blessing  for  themselves  as. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  727 

during  the  first  twenty  years,  there  was  not  a  death  in  their  com- 
munity. 

On  the  northeastern  extremity  of  the  convent  grounds  stood 
St.  Joseph's  chapel,  familiarly  termed  "the  French  chapel."  It 
was  erected  in  1854  by  the  contributions  of  the  Catholics  of 
Toledo,  for  the  joint  accommodation  of  the  Ursulines  and  the 
French.  The  former  used  it  until  the  dedication  of  their  own 
convent  chapel,  December  8,  1874.  A  life-size  statue  of  the 
Sacred  Heart,  placed  on  a  picturesque  mound,  near  the  center 
of  the  convent  grounds,  marks  the  spot  where  for  many  years 
stood  the  sanctuary  in  which  the  first  29  professed  members  of 
the  community  pronounced  their  sacred  vows. 

In  1859  the  small  frame  convent  was  replaced  by  a  three- 
story  brick  building.  It  was  commenced  and  completed  under 
the  direction  of  Mother  des  Seraphins,  who,  two  years  later, 
returned  to  her  cherished  convent  home  in  Boulogne,  France, 
where  she  died,  on  November  8,  1880.  Mother  M.  Alphonsus 
succeeded  her  as  Superioress  on  August  15,  1861.  She  was 
eminently  fitted  for  her  responsible  position,  but  found  her  young 
community  in  a  desperate  struggle  for  existence.  Her  excellent 
judgment  and  fine  intellectual  acquirements  were  helpful  in  rais- 
ing the  standard  of  the  higher  classes  of  studies,  and  in  securing 
a  larger  attendance  of  pupils.  She  obtained  from  Bishop  Rappe 
the  privilege,  previously  denied,  of  opening  a  boarding  school. 
In  a  few  years,  under  her  prudent  management,  the  institution 
was  placed  on  a  firm  basis.  It  has  thus  continued,  and  has  long 
since  been  recognized  as  a  strong  educational  factor  in  the  diocese. 

The  original  brick  structure  was  considerably  enlarged  and 
improved  in  1872,  by  the  addition  of  the  stately  building  fronting 
on  Cherry  street.  In  June  of  the  following  year  the  academy 
was  chartered  under  the  laws  of  Ohio,  with  authority  to  confer 
the  usual  academic  degrees.  These  were  given  for  the  first  time 
in  June,  1874,  by  Bishop  Gilmour. 

Mother  Alphonsus  was  called  to  her  reward,  July  19,  1874. 
Her  death  was  a  severe  blow  to  the  community  which  she  had 
governed  and  served  so  faithfully  for  thirteen  years.  On  the 
following  5th  of  October  the  first  election  held  by  the  community 
resulted  in  the  choice  of  Sister  M.  Amadeus  as  Superioress,  which 
position  she  filled  with  success. 

In  1878,  at  Bishop  Gilmour's  request,  seven  Sisters  were 
sent  to  aid  the  Ursuline  community  of  Youngstown,  Sister  M. 
Lawrence  being  appointed  their  Superioress. 

Mother  Amadeus  having  completed  her  second  term  of  office 
was  appointed  Superioress  of  the  little  band  of  Ursulines  chosen 
from  volunteers  in  the  Toledo  community,  to  form  a  mission 


728  A  HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

among  the  Indians  in  Montana,  in  response  to  Bishop  Brondel's 
appeal.  This  offshoot,  planted  in  the  Rocky  Mountains  amid  hard- 
ships and  privations,  has  flourished  and  grown  into  prosperous 
communities,  where  the  brave  and  self-sacrificing  daughters  of 
St.  Angela  are  daily  ministering  to  the  children  of  the  Red  Man. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  Mothers  Superior  and  their  time  of 
ofifice  since  the  death  of  Mother  M.  Alphonsus:  Mother  M. 
Amadeus,  1874-80;  Mother  M.  Stanislas,  1880-87;  Mother  M. 
Aloysius,  1887-90;  Mother  M.  Immaculate  Heart,  1890-96; 
Mother  M.  Aloysius,  1896-99;  and  Mother  M.  Scholastica  since 
August,  1899. 

In  September,  1900,  a  new  era  dawned  on  the  Toledo 
Ursuline  Academy,  when  the  kindergarten  and  art  school  were 
transferred  to  the  recently  acquired  stately  mansion,  beautifully 
located  on  Collingwood  avenue.  This  valuable  property  is  the 
ideal  site  on  which,  in  the  near  future,  it  is  hoped  to  erect  a  new 
academy  that  will  be  a  credit  to  the  community  and  an  ornament 
to  progressive  Toledo. 

The  Ursulines  are  deeply  grateful  to  the  clergy  of  Toledo  for 
their  untiring  interest  and  encouragement,  and  to  the  laity  for 
unvaried  generous  support. 

WEST  PARK,  CUYAHOGA  COUNTY. 
ST.  JOSEPH'S  ACADEMY  AND   CONVENT. 

The  original  community,  known  as  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph, 
was  founded  in  France,  its  canonical  erection  dating  from  March 
10,  1651.  The  first  colony  of  these  Sisters  came  to  the  United 
States  in  1836,  at  the  solicitation  of  Bishop  Rosati,  of  St.  Louis. 
They  established  a  convent  at  Carondelet,  in  his  diocese,  in  1837. 
The  Motherhouse  in  the  diocese  of  St.  Louis  established  a  branch 
foundation  at  St.  Paul,  Minn.  It  was  from  the  latter  that  the 
Cleveland  Sisterhood  took  its  origin.  At  the  request  of  Bishop 
Gilmour  three  Sisters  came  from  St.  Paul  and  founded  the 
present  flourishing  community  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  in  the 
diocese  of  Cleveland,  in  August,  1872.  Their  first  house  in  this 
diocese  was  at  Painesville,  where  they  took  charge  of  the  parish 
school,  under  the  direction  of  Mother  M.  George,  then,  and  for 
many  years  after.  Superioress  of  the  community.  A  novitiate 
was  established  at  Painesville,  and  on  the  feast  of  St.  Joseph, 
March  19,  of  the  following  year,  two  novices  were  given  the 
religious  habit  by  Bishop  Gilmour.  The  Bishop's  kindly  and 
eloquent  words  of  encouragement  at  the  ceremony  presaged  a 
fatherly  care  and  solicitude  for  the  young  community,  which 
remained  unchanged  till  his  death. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  729 

Bishop  Gilmour  was  desirous  of  having  the  Motherhouse  of 
the  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph  established  in  Cleveland,  where,  he  felt 
confident,  they  would  soon  get  employment  as  teachers  of  parish 
schools,  and  where  eventually  they  would  be  enabled  to  establish 
an  academy  for  girls.  For  this  purpose  the  frame  building  on 
Fulton  street,  formerly  known  as  St.  John's  College,  was  rented, 
and  the  Motherhouse  transferred  from  Painesville  to  Cleveland,  in 
June,  1877.  In  1880  the  Sisters  bought  a  five-acre  tract  of  land 
on  Starkweather  avenue,  to  which  they  added  five  acres  a  few 
years  later.  The  frame  house  on  the  land  first  purchased  was 
remodeled  to  serve  as  a  temporary  Convent  and  private  school; 
the  Sisters  moved  thither  from  Fulton  street  in  July,  1880.  Ten 
years  later  they  built  a  commodious  two-story  stone  structure  on 
the  same  site,  for  their  Motherhouse  and  academy. 

Meanwhile  the  community  and  its  educational  work  grew. 
But  the  community's  growth  did  not  keep  pace  with  the  many 
calls  made  upon  it  for  teachers  of  parochial  schools.  Fifteen 
schools  in  the  diocese  are  now  under  their  direction,  and  of  that 
number  eight  are  in  Cleveland. 

In  a  few  years  the  Convent  property  on  Starkweather  avenue 
proved  unsuitable  for  the  purposes  of  an  academy,  because  of  its 
location.  The  Sisters  therefore  decided  to  secure  a  suburban  site, 
near  West  Park,  on  the  east  bank  of  Rocky  River,  about  midway 
between  Detroit  and  Lorain  streets.  With  the  approval  of  Bishop 
Horstmann  the  purchase  of  a  fifty-acre  tract  of  land  was  effected 
in  September,  1898.  A  commodious  frame  building,  to  serve  as 
the  new  Motherhouse  and  as  a  temporary  academy,  was  erected 
on  the  east  end  of  the  property,  facing  Riverside  avenue.  The 
building  was  ready  for  occupancy  in  August,  1899,  and  was  dedi- 
cated by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  on  September  17,  following.  Many 
priests  and  a  large  concourse  of  the  laity  were  present  at  the  cere- 
mony, and  their  unanimous  verdict  was  that  the  Sisters  were 
indeed  fortunate  in  securing  a  site  for  their  new  and  permanent 
home  so  beautifully  and  romantically  situated.  A  wonderful 
change,  indeed,  as  compared  with  the  first  home  of  the  Sisters 
of  St.  Joseph,  in  Painesville — a  small  frame  house,  devoid  of  even 
the  ordinary  conveniences  and  comforts  of  modern  times,  with 
grounds  that  were  small  and  with  few  possibilities  for  beautifying 
them.  This  change  is  indicative  also  of  the  growth  of  the  com- 
munity, which  began  in  1872,  with  only  three  members,  and  now 
(December,  1900)  numbers  seventy-five  Sisters  of  St.  Joseph,  all 
devoted  to  the  training  of  the  youth  in  the  diocese  of  Cleveland, 
whether  in  parochial  school,  or  academy. 

Mother  M.  George  was  the  first  Superioress,  and  held  that 
responsible  office  until  December,  1892,  when  she  was  succeeded 


730  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

by  Mother  M.  Evangelista.  The  present  Superioress,  Mother  M. 
Teresa,  has  been  in  charge  of  the  community  since  December, 
1895. 

As  soon  as  means  are  available  the  community  will  erect  a 
large  and  permanent  building  for  an  academy  that  will  be  a  credit 
to  themselves  and  to  the  diocese. 


HOSPITALS. 


CLEVELAND. 

CHARITY   (ST.  VINCENT'S)   HOSPITAL. 

The  first  hospital  in  Cleveland  was  organized  in  1852  by  the 
Sisters  of  Charity  of  St.  Augustine,  under  the  direction  of  Bishop 
Rappe.  It  was  a  small  brick  building,  with  a  very  simple  outfit, 
and  stood  on  the  grounds  of  the  present  St.  Vincent's  Orphan 
Asylum,  on  Monroe  street.  The  hospital  was  closed  in  1856 
because  of  the  imperative  necessity  of  providing  for  the  orphans. 
Lack  of  means,  and  the  limited  number  of  Sisters  then  in  the 
.community,  made  it  impossible  to  conduct  both  the  hospital  and 
the  asylum.  But  time  brought  its  changes  and  rendered  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  permanent  hospital  a  necessity  in  Cleveland. 

Up  to  the  time  of  the  civil  war  the  sick  and  wounded  in  Cleve- 
land— which  in  the  early  sixties  had  a  population  of  less  than 
75,000 — secured  medical  and  surgical  treatment  in  their  homes. 
Emergency  cases  were  few,  and  they  had  to  be  provided  for  as  the 
circumstances  of  each  case  suggested.  The  sick  and  injured  poor 
were  dependent  on  the  charity  of  well  disposed  friends  and  neigh- 
bors. But  with  the  carnage  of  war  came  a  change.  Many  of 
Cleveland's  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  were  brought  home  to  their 
own  city  from  southern  battlefields  and  camp  hospitals  for  medical 
and  surgical  care.  Then  it  was  that  the  absence  of  a  hospital  in 
our  growing  city  was  most  keenly  felt.  Bishop  Rappe,  always 
on  the  alert  where  good  deeds  were  to  be  performed,  offered  to 
build  the  much-needed  hospital  and  furnish  efficient  nurses  if  the 
citizens  of  Cleveland  would  give  him  financial  support.  The 
Bishop's  offer  was  promptly  accepted,  with  the  result  that  he 
bought,  for  the  sum  of  $10,000,  the  Philo  Scoville  property,  con- 
sisting of  twelve  lots,  bounded  by  Perry,  Marion  and  Garden 
streets  (now  Central  avenue)  ;  the  purchase  of  the  lots  was  effected 
on  June  23,  1863.  In  the  following  month  the  present  main  build- 
ing, fronting  on  Perry  street,  was  commenced,  and  was  ready  for 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  731 

occupancy  two  years  later.  Charity  Hospital  (now  known  also  as 
St.  Vincent's)  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Rappe  on  October  5,  1865, 
the  ceremony  being  witnessed  by  a  large  number  of  people. 
Prominent  in  the  proceedings  were  eloquent  addresses  by  Bishop 
Rappe,  Governor  Tod,  the  Hon.  H.  B.  Payne  and  Judge  Tilden. 

For  the  erection  of  the  first  main  building  the  citizens  of 
Cleveland.  Protestants  as  well  as  Catholics,  contributed  about 
$42,000.  Of  that  sum  Mr.  W.  J.  Gordon  gave  $10,000,  and  ten 
of  the  churches  gave  about  $4,000.  The  other  donations  ranged 
from  $1,000  to  $25  each. 

The  hospital  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity  of 
St.  Augustine,  who,  since  its  opening  on  the  day  of  its  dedication, 
have  faithfully  ministered  to  many  thousands  of  Cleveland's  sick 
and  maimed.  Race,  creed  or  color  have  never  been  a  barrier  to 
the  admission  of  patients.  The  only  passport  required  of  those 
desiring  its  benefits  is:  "Need  of  medical  or  surgical  care." 
Thoroughly  equipped,  St.  Vincent's  Hospital,  with  its  devoted 
Sisters,  trained  nurses,  skilled  physicians  and  surgeons,  takes  front 
rank  with  the  hospitals  of  this  country. 

The  medical  and  surgical  staffs  are  under  the  direction  of  the 
Western  Reserve  University,  and  are  appointed  by  the  Medical 
College,  which  for  many  years  has  given  its  helpful  aid  and  influ- 
ence to  Charity  Hospital. 

The  original  cost  of  the  main  buildings  was  upwards  of 
$72,000.  Between  1873  and  1891  Bishop  Gilmour  authorized  the 
Sisters  to  expend  about  $50,000  for  interior  renovation,  steam- 
heating,  boiler  house,  mortuary,  clinic  hall,  electric  bells,  elevators, 
etc.  The  clinic  and  lecture  room,  in  the  form  of  an  amphitheater, 
is  in  the  rear  of  the  hospital  and  communicates  with  a  spacious  and 
splendidly  equipped  operating  room  for  surgical  cases.  In  con- 
nection with  the  operating  room  are  all  the  modern  antiseptic 
arrangements  and  appliances  approved  by  surgical  science.  At 
an  expense  of  about  $25,000  another  large  addition  was  built  in 
1898  to  each  of  the  two  wings,  extending  eastward  from  the  main 
building. 

The  number  of  patients  received  and  treated  averages  nearly 
1,000  each  year.  Of  these  some  pay,  in  whole  or  in  part,  the  usual 
hospital  charges;  others  are  treated  free  of  charge,  the  latter  out- 
numbering the  former  by  far.  Emergency  and  surgical  cases  are 
received  at  any  time  and  without  formality  of  any  kind. 

A  free  dispensary  in  connection  with  the  hospital  was  opened 
in  1892  and  thousands  of  worthy  poor  have  each  year  enjoyed  the 
benefits  of  the  best  medical  advice  and  prescriptions  without 
charge. 

Charity  Hospital  has  never  received  a  dollar  of  public  money. 


732  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

nor  any  personal,  municipal  or  State  endowment.  For  the  pur- 
chase of  land,  erection  and  maintenance  of  its  large  buildings,  and 
for^the  support  of  all  its  splendid  works  of  benevolence  and  charity 
it  has  been  ever,  as  it  is  now,  dependent  upon  the  generosity  of 
the  public,  the  donations  of  special  friends  of  the  institution  and 
the  revenue  derived  from  pay  patients.  The  late  W.  J.  Gordon 
was  a  most  generous  benefactor  of  the  institution.  Bishop  Horst- 
mann  and  his  venerable  mother  also  gave  large  sums  to  help  the 
Sisters  bear  the  heavy  burden  entailed  by  their  grand  work  of 
charity.  To  these  and  all  the  other  and  many  benefactors  of  the 
hospital,  including  also  the  Circle  of  Mercy,  and  the  medical  and 
surgical  stafTs,  the  Sisters  feel  profoundly  grateful. 

The  average  annual  expenses  of  the  hospital  amount  to 
about  $20,000,  and  often  a  deficit  has  to  be  met  at  the  end  of  the 
year.  In  recent  years  the  Sisters  have  been  allowed  to  collect  in 
some  parishes  in  the  eastern  and  central  portions  of  the  diocese, 
and  have  met  with  a  fairly  generous  response. 

There  are  two  large,  cheery,  well  ventilated  wards  on  the 
first  floor  of  each  wing,  one  for  male,  the  other  for  female  patients. 
The  second  floor  of  the  entire  building  has  rooms  for  private 
patients,  many  being  fitted  up  with  elegance  and  some  even  with 
luxury.  The  third  floor  of  the  main  building  is  set  aside  for  the 
use  of  the  house  stafT.  The  very  neat  chapel,  elegant  parlor,  offices 
and  pharmacy  are  located  on  the  first  floor  of  the  main  building, 
and  the  ample  basement  is  taken  up  with  the  kitchen,  laundry, 
storerooms,  etc.  In  every  respect  the  hospital  is  equal  to  the  best 
appointed  institution  of  its  kind  in  the  country. 

A  school  for  the  training  of  lay  nurses  was  opened  in  Septem- 
ber, 1898,  and  at  once  formed  an  important  feature  in  the  work 
of  the  hospital.  There  are  now  upwards  of  thirty  young  women 
enrolled  in  the  classes  which  are  taught  by  eminent  physicians  and 
surgeons. 

A  new  building,  with  all  modern  appointments,  will  be  com- 
menced in  1901  for  the  accommodation  of  female  patients  needing 
surgical  care.  According  to  the  plans  adopted  it  will  be  an 
imposing  three-story  brick  structure,  fronting  on  Central  avenue, 
and  will  cost  about  $40,000. 

Until  18Y9  the  respective  Mothers  Superior  of  the  Sisters  of 
Charity  had  charge  also  of  the  management  of  the  hospital. 
Bishop  Gilmour  made  a  change  in  that  regard  by  directing  the 
appointment  of  a  local  Superioress.  Following  is  a  list  of  the 
Sisters  who,  since  September,  1879,  have  filled  that  position: 
Sister  M.  Alexis,  to  1883;  Sister  M.  Agnes,  1883-86;  Sister  M. 
Thomas,  to  1892  ;  Sister  M.  Helena,  to  1895  ;  and  Sister  M.  Charles 
since  September,  1895. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  733 

The  first  chaplain  of  the  hospital  was  the  Rev.  J.  Stremler, 
D.D.,  from  1865,  to  the  latter  part  of  1866.  His  successors  until 
1877  were  the  Revs.  N.  Moes,  J.  F.  Gallagher,  J.  O'Reilly,  C.  A. 
Grandmougin^  A.  Caron,  T.  J.  Conlan  and  E.  Mears.  The  Rev. 
G.  F.  Houck,  the  present  chaplain,  has  filled  that  position  since 
July,  1877. 

Since  1869  the  Franciscan  Fathers  have  faithfully  attended 
to  the  spiritual  interests  of  the  patients,  as  also  of  the  Sisters  con- 
nected with  the  institution. 


CLEVELAND. 

ST.  ALEXIS'  HOSPITAL. 

The  beginning  of  this  flourishing  and  popular  hospital  was 
most  humble  indeed.  In  July,  1884,  Sisters  Leonarda  and  Alexia, 
members  of  the  Franciscan  Sisterhood  (also  known  as  the  Poor 
Sisters  of  St.  Francis),  at  Lafayette,  Ind.,  came  to  Cleveland,  in 
response  to  the  invitation  of  Bishop  Gilmour.  He  had  been 
informed  by  the  Rev.  Kilian  Schloesser,  O.F.M.,  then  pastor  of 
St.  Joseph's  church,  and  Superior  of  the  Franciscans,  of  the  excel- 
lent hospital  work  of  that  community.  These  two  Sisters  had 
before  them  a  great  and  needed  work  of  charity  in  Cleveland. 
They  had  nothing  with  which  to  do  that  work  save  an  unfailing 
purpose,  and  an  abiding  faith  in  Divine  Providence.  Father 
Kilian  had  secured  a  home  for  them  at  the  corner  of  Broadway 
and  McBride  streets.  It  was  an  eight-room  brick  building, 
formerly  a  public  school,  and  later  the  first  convent  home  of 
the  Poor  Clares  Sisterhood,  and  was  without  any  of  the  mod- 
ern conveniences.  Before  the  arrival  of  the  Sisters  a  frame 
annex  was  added  to  the  building,  to  serve  as  a  temporary  chapel. 
In  a  short  time  the  most  necessary  hospital  outfit  was  secured  by 
donations  from  kind  friends.  Meanwhile  also  the  building  was 
remodeled  to  serve  its  new  purpose.  It  was  dedicated  by  Father 
Kilian  on  July  17,  1884,  the  feast  of  St.  Alexis,  under  whose 
patronage  it  was  placed.  The  hospital  was  opened  for  the  recep- 
tion of  patients  on  August  15th  following.  By  the  end  of  the  year 
25  patients,  all  charity  cases,  had  been  received.  In  the  fall  of 
the  same  year  another  frame  addition  was  built  to  the  hospital 
at  a  cost  of  about  $4,000,  to  afTord  additional  room  for  patients, 
whose  number  was  steadily  increasing.  Year  by  year  the  hospital 
grew  in  favor  with  the  public,  as  its  good  work  became  better 
known.  With  that  also  its  needs  increased,  as  the  Sisters  were 
without  means.  These  were  in  a  measure  supplied  by  fairs,  pic- 
nics, concerts,  and  by  collections  made  by  the  Sisters  themselves. 


734  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Bishop  Gilmour  published  a  letter  of  appeal  to  the  Catholics  of 
Cleveland,  in  the  Catholic  Universe,  under  date  of  June  21,  1888. 
Following  are  a  few  extracts  taken  from  the  letter :  "About  three 
years  ago  .  .  we  called  upon  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis  to 
organize  a  new  hospital,  to  be  devoted  entirely  to  the  care  of  the 
sick  poor.  .  .  These  Sisters  of  St.  Francis  devote  themselves 
solely  to  the  work  of  the  hospital.  .  .  The  hospital  will  depend 
entirely  on  public  charity,  collected  by  the  Sisters,  and  on  such 
help  as  may  be  otherwise  given.  .  .  So  far,  with  the  cramped 
and  narrow  limits  of  the  present  house,  the  work  has  been  begun ; 
but  lots  must  be  bought  and  buildings  put  up.  At  present  we 
will  begin  with  the  purchase  of  suitable  lots.  .  .  A  fair  will 
be  held  in  August,  under  the  management  of  the  Catholic  Central 
Association,  representing  the  entire  Catholic  body  of  Cleveland. 
The  money  raised  at  this  fair  will  be  devoted  to  the  purchase  of 
lots.  Efforts  later  on  will  be  made  for  the  erection  of  buildings. 
.  .  The  work  and  the  fair  are  most  earnestly  recommended  to 
the  kind  care  and  generous  charity  of  all." 

In  1891  the  Sisters  bought  a  number  of  lots  adjoining  their 
hospital.  Two  frame  buildings  on  the  lots  were  connected  with 
the  hospital.  This  purchase  and  the  remodeling  of  the  buildings 
cost  $19,000.  The  enlargement  of  the  hospital  afforded  consid- 
erable additional  room,  and  obviated  for  a  time  the  necessity  of 
erecting  a  large  building.  This  however  became  a  necessity  in 
1896,  so  crowded  had  the  hospital  become.  In  September  of  that 
year  Bishop  Horstmann  authorized  the  Sisters  to  erect  the  north 
wing  of  the  permanent  hospital.  It  was  commenced  in  October 
following,  and  was  opened  for  the  reception  of  patients  on 
October  4,  1897.  Private  rooms,  seventeen  in  number,  for  pay 
patients,  were  tastily  furnished  by  a  number  of  benefactors  and 
benevolent  societies.  The  new  hospital  is  fitted  throughout  with 
modern  improvements.  It  is  equipped  with  a  fine  operating  room, 
which  is  well  ventilated  and  lighted,  and  has  all  the  appliances  and 
facilities  for  surgical  work  of  any  kind.  The  wards  in  this  build- 
ing are  provided  with  every  convenience  for  the  care  of  patients. 
The  handsome  three-story  brick  structure  cost  upwards  of  $41,000, 
and  now  gives  the  hospital  a  capacity  of  160  beds.  Thirty-three 
Sisters  are  in  charge.  At  present  (1900)  Sister  Leonarda  con- 
templates the  erection  of  the  main  building  and  south  wing  of  the 
permanent  hospital,  and  hopes  to  have  her  expectations  realized 
within  the  next  two  years.  She  has  been  in  charge  of  the  hospital 
since  its  opening,  and  has  managed  its  affairs  with  great  success. 
The  hospital,  as  it  now  stands,  represents  a  value  of  at  least  $75,000 
— mainly  the  result  of  donations  from  its  host  of  generous  friends 
in  Cleveland,  without  creed  or  class  distinction. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  735 

The  hospital  is  owned  by  the  Franciscan  Sisters,  whose 
Motherhouse  is  at  Lafayette,  Ind.,  and  who  own  and  control  a 
number  of  similar  institutions  throughout  the  western  part  of  the 
country. 

Among  the  special  and  most  generous  benefactors,  past  and 
present,  of  St.  Alexis'  Hospital,  the  following  deserve  special 
mention:  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry  Kramer,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Frank 
Buettner,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry  Beckmann,  Mr.  Herman  Beck- 
mann,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  A.  Grasselli,  Mrs.  Catharine  Horstmann, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  L.  A.  Russell,  the  Circle  of  Mercy,  and  the  Leonarda 
Society.  To  all  these  and  their  many  other  benefactors,  including 
the  past  and  present  medical  and  surgical  staffs  of  the  hospital,  the 
Sisters  of  St.  Francis  feel  deeply  grateful. 


CLEVELAND. 
ST.  JOHN'S  HOSPITAL. 

This  institution  was  the  last  public  charity  established  in 
Cleveland  by  Bishop  Gilmour.  It  is  situated  on  Detroit  street, 
and  was  intended  by  its  founder  to  serve  that  part  of  the  city 
known  as  the  West  Side. 

The  munificent  donation  of  $5,000  from  the  late  Mr.  W.  J. 
Gordon,  in  1890,  made  it  possible  for  Bishop  Gilmour  to  purchase 
the  land  necessary  for  the  erection  of  the  hospital,  which  he  had 
in  contemplation  for  nearly  ten  years  before  he  died.  Lack  of 
means  alone  prevented  him  from  putting  his  long  cherished 
design  into  efifect  much  sooner.  The  Bishop  bought  the  site  for 
the  hospital  in  September,  1890,  and  at  once  had  plans  drawn  for 
a  large  two-story  frame  structure  with  lofty  basement,  to  serve  as 
a  temporary  building  for  the  care  of  the  sick  and  maimed.  In 
March,  1891,  a  few  days  before  he  left  for  Florida,  he  approved 
the  architect's  plans  for  the  proposed  hospital,  little  thinking  that 
he  was  destined  never  to  behold  it,  as  in  fact  he  did  not,  for  he 
died  a  few  weeks  later  at  St.  Augustine,  Florida. 

In  the  early  spring  of  1891  work  was  begun  on  the  building, 
which,  after  unavoidable  delays,  was  brought  to  completion,  and 
opened  to  the  public,  on  May  12,  1892.  Bishop  Horstmann 
dedicated  it  on  that  day  to  St.  John  of  God,  the  special  patron  of 
hospitals.  It  was  placed  in  charge  of  four  Sisters  of  St.  Francis, 
who  belong  to  the  same  community  as  that  in  charge  of  St.  Alexis' 
Hospital. 

By  degrees  the  hospital  won  favor  with  the  people  of  the 
West  Side,  and  now  receives  generous  support.  As  the  building 
was  erected  by  means  of  borrowed  money,  the  debt  was  for  some 
years  a  considerable  burden  on  the  institution.     But  by  prudent 


736  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

management  on  the  part  of  the  Sisters,  and  generous  support  on 
the  part  of  the  pubHc,  Protestants  and  CathoHcs  aHke  assisting, 
the  large  running  expenses  have  been  met  and  the  debt  consid- 
erably diminished. 

St.  John's  Hospital  is  an  imposing  frame  structure  of 
attractive  design  and  has  pleasant,  well  ventilated  wards  and  very 
neatly  furnished  rooms,  with  a  capacity  of  sixty  beds.  These  are 
nearly  always  filled,  especially  in  that  part  of  the  building  set  aside 
for  free  patients,  and  for  such  as  can  pay  in  part  for  the  care  given 
them.  The  operating  room  is  thoroughly  modern  in  its  outfit, 
and  the  surgical  and  medical  work  is  inferior  to  none. 

In  1899  a  large  lot,  adjoining  the  hospital  grounds  to  the  east, 
was  bought  by  Bishop  Horstmann.  The  spacious  frame  residence 
on  the  lot  was  moved  back  from  the  street  and  annexed  to  the 
hospital  and,  entirely  remodeled,  was  made  part  of  the  main  build- 
ing. It  has  a  number  of  elegantly  appointed  rooms  for  private 
patients. 

In  accord  with  Bishop  Gilmour's  rule,  that  the  title  to  all 
institutions  in  the  diocese  which  are  supported  entirely,  or  in  part, 
by  public  charity,  should  be  held  by  the  Bishop  for  the  diocese,  St. 
John's  Hospital  is  diocesan  property.* 

The  hospital  was  recently  put  in  good  repair  and  is  now  in 
excellent  condition.  The  spacious  grounds  surrounding  the 
building  are  also  well  kept.  St.  John's  Hospital,  as  it  is  situated 
in  an  exclusively  residence  district,  enjoys  the  advantage  of  a 
charming  location,  free  from  the  smoke  and  dust  and  noise  insep- 
arable from  city  traflic.  It  is  confidently  hoped  that  in  the  near 
future  the  temporary  building  will  be  replaced  by  a  permanent 
structure  that  will  be  a  credit  to  Cleveland. 

The  following  Sisters  have  filled  the  office  of  Superioress  of 
St.  John's  Hospital  since  its  opening :  Sister  Beatrice,  from  May, 
1892,  to  February,  1894;  Sister  Hedwig,  to  1896;  Sister  Donata, 
to  1898;  and,  since  October,  1898,  Sister  Agatha.  Sixteen  Sisters 
have  charge  of  the  patients. 

The  Sisters  have  reason  to  be  grateful  to  the  benefactors  of 
the  hospital,  past  and  present,  to  the  various  parishes  and  societies 
connected  with  the  churches  on  the  West  Side,  and  to  Bishop 
Horstmann  and  his  venerable  mother,  now  deceased,  for  specially 
large  donations;  also  to  the  medical  and  surgical  staffs  for  their 
uniform  kindness  and  unremitting  care  and  attention  to  the 
patients  of  the  hospital — all  important  factors  in  the  success  it  has 
so  far  achieved. 

♦The  title  to  the  following  institutions  in  the  diocese  is  held  by  the  Bishop  of  Cleveland: 
St.  Mary's  Theological  Seminary,  Charity  Hospital,  St.  John's  Hospital,  St.  Vincent's  Asy- 
lum, St.  Ann's  Asylum,  Cleveland;  St.  Louis'  Asylum,  Louisville;  and  St.  Vincent's  Asy- 
lum, Toledo.  All  the  other  institutions  in  the  diocese  are  owned  by  the  religious  orders  or 
sisterhoods  who  have  charge  of  them.  As  civil  corporations,  they  hold  title  under  the  laws 
of  Ohio.    See  also  page  131  of  this  volume. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  737 

LORAIN. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  HOSPITAL. 

The  late  Rev.  Joseph  L.  Bihn  was  the  founder  of  St.  Joseph's 
Hospital.  It  is  a  two-story  frame  structure,  70  by  100  feet,  with 
broad  verandas,  and  was  formerly  a  Sanitarium.  Father  Bihn 
bought  the  building  in  February,  1892,  and  at  once  had  it  remod- 
eled for  the  purposes  of  an  orphan  asylum,  and  as  a  home  for  aged 
people,  able  and  willing  to  pay  their  board.  The  institution  was 
opened  in  the  fall  of  1892,  and  placed  in  charge  of  three  Franciscan 
Sisters,  members  of  the  community  Father  Bihn  established  at 
Tiffin.  Two  years  later  he  closed  the  asylum  and  utilized  a  large 
part  of  the  building  as  a  hospital,  for  the  care  and  treatment  of 
patients,  mostly  accident  cases,  from  the  Steel  plant  and  ship  yards 
located  at  Lorain.  This  venture  proved  successful,  as  the  number 
of  patients  steadily  increased. 

The  hospital  is  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and  has  fully  rea- 
lized the  expectations  of  its  founder  and  the  Sisters  who  now  own 
and  control  it.  It  has  also  the  good  will  of  all  the  citizens  of 
Lorain,  and  thus  far  has  been  self-supporting.  Sister  Ludmilla 
was  the  first  Superioress.  She  was  succeeded  in  July,  1894,  by 
Sister  Seraphin,  who  since  then  has  been  in  charge  of  the  hospital. 

TOLEDO. 

ST.  VINCENT'S  HOSPITAL. 

In  the  face  of  many  obstacles  and  great  financial  embarrass- 
ment this  institution  was  commenced  in  March,  1875,  by  the 
Sisters  of  Charity  (Grey  Nuns)  of  Montreal,  under  the  direction 
of  Mother  M.  Deschamps,  then  local  Superioress  of  St.  Vincent's 
Asylum,  Toledo.  About  half  of  the  present  large  buildings  was 
completed  in  May,  1876.  It  was  opened  for  the  reception  of 
patients,  July  19,  1876.  The  fine  site  fronting  on  Cherry  street, 
next  to  St.  Vincent's  Asylum,  in  one  of  the  most  desirable  sections 
of  Toledo,  had  been  bought  by  the  Sisters  ten  years  previous. 
The  land  was  bought  and  the  buildings  erected  with  borrowed 
money,  procured  at  an  exorbitant  rate  of  interest.  The  debt  at 
the  time  the  hospital  was  opened  amounted  to  nearly  $50,000.  It 
was  a  very  heavy  burden  on  the  institution  for  many  years,  but 
is  now  considerably  reduced,  and  the  interest  charged  is  moderate. 
Steadily  the  hospital  and  its  devoted  Sisters  gained  favor  with  the 
public,  though  for  a  long  time  the  contrary  feeling  existed  on  the 
part  of  many  non-Catholics. 


738  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

In  1890  the  hospital  was  enlarged  to  its  present  size,  and  many 
improvements  were  added  from  time  to  time,  so  that  now  it  is 
fully  equipped  with  all  modern  surgical  and  medical  appliances. 
Its  wards  are  large  and  cheerful,  and  its  private  rooms  are  fitted 
up  in  excellent  taste.  The  same  is  to  be  said  also  of  the  reception 
rooms,  ofifices,  pharmacy,  etc. 

In  1897  a  training  school  for  nurses  was  established  and  in 
the  short  time  of  its  existence  excellent  results  have  been  obtained. 
At  present  twenty  Sisters  and  ten  nurses  have  charge  of  the 
patients.  The  medical  and  surgical  staffs  are  composed  of  some 
of  Toledo's  best  physicians  and  surgeons. 

The  hospital  has  long  since  passed  the  experimental  stage 
and  the  dark  days  of  financial  distress  are  no  more.  It  is  now  in 
a  prosperous  condition  and  bids  fair  to  continue  so,  its  good  work 
increasing  with  the  growth  of  busy,  bustling  Toledo. 

The  Jesuit  Fathers  attend  faithfully  to  the  spiritual  interests 
of  the  hospital  and  have  done  so  for  many  years. 

The  office  of  local  Superioress  was  filled  by  the  following 
Sisters,  since  the  opening  of  the  hospital  in  1876:  Mother  M. 
Deschamps,  Sisters  O'Donoghue,  Filiatreault,  Ried,  Fernand, 
Peltier,  Tasse,  Malard,  and  again,  since  August,  1899,  Sister 
Tasse,  who  is  now  in  charge. 

The  hospital  is  indebted  to  its  many  benefactors,  whose  names 
are  legion.  Among  the  most  noted  were  Denis  Coghlin,  B. 
Meilink  and  H.  P.  L.  Machen,  and  the  St.  Vincent's  Hospital  Aid 
Society.  The  narrow  limits  of  this  sketch  forbid  a  more  extended 
list  to  be  given.  But  to  each  and  all  who  ever  favored  the  hospital 
by  financial  or  moral  support  the  Sisters  of  Charity  extend  heart- 
felt thanks,  with  the  daily  prayer  that  the  Good  Samaritan  may 
repay  them  an  hundredfold  for  their  benefactions. 


ASYLUMS,  HOMES,  ETC. 


CLEVELAND. 

ST.  ANN'S   INFANT   ASYLUM    AND   MATERNITY   HOME. 

These  two  institutions  are  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity 
of  St.  Augustine.  Both  are  now  in  the  same  building  on  Marion 
street,  immediately  east  of  Charity  Hospital,  but  this  arrangement 
is  only  temporary.  As  appears  from  the  titles,  they  have  two 
distinct  objects — to  provide  a  home  and  a  mother's  care  for 
abandoned  infants,  and  to  show  mercy  and  give  the  shelter  of 


ST.  ANN'S  INFANT  ASYLUM  (I'tiX)),  CLEVELAND. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  739 

privacy  to  a  certain  class  of  unfortunate  women.  Later  on,  when 
means  are  available,  there  will  be  a  separate  place  for  each  object 
now  provided  for  under  one  roof.  Married  women  will  also  be 
received,  as  a  few  are  now,  previous  to  confinement. 

Bishop  Gilmour  is  the  founder  of  these  worthy  and  beneficent 
institutions.  The  first  buildings  used  were  two  rented  frame 
houses  on  Garden  street  (now  Central  avenue),  near  Charity 
Hospital.  They  were  opened  in  March,  1873,  The  present 
building  was  erected  in  1874.  It  is  a  substantial  three-story  brick 
structure,  45  feet  wide  by  75  feet  long.  The  rooms  and  wards 
are  high  and  well  ventilated,  and  the  entire  building  is  heated  by 
steam  and  lighted  by  gas.  It  has  a  capacity  for  40  patients  and 
50  foundlings,  and  cost  about  $20,000.  The  Very  Rev.  James 
Conlan,  V.G.,  gave  $1,000,  and  a  considerable  amount  was  col- 
lected in  the  city  and  diocese  of  Cleveland,  but  a  large  part  of  the 
cost  of  the  building  and  its  outfit  remained  a  debt  on  the  institu- 
tion for  many  years,  but  has  long  since  been  cancelled. 

The  asylum  is  supported  in  part  by  money  received  from 
patients  able  to  pay  for  their  care  in  the  Maternity  Home;  and 
in  part  by  collections  in  the  diocese,  to  which  is  added  a  pro  rata 
of  the  annual  Orphans'  Fair  held  in  Cleveland. 

About  150  is  the  average  number  of  foundlings  in  the  asylum, 
and  about  100  patients  in  the  Maternity  Home,  cared  for  each 
year.  Many  of  the  waifs  were  deposited  at  the  door  of  the  insti- 
tution in  baskets  or  other  receptacles  at  night,  and  often  in 
inclement  weather,  by  unnatural  or  unfortunate  mothers.  They, 
as  well  as  those  born  in  the  Maternity  Home,  receive  the  most 
tender  care ;  but,  in  spite  of  all  care,  many  of  them  die  within  a  year 
or  two  after  their  birth.  All  are  baptized  when  received,  and  a 
record  is  kept  of  them.  For  those  surviving,  homes  are  pro- 
cured in  private  families,  or  when  of  proper  age  they  are 
transferred  to  one  of  the  orphan  asylums.  During  the  twenty- 
seven  years,  since  the  opening  of  the  Foundling  Asylum, 
thousands  of  infants  have  been  saved  from  unnatural  death,  and 
hundreds  have  grown  up,  of  whom  many  are  now  useful  members 
of  society. 

In  the  Maternity  Home  the  greatest  secrecy  is  observed  with 
regard  to  the  identity  of  the  unfortunates  who  come  there  to  hide 
their  shame  under  the  mantle  of  charity.  No  one,  not  even  the 
Sisters  in  charge,  may  ask  for  any  information  concerning  them — 
their  name,  residence,  family,  antecedents;  everything  about  them 
is  kept  a  profound  secret.  No  one  need  know  who  they  are,  for 
they  are  permitted  to  register  under  any  name  they  choose.  A 
censorious  world  may  say,  this  is  fostering  crime;  but  no,  it  is 
the  Saviour's  own  method :     "Woman,   neither  will  I  condemn 


740  A  HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

thee.  Go,  and  now  sin  no  more."  It  saves  many  a  poor  victim  of 
sin  and  shame  from  the  scorn  of  a  pitiless  world,  and  keeps  the 
escutcheon  of  family  honor  untarnished. 

The  following  Sisters  have  consecutively  filled  the  responsible 
office  of  Superioress  of  the  institution  since  its  opening:  Sisters 
Mary,  Rose,  Martha,  Gertrude,  Charles,  Aloysius,  Thomas,  and 
since  September,  1895,  Sister  Peter.  In  their  grand  work  of 
charity  in  behalf  of  the  waifs  and  of  the  unfortunate  girls  and 
women  whom  they  shelter,  they  are  nobly  seconded  by  their 
Sisters  in  religion. 

The  Sisters  owe  and  acknowledge  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  their 
many  benefactors  among  the  clergy  and  laity,  to  the  Charity  Hos- 
pital staff,  and  especially  to  Dr.  Powell,  who  for  many  years  has 
attended  the  children  and  patients  gratuitously. 

With  the  constant  increase  of  population,  there  is  a  corre- 
sponding increase  in  the  number  of  those  who  seek  refuge  in  this 
institution.  So  great  is  the  demand  made  upon  the  Sisters  at 
present,  that  they  will  be  forced  to  provide  more  accommodation 
soon.  They  hope  to  be  able  to  secure  larger  and  better  quarters 
within  a  year  or  two. 

The  great  city  of  Cleveland  has  never  given  a  dollar  towards 
the  support  of  this  institution  of  charity,  but  has  allowed  private 
charity  to  take  care  of  the  City's  wards.  Only  within  the  last  few 
years  has  it  made  provision  out  of  the  public  funds  for  a  similar 
institution,  under  its  control. 

CLEVELAND. 

ST.   MARY'S  ASYLUM   FOR   ORPHAN   GIRLS. 

Bishop  Rappe,  justly  called  "Father  of  the  Orphans/'  pro- 
vided early  in  his  Episcopal  career  for  the  homeless  and  fatherless 
wards  of  the  diocese.  The  cholera  of  1849  and  1850  left  many  an 
orphan,  notably  in  Cleveland  and  Sandusky,  where  this  terrible 
plague  counted  its  victims  by  the  hundred.  The  Bishop  had  no 
Sisterhood  in  his  diocese  to  care  for  these  helpless  little  ones.  He 
therefore  commissioned  his  Vicar  General,  the  Very  Rev.  Louis 
De  Goesbriand,  to  go  to  France,  and  enlist  some  one  of  the  many 
Sisterhoods  there  to  found  two  orphan  asylums  in  Cleveland — 
one  for  boys,  the  other  for  girls.  Father  De  Goesbriand's  mission 
was  successful,  as  his  offer  was  accepted  by  the  Sisters  of  Charity, 
at  Boulogne,  and  by  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary,  at 
Paris.  The  latter  agreed  to  found  an  asylum  for  orphan  girls  and 
sent  Misses  Pance,  Ferec  and  Blehen  to  establish  such  an  institu- 
tion. On  October  10,  1851,  they  arrived  at  Cleveland,  where  the 
Ursulines  offered  them   hospitality.     After   some   weeks   Bishop 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  741 

Rappe  procured  a  small  house  on  St.  Clair  street,  near  Bond,  to 
serve  as  a  temporary  orphan  asylum  for  girls.  The  first  orphan 
was  received  on  Christmas  day,  1851.  By  the  end  of  1852  there 
were  25  orphans  in  charge  of  these  good  Sisters. 

In  the  spring  of  1853  Miss  Pance  inherited  a  considerable 
fortune.  With  it,  and  the  financial  aid  sent  from  France,  she 
bought  two  lots  on  Harmon  street  and  commenced  on  it  a' per- 
manent brick  structure,  to  be  known  as  St.  Mary's  Orphan 
Asylum.  Miss  Pance  died,  however,  before  the  completion  of  the 
building.  Her  death  was  a  severe  blow  to  the  little  struggling 
community,  which  meanwhile  was  augmented  by  additional  mem- 
bers from  the  Motherhouse  in  France.  In  October,  1853,  the  new 
asylum  was  opened,  whereupon  the  building  on  St.  Clair  street 
was  abandoned.  At  that  time  the  community  consisted  of  only 
six  members,  with  twenty-six  orphans  to  be  cared  for.  This  was 
also  the  parent  community  in  this  country  of  the  Ladies  of  the 
Sacred  Heart  of  Mary.  They  have  asvlums  and  other  institutions 
now  in  many  dioceses  in  the  Eastern  States  and  in  Canada.  In 
1880  the  principal  or  Motherhouse  was  located  at  Buffalo  but 
IS  now  in  New  York  City,  since  1898. 

In  July,  1854.  the  community  bought  six  additional  lots  on 
Harmon  street,  to  be  used  as  a  play-ground  for  the  children.  The 
asylum  was  considerably  enlarged  and  improved  in  1861.  For 
sanitary  reasons  the  location  of  the  asylum,  however,  proved 
unsatisfactory  in  time.  Hence,  in  order  to  provide  more  healthful 
quarters,  at  least  for  the  small  children,  they  established  St. 
Joseph's  Asylum,  in  1863,  in  what  was  then  "in  the  country,"  but 
has  long  since  become  a  part  of  the  city. 

_  St.  Mary's  Asylum  continued  to  be  used  for  the  larger  girls 
until  October,  1894,  when  they,  too,  were  removed  to  St.  Joseph's 
Asylum.  St.  Mary's  was  then  changed  to  a  Home  for  working 
women,  which  purpose  it  has  since  served. 

CLEVELAND. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  ASYLUM  FOR  ORPHAN  GIRLS. 

As  stated  in  the  previous  sketch,  this  asylum  was  established 
in  1863,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  the  younger  children  from  St. 
Mary's  Asylum  out  of  the  city,  in  order  that  they  might  have 
advantages  of  the  pure  country  air.  For  this  end  the  Ladies  of 
the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  purchased,  in  1862,  five  acres  of  land  on 
Woodland  avenue,  next  to  Woodland  Cemetery — at  that  time 
on  the  eastern  outskirts  of  the  city,  but  long  since  a  part  of  it.  A 
large  unfinished  brick  house  was  on  the  land.  After  it  had  been 
remodeled  to  suit  the  needs  of  an  asylum.  Miss  Morgan  was  placed 


742  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

in  charge  of  it  in  the  spring  of  1863.  At  the  same  time  twelve 
of  the  younger  children  were  sent  thither  from  St.  Mary's.  This 
was  the  beginning  of  the  present  flourishing  orphanage,  known 
as  St.  Joseph's  Asylum,  which,  however,  for  many  years,  was 
dependent  on  St.  Mary's  (the  Motherhouse)  for  food  and  all 
necessaries. 

A  beautiful  grove  of  five  acres,  adjoining  the  property  first 
purchased,  was  secured  in  1864.  The  chapel  now  in  use  was  built 
two  years  later.  In  it  were  held  the  first  services  for  Holy  Family, 
Holy  Trinity  and  St.  EHzabeth's  parishes,  until  they  built  their 
own  churches. 

In  1879  a  three-story  brick  addition  was  made  to  the  original 
building  to  accommodate  the  rapidly  increasing  number  of 
orphans.  Part  of  the  property  belonging  to  St.  Joseph's  Asylum 
was  sold  in  1893,  in  order  to  raise  funds  for  a  second  addition  to  the 
institution,  which  had  become  entirely  too  small  for  the  number 
of  inmates.  The  spacious  addition — also  a  three-story  brick 
structure — was  begun  in  the  early  spring  of  1894  and  brought  to 
completion  before  the  close  of  the  year.  At  Bishop  Horstmann's 
suggestion  all  the  children  were  then  transferred  from  St.  Mary's 
to  St.  Joseph's  Asylum,  which  was  then  large  enough  to  afiford 
ample  accommodation  to  all  the  orphans  under  the  community's 
care. 

St.  Joseph's  Asylum  is  supported,  as  was  also  St.  Mary's  in  its 
day,  by  donations  from  the  country  districts  in  the  diocese,  by  the 
annual  fairs  and  collections  held  in  Cleveland  parishes  for  the 
orphans,  and  in  part  also  by  the  earnings  of  the  teaching  members 
of  the  community.  At  present  38  Sisters  have  charge  of  226 
orphan  girls,  varying  in  age  from  5  to  15  years.  As  soon  as 
proper  homes  can  be  found  for  the  children  they  are  placed  in 
them.  While  in  the  asylum  they  receive  the  best  of  care  and  an 
elementary  education  in  the  school  conducted  in  the  asylum. 
The  larger  girls  are  also  taught  all  the  womanly  accomplishments 
necessary  to  make  them  useful  members  of  society. 

For  many  years  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary  had 
charge  of  the  parish  schools  in  Louisville,  Sandusky,  Canton, 
Youngstown,  and  elsewhere  in  the  diocese,  as  also  in  a  number  of 
schools  in  Cleveland.  Gradually  they  were  obliged  to  give  them 
up  for  want  of  sufficient  teachers  and  help  in  schools  and  institu- 
tions of  which  the  community  had  charge,  or  had  established  in 
other  dioceses.  The  only  school  taught  by  them  at  present  in  the 
diocese  is  that  of  the  Holy  Name  parish,  Cleveland. 

The  office  of  Superioress  of  the  community,  in  Cleveland,  was 
filled  by  the  following:  Misses  Pance,  Ferec,  Le  Masson,  Hogan, 
Hoyt,  and,  at  present.  Miss  Laurent. 


;'  J  IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  743 

CLEVELAND. 

ST.  VINCENT'S  ASYLUM  FOR  ORPHAN  BOYS. 

Bishop  Rappe  realized  early  in  his  episcopal  career  the  neces- 
sity of  providing  for  the  many  helpless  and  homeless  orphans  in 
his  diocese.  When  he  came  to  Cleveland  in  1847  there  was  neither 
an  orphan  asylum,  nor  a  Sisterhood  trained  to  take  charge  of  such 
an  institution  of  charity. 

The  solution  of  this  difficult  problem  on  the  part  of  the 
Bishop  to  provide  a  refuge  for  his  helpless  wards,  will  be  found 
in  the  sketch  of  St.  Mary's  Asylum,  Cleveland.*  With  the  Ladies 
of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mar}^,  who  accepted  the  Bishop's  invita- 
tion, to  found  an  asylum  for  orphan  girls,  came  also,  from  France, 
two  Sisters  of  Charity  and  two  Novices  to  found  an  asylum  for 
orphan  boys,  and  eventually  also  a  hospital.  Their  names  were 
Sisters  Bernardine  and  Frances,  and  those  of  the  Novices,  Miss 
Louise  Brulon  and  Miss  Cornelie  Muselet.  They  arrived  at 
Cleveland  on  October  11,  1851,  and  were  received  as  guests  at  the 
Ursuline  Convent,  then  on  Euclid  avenue,  where  they  remained 
for  some  time.  There  they  also  met  Miss  Catharine  Bissonette, 
at  that  time  an  Ursuline  Novice,  and  later  known  as  Mother 
Ursula.  She  was  a  native  of  La  Prairie.  Sandusky  county,  where 
she  was  born  in  1816.  During  the  cholera  epidemic  at  and  near 
Sandusky,  in  1849  and  1850,  she  proved  herself  a  heroine  in  caring 
for  the  patients,  and  later  for  their  orphaned  offspring. 

Shortly  after  the  arrival  of  the  Sisters,  from  France,  Bishop 
Rappe  bought  eight  acres  of  ground  at  the  intersection  of  Monroe 
and  Willet  streets,  then  some  distance  from  the  city  limits.  By  a 
judicious  contract  with  the  Cleveland  and  Columbus  railroad  com- 
pany he  realized  enough  from  the  sale  of  sand  and  gravel  to  pay 
for  the  land.  Upon  these  grounds  the  Bishop  erected  a  one-story 
brick  structure,  32  by  117  feet.  On  August  11,  1852,  the  Sisters 
were  installed  in  the  new  building — the  beginning  of  the  present 
St.  Vincent's  Asylum.  Part  of  the  building  served  for  a  short 
time  as  a  hospital  (St.  Joseph's)  but,  for  want  of  support  and 
patients,  it  soon  proved  a  failure. 

Sisters  Bernardine  and  Frances  found  their  health  much 
impaired  by  the  change  of  climate,  and  difficult  as  well  to 
acquire  a  sufficient  knowledge  of  English  to  deal  with  their 
responsible  charge.  With  Bishop  Rappe's  approval  they  there- 
fore severed  their  connection  with  the  asylum  in  1853  and 
returned  to  their  native  France,  leaving  the  two  Novices,  who  had 
come  with  them,  to  continue  the  work.     For  a  few  months  these 

•Page    755,    this    volume. 


744  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

were  placed  in  temporary  charge  of  Mother  des  Seraphines,  an 
Ursuline.  She  returned  to  her  convent  on  the  installation  of 
Mother  Ursula  (Catharine  Bissonette,  above  mentioned)  as  the 
first  Superioress  of  the  asylum.  The  efforts  of  the  little  com- 
munity, consisting  of  the  Superioress,  the  two  Novices  from  France 
and  a  postulant,  were  devoted  entirely  to  the  orphan  boys  under 
their  charge.  The  number  of  inmates  increased  so  rapidly  that  it 
was  found  necessary  to  enlarge  the  asylum  considerably.  This 
was  done  in  1859,  by  the  erection  of  the  present  main  building  and 
west  wing.  Again,  and  for  the  same  reason,  the  building  had  to 
be  enlarged  in  1865,  when  it  was  completed  according  to  the 
original  design.  Two  years  later  the  present  chapel  also  was 
enlarged  and  its  interior  neatly  furnished. 

With  the  growth  of  the  city  and  diocese  the  number  of  orphan 
boys  seeking  or  needing  the  shelter  of  the  asylum  also  increased; 
and  again  provision  had  to  be  made  for  the  additional  number. 
Bishop  Gilmour  came  to  the  rescue  in  this  emergency,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1883,  by  placing  at  the  disposal  of  the  Sisters  and  fifty  of  their 
wards  a  large  building  at  Louisville,  Stark  county,  formerly  used 
as  a  college,  and  later  as  an  academy.  This,  and  the  subsequent 
transfer  of  some  of  the  orphans  to  Louisville,  gave  relief  to  St. 
Vincent's  Orphan  Asylum  for  a  time.  However,  between  1895 
and  1900,  the  number  of  orphans  increased  so  largely  that  the 
asylum  again  became  overcrowded  and  forced  its  enlargement  a 
third  time.  In  1897  a  three-story  addition  of  brick  was  built 
at  a  cost  of  about  $13,000 ;  that  which  was  built  in  1865  cost 
$25,000.  The  new  structure  forms  the  east  wing  of  the  asylum 
and  has  all  the  modern  conveniences.  It  serves  as  the  residence 
of  the  thirty  Sisters  in  charge,  and  contains  the  refectory,  reception 
rooms,  etc.  Thus  the  main  building  and  west  wing  are  devoted 
exclusively  to  the  use  of  the  orphans,  and,  besides  the  chapel, 
contain  class  rooms,  dormitories  and  refectories. 

A  two-story  brick  building,  containing  the  laundry  and  a 
boiler  house  to  supply  steam  heat  for  the  entire  building,  was 
erected  in  1900,  at  a  cost  of  $14,000.  With  these  improvements 
St.  Vincent's  Asylum  has  now  all  the  modern  requirements,  and 
ample  accommodations  for  at  least  some  years  to  come. 

Up  to  1892  the  Mother  Superior  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity  was 
also  in  charge  of  the  asylum.  Beginning,  however,  with  1892,  a 
local  Superioress  was  appointed,  which  office  has  been  filled  since 
then  by  the  following  members  of  the  community :  Sisters  Mary 
John,  Amadeus,  and  Gertrude.  The  last  mentioned  Sister  is  now 
in  charge,  assisted  by  thirty  Sisters,  who  care  for  225  orphan  boys. 

Upwards  of  13,000  children  have  found  shelter  at  St.  Vincent's 
since  its  foundation.     Many  of  the  former  inmates  are  now  useful 


GOOD  SHEPHERD  CONVENT  (Front  and  Rear  Views),   CLEVELAND. 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  745 

citizens,  and  some  of  them  have  been  prosperous  in  business  and 
prominent  in  public  affairs.  And  all  of  them,  whatever  their  lot, 
recall  with  pleasure  the  memory  of  these  good  Sisters,  who  became 
mothers  to  them  for  God's  sake,  and  made  them  a  home  in  their 
childhood — the  only  one  of  which  many  of  them  have  any  recol- 
lection. 

The  expense  connected  with  this  work  of  charity  amounts  to 
about  $10,000  annually.  It  is  generously  supported  by  the  dio- 
cese, chiefly  by  the  annual  orphans'  fairs  in  Cleveland,  and  by 
collection  of  produce  and  money  by  the  Sisters  themselves  among 
the  ever  generous  farmers  and  townspeople  throughout  the 
diocese. 

In  1895,  at  the  suggestion  of  Bishop  Horstmann,  the  Sisters 
started  the  publication  of  a  paper  in  behalf  of  St.  Vincent's 
Asylum;  it  is  known  as  "St.  Vincent's  Union."  The  revenue 
derived  from  it  has  been  and  is  now  a  considerable  help  in  meeting 
the  large  expense  of  the  institution. 

St.  Vincent's  Asylum  is  in  a  flourishing  condition  and  has  a 
grand  record  that  stands  to  the  credit  of  the  Sisters  who  have 
faithfully  discharged  the  trust  reposed  in  them — to  be  mothers  to 
the  orphans.  They  have  also  been  nobly  seconded  by  the  bene- 
factors of  the  asylum  among  the  clergy  and  the  laity,  to  all  of 
whom  they  feel  deeply  indebted,  and  for  whom  the  daily  prayers 
of  the  orphans  ascend  to  the  Father  of  orphans. 

CLEVELAND. 
HOUSE  AND  CONVENT  OF  THE  GOOD  SHEPHERD. 

The  Sisters  of  the  Good  Shepherd  were  invited  by  Bishop 
Rappe,  in  1869,  to  open  a  House  of  Refuge  and  Reformation  for 
fallen  women  and  wayward  girls.  Four  Sisters  arrived  in  Cleve- 
land, July  19,  1869,  from  the  Provincial  House  of  their  Order  in 
Cincinnati  and  were  guests  at  the  Ursuline  Convent  for  a  short 
time,  until  they  took  possession  of  the  house  given  them  by  the 
Bishop  as  their  temporary  abode.  It  was  a  two-story  frame  build- 
ing on  Lake  street,  a  short  distance  east  of  St.  Mary's  Seminary. 
Some  kind  friends,  among  them  Messrs.  H.  Kramer,  R.  E.  Mix, 
and  S.  Hogan,  gave  them  some  furniture  and  provisions  and  soli- 
cited more  for  the  new  establishment,  which  was  opened  a  few 
weeks  after  the  arrival  of  the  Sisters  in  Cleveland.  In  February, 
1870,  Bishop  Rappe  deeded  to  the  Sisters  a  large  plot  of  land  at  the 
corner  of  Sterling  avenue  and  Sibley  street,  the  site  now  occupied 
by  the  institution.  The  foundation  of  the  present  main  building 
was  commenced  in  October,  1870.  By  degrees,  as  means  became 
available,  the  work  on  the  foundation  and  basement  was  continued 


746  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

until  the  spring  of  1874.  On  May  31,  of  that  year,  Bishop  Gil- 
mour  laid  the  cornerstone.  He  also  donated  $1,000  towards  the 
erection  of  the  building.  In  the  absence  of  Bishop  Gilmour,  then 
ill  in  Europe,  it  was  dedicated  on  June  21,  1875,  by  Bishop  Fitz- 
gerald of  Little  Rock.  Exclusive  of  the  stone,  which  was  donated, 
Tt  cost  about  $40,000.  Of  this  sum  Mr.  W.  J.  Gordon,  always  a 
generous  benefactor  of  the  institution,  though  not  a  Catholic,  paid 
$5,500.  Nearly  $10,000  were  raised  by  means  of  fairs,  concerts 
and  lectures ;  the  balance  remained  a  debt  for  some  years.  Repairs 
and  needed  changes  in  the  building  necessitated  an  outlay  of  about 
$4,000  in  1880. 

The  departments  for  the  Magdalens  and  for  the  Preservation 
Class  filling  up  so  rapidly,  it  became  quite  evident  that  before 
another  decade  of  years  large  additions  would  have  to  be  built, 
which  would  occupy  much  of  the  space  used  as  recreation  grounds 
by  the  Sisters  and  their  wards.  Realizing  this  fact,  the  Sisters 
were  anxious  to  enlarge  their  enclosure  by  the  purchase  of 
additional  ground.  This  they'  did  in  1885  by  securing,  at  a  cost 
of  $11,000,  the  four  adjoining  lots,  but  not  without  encountering 
much  opposition  on  the  part  of  the  owners  who  refused  to  sell  to  a 
Catholic  institution. 

In  1887  the  Sisters  sold  the  lots  they  owned  on  Lake  street 
for  the  sum  of  $7,500  and  with  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  reduced 
that  much  of  their  debt. 

In  1892  plans  were  drawn  and  accepted  for  a  brick  building. 
It  was  commenced  in  the  spring  of  1893  and  brought  to  comple- 
tion in  May,  1895.  On  the  8th  day  of  that  month  the  building  and 
the  very  handsome  chapel  in  it  were  blessed  by  Bishop  Horstmann. 
The  building  cost  $58,000,  about  half  of  which  sum  remained  a 
debt  for  a  number  of  years.  The  balance  was  paid  out  of  the 
savings  of  the  institution,  supplemented  by  a  bequest  of  $5,000 
from  the  estate  of  Mr.  W.  J.  Gordon,  and  donations  from  friends. 
The  latter  also  paid  for  the  beautiful  stained  glass  windows  and 
handsome  furnishings  in  the  chapel. 

The  new  building  is  a  four-story  brick  structure,  and  in  archi- 
tecture harmonizes  with  that  erected  in  1870.  Its  length  is  150 
feet  and  its  width  30  feet.  The  kitchen  is  in  the  basement,  the 
refectory  on  the  first  floor,  the  chapel  on  the  second,  the  Sisters' 
choir  and  infirmary  on  the  third,  and  the  apartments  for  the  Mag- 
dalens on  the  fourth  floor.  Together  with  the  erection  of  this 
building,  the  four-story  brick  structure  on  the  northeast  end  of 
the  grounds  was  erected  for  the  Preservation  Class.  It  extends 
65  feet,  to  Sibley  street,  and  contains  the  refectory,  laundry,  class- 
rooms, parlors,  infirmary  and  dormitories.  The  latter  building 
replaced  a  poorly  constructed  and  badly  arranged  frame  house 


IN  THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  747 

which  was  part  of  the  first  Home  on  Lake  street,  whence  it  had 
been  moved  to  Sibley  street  in  1875.  The  improvements  and 
additions  made  between  1893  and  1897  cost  upwards  of  $30,000. 
All  the  buildings  are  now  heated  by  steam,  have  the  modern  con- 
veniences and  provide  a  comfortable  abode  for  the  inmates. 

The  Sisters,  by  their  maternal  interest,  endeavor  as  much  as 
possible  to  make  the  inmates  cheerful  and  contented,  and  to  render 
their  surroundings  as  homelike  as  practicable.  There  is  no 
specific  time  for  remaining  in  the  institution,  but  it  is  not  advisable 
to  admit  one  for  a  period  too  brief  to  accomplish  any  lasting 
results  in  the  way  of  reform.  When  any  desire  to  remain  during 
life  they  may  do  so,  and  many  are  found  who  do — unwilling  to 
expose  themselves  to  danger  again. 

The  Magdalens  are  a  religious  community  who  occupy  part 
of  the  building,  but  entirely  separated  from  the  rest,  and  are  under 
the  immediate  direction  of  the  Sisters  of  the  Good  Shepherd. 
They  are  cloistered  and  observe  the  rules  of  the  Carmelites  with 
some  mitigations.  The  Community  of  Magdalens  is  not  com- 
posed exclusively  of  reformed  penitents,  as  some  persons,  admir- 
ing their  seclusion,  enter  it  from  choice. 

The  Sisters  of  the  Good  Shepherd  have  charge  also  of  an 
industrial  school  called  the  School  of  Preservation,  into  which 
none  but  innocent  children  are  admitted.  Many  of  these  little 
ones  are  orphans,  at  least  motherless,  and  also  children  of  neglect- 
ful parents.  These  are  solely  dependent  on  the  care  of  the  Sisters. 
Again  there  are  amongst  them  children  of  respectable  widows, 
who  have  to  earn  their  livelihood  and,  in  order  to  do  so,  place  their 
little  ones  in  the  safe  keeping  of  the  Religious.  In  this  department 
the  children  specially  cared  for  by  the  Sisters  remain  until  they 
arrive  at  a  mature  age  and  are  capable  of  earning  their  own  living, 
when  suitable  provision  is  made  for  them. 

Many  members  of  the  Penitent  Class  have  been  sent  to  the 
institution  by  the  police  and  probate  judges  in  Cleveland,  yet 
thus  far  the  City  of  Cleveland  has  never  given  a  dollar  towards 
their  support,  but  has  left  the  performance  of  that  duty  to  the 
Sisters  and  private  charity. 

The  several  departments  are  entirely  separate,  having  no 
communication,  one  with  the  other,  neither  in  dining-room,  recrea- 
tion grounds,  nor  even  in  the  chapel.  Different  days  for  visiting 
are  also  assigned  to  each. 

Various  industries,  such  as  plain  and  fancy  sewing,  embroid- 
ery, knitting,  etc.,  are  carried  on,  it  being  the  aim  of  the  Sisters  to 
make  the  institution  self-sustaining,  which  it  is  to  a  considerable 
extent. 

At  the  close  of  1900  there  were  in  the  institution  30  Professed 


748  A   HISTORY  OF  CATHiOLICITY 

Sisters,  33  Magdalens,  130  penitents  and  65  children  in  the  Preser- 
vation Class. 

For  upwards  of  thirty  years  the  Very  Rev.  N.  A.  Moes,  D.D., 
has  been  Spiritual  Director  of  the  institution,  and  has  at  all  times 
taken  a  fatherly  interest  in  its  welfare.  The  Franciscan  Fathers 
have  also  during  that  long  period  filled  the  ofifice  of  chaplain. 

Following  is  a  list  of  the  Mothers  Superior:  Mother  M. 
Alphonsus,  1869-80;  Mother  M.  St.  John  Baptist,  1880  to  1898, 
and  since  July,  1898,  Mother  M.  Agnes. 


CLEVELAND. 
LITTLE  SISTERS'  HOME  FOR  AGED  POOR. 

The  Sisterhood  known  as  the  "Little  Sisters  of  the  Poor," 
was  founded  in  Brittany,  France,  by  the  Rev.  August  Le  Pailleur, 
a  priest  of  the  diocese  of  Rennes.  It  has  for  its  object  the  care  of 
the  aged  poor,  to  give  a  home  to  old  and  destitute  persons  of  both 
sexes,  without  distinction  of  birth  or  creed. 

The  Little  Sisters  of  the  Poor  were  invited  by  Bishop  Rappe 
to  the  diocese  of  Cleveland,  in  1869.  They  arrived  in  May,  1870, 
without  a  dollar  to  carry  on  their  grand  work  of  charity,  and 
opened  a  Home  in  a  frame  building  on  Erie  street,  near  the 
Cathedral. 

In  1871  thev  bought  severallots  fronting  on  Perry  street, 
between  Creighton  and  Hazen  streets — part  of  the  present 
location.  The  interior  of  the  commodius  brick  building  on  the 
property  was  changed  to  suit  the  wants  of  the  community.  The 
number  of  applicants  increased  so  rapidly  that  the  erection  of 
another  building  soon  became  a  necessity.  Lack  of  means,  how- 
ever, prevented  the  Sisters  from  beginning  the  new  brick  building 
until  June,  1877.  It  was  finished  in  February,  1878,  and  at  once 
occupied  by  the  aged  wards  of  the  Sisters.  Its  dimensions  were 
55  feet  by  40  feet;  its  height,  three  stories,  and  its  cost  $17,000. 
To  provide  additional  room  for  its  constantly  increasing  number 
of  inmates  the  institution  was  thrice  enlarged  since  1878,  viz. : 
in  1890.  1897  and  1899.  The  first  addition  included  the  present 
large  chapel,  and  cost  $35,000.  The  total  amount  expended  on 
the  buildings  approximate  $60,000.  All  of  this  large  sum,  besides 
the  support  of  the  institution,  was  raised  by  contributions  collected 
by  the  Sisters  from  the  citizens  of  Cleveland,  irrespective  of  creed 
or  nationality.  Many  of  the  non-Catholics  have  been  the  most 
generous  supporters  of  the  Home.  Among  them  were  the  late 
W.  J.  Gordon,  J.  H.  Wade,  H.  Chisholm,  J.  B.  Perkins  and  J. 
Huntington,  each  of  whom  gave  large  sums,  not  only  to  the  Little 
Sisters,  but  to  the  Sisters  of  the  Good  Shepherd  as  well.     The 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  749 

Little  Sisters  of  the  Poor  own  the  Home,  its  site  covering  half  a 
block  and  all  the  property  on  the  east  side  of  Perry  street,  between 
Hazen  and  Creighton  streets.  Even  from  a  temporal  point  of 
view  the  work  of  the  Sisters  has  been  remarkably  successful. 

In  the  Home  are  found  representatives  of  various  nationalities, 
languages,  creeds  and  occupations.  Although  Catholics  pre- 
dominate, not  the  slightest  discrimination  is  made  on  account  of 
religion.  The  loving,  tender  care  of  the  Sisters  wins  the  hearts 
and  removes  the  prejudices  of  their  charges.  Poor  men  and 
women  whose  homes  have  been  broken  up  by  dissipation  or  misfor- 
tune find  a  permanent  abode  with  those  almoners  of  God's  charity. 
The  institution  is  a  model,  well  managed  home.  Everything  from 
basement  to  garret  is  as  clean  and  as  cheerful  as  can  be  made. 

The  sympathy  which  was  manifested  for  the  Little  Sisters  on 
their  arrival  in  Cleveland,  far  from  diminishing,  has  kept  pace  with 
the  steady  development  of  their  work.  The  better  they  are  known 
the  more  they  are  loved  and  appreciated  by  the  generous  people 
of  the  community  whose  liberality  enables  them  to  provide  for  the 
daily  wants  of  their  old  and  helpless  proteges.  Every  day  Sisters 
go  forth  with  their  wagon  and  call  at  the  various  hotels,  restau- 
rants and  private  houses,  where  they  are  allowed  to  apply,  collect- 
ing cold  victuals,  old  clothing,  etc.,  all  of  which  are  turned  to  good 
use  for  the  benefit  of  the  aged  inmates  of  the  Home. 

The  religious  services  of  the  house  are  conducted  by  the  Fran- 
ciscan Fathers.  Attendance  is  entirely  voluntary,  no  inmates  being 
obliged  to  participate  against  their  will.  At  present  there  are 
210  aged  poor  in  the  Home,  and  cared  for  by  fifteen  Sisters,  who 
are  aided  bv  those  of  their  wards  able  to  do  so. 


CLEVELAND. 

ST.  MARY'S  HOME. 

St.  Mary's  Home  for  Working  Women  was  opened  on  Har- 
mon street  by  the  Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Mary,  in  March, 
1895.  The  building  was  known  formerly  as  St.  Mary's  Orphan 
Asylum.  In  October,  1894,  the  orphans  were  removed  to  St. 
Joseph's  Orphan  Asylum,  on  Woodland  avenue. 

Cleveland  possessed  no  Catholic  Home  for  young  women, 
and  the  want  of  such  a  place  had  long  been  felt.  After  the  removal 
of  the  orphans,  the  house  on  Harmon  street  was  completely  reno- 
vated and  remodeled  inside,  so  as  to  be  suitable  for  its  new  purpose 
— a  pleasant,  comfortable  home  for  young  women  working  in 
stores  and  of^ces,  and  for  those  out  of  employment.  No  sooner 
was  the  Home  opened  than  many  applicants  presented  themselves 
for  admission;  118  were  admitted  during  the  first  year. 


750  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

Miss  Ann  Hogan  managed  the  affairs  of  the  Home  with  suc- 
cess and  zeal,  until  March,  1896,  when  she  was  called  to  her  eternal 
reward.  She  was  succeeded  by  Miss  Teresa  Metzger,  who  now 
has  charge  of  the  institution.  The  number  of  inmates  averages 
from  25  to  30.  A  Franciscan  Father  is  the  chaplain  and  attends 
to  the  spiritual  wants  of  the  Home. 

The  moderate  sum  of  $3  per  week  is  charged  to  those  occupy- 
ing a  private  room,  and  $2.50  per  week  to  those  preferring  the 
dormitories. 

The  ladies  in  charge  of  the  Home  make  up  altar  linen,  sur- 
plices and  cassocks.  They  also  make  altar  breads  and  wash  church 
Hnen.  The  proceeds  from  their  labor  and  the  sums  paid  by  the 
boarders  are  the  only  means  of  support  possessed  by  the  institu- 
tion. Frequently  it  happens  that  the  boarders  are  unable  to  pay 
their  dues,  but  charity  will  not  allow  their  being  deprived  of  shelter 
and  food,  thus  rendering  it  very  difficult  at  times  to  meet  the 
expenses  of  the  Home.  Donations  of  money,  provisions  and 
house  linen  are  always  most  gratefully  received,  but  such  gifts  are 
rare. 

The  Circle  of  Mercy  has  taken  a  kindly  interest  in  the  Home 
since  its  establishment,  and  has  from  time  to  time  donated  bedding 
and  table  linen,  for  all  of  which  the  ladies  in  charge  of  the  Home, 
as  also  its  inmates,  are  deeply  grateful. 


LOUISVILLE. 

ST.  LOUIS'  ASYLUM  FOR  ORPHAN  BOYS. 

This  institution  was  established  by  Bishop  Gilmour  in 
November,  1883,  and  placed  in  charge  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity, 
of  St.  Augustine.  The  building  was  formerly  known  as  St.  Louis' 
College,  and  later  as  St.  Joseph's  Academy.  It  is  practically  a 
branch  of  St.  Vincent's  Asylum,  Cleveland,  whence  it  received  its 
first  complement  of  orphans,  and  to  it  are  sent  the  younger  orphans, 
who  are  housed  at  St.  Vincent's  only  temporarily.  On  account 
of  the  original  uses  to  which  the  building  had  been  put,  and  the 
damage  done  to  it  during  the  few  years  it  was  unoccupied,  it  had 
to  be  remodeled  and  put  in  repair  at  a  considerable  expense,  before 
it  was  even  fairly  fit  for  its  new  purpose.  The  expense  was  met 
in  part  by  the  diocese,  and  in  part  by  the  Rev.  Louis  Hoffer,  pastor 
of  Louisville,  and  by  his  parishioners.  Until  his  death,  November 
1,  1897,  Father  Hoffer  was  a  generous  benefactor  of  the  asylum, 
and  at  all  times  promoted  its  interests  without  sparing  self.  He 
also  encouraged  his  congregation  to  contribute  generously 
towards  its  support.     He  was  the  founder  of  the  building,  when 


IN   THE  DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  751 

it  was  erected  for  college  purposes,  and  twice  saw  its  failure  as  an 
educational  institution.  Now,  that  it  was  changed  by  Bishop 
Gilmour  into  an  asylum,  he  felt  that  the  building  had  not  been 
erected  in  vain.  He  therefore  made  every  effort  to  make  the  new 
venture  a  success,  which  it  became,  to  a  degree  very  gratifying, 
before  he  passed  to  his  eternal  reward. 

The  building  is  a  substantial  two-story  brick  structure,  54 
by  110  feet,  and  has  an  ample  basement.  On  the  first  floor  of 
the  main  building  are  the  reception  and  class  rooms,  on  the 
second  the  dormitories,  and  in  the  basement  the  kitchen  and 
refectory.  The  asylum  was  fitted  up  with  a  steam-heating  system 
in  1890.  A  brick  building,  30  by  40  feet,  was  erected  near  the 
asylum  the  same  year.  It  contains  the  boiler  room,  laundry  and 
bakery,  and  cost  about  $3,000.  Previous  to  1890  the  asylum  was 
unsatisfactorily  heated  by  means  of  stoves.  Since  then  its  inmates 
have  not  been  obliged  to  contend  with  the  discomforts  of  cold 
blasts  and  a  frigid  temperature.  Other  improvements  were  added 
by  degrees,  so  that  now  St.  Louis'  Asylum  is  in  excellent  condition 
and  equal  to  any  like  institution.  Besides  receiving  a  pro  rata 
share  of  the  returns  from  the  annual  orphans'  fair  in  Cleveland, 
it  is  generously  supported  by  the  people  of  Louisville,  Canton 
and  Massillon,  as  also  by  the  faithful  living  in  the  south-eastern 
section  of  the  diocese,  which  is  annually  visited  by  the  Sisters. 
The  number  of  orphans  cared  for  annually  by  the  Sisters  is  about 
100. 

In  1900  the  present  very  neat  chapel  was  built  at  a  cost  of 
about  $8,000,  including  its  furnishings;  it  adjoins  the  asylum  at 
the  east  end. 

The  following  Sisters  have  filled  the  office  of  local  Super- 
ioress: Sister  M.  Louis,  from  1883  to  1886;  Sister  M.  Amadeus. 
to  1890;  Sister  M.  Patrick,  to  1892;  again,  Sister  M.  Louis,  to 
1897;  Sister  M.  Liguori,  till  her  death,  February  1,  1899;  and 
Sister  M.  Thomas,  who  is  at  present  in  charge.  The  Rev.  F. 
Senner,  pastor  of  Louisville,  faithfully  attends  to  the  spiritual 
interests  of  the  institution. 


TIFFIN. 

ST.  FRANCIS'  ORPHAN  ASYLUM  AND  HOME  FOR  THE  AGED. 

The  above  named  institution,  which  serves  a  two-fold  pur- 
pose, as  its  name  indicates,  was  founded  in  1867  by  the  Rev.  Joseph 
L.  Bihn.  One  year  later,  in  June,  1868.  he  also  established  a 
Sisterhood,  known  as  the  Sisters  of  the  Third  Order  of  St.  Francis, 
who  have  had  full  charge  of  the  asylum  and  home  since  Father 


752  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

Bihn's  death,  in  August,  1893.  The  institution  is  located  in  the 
eastern  suburbs  of  Tiffin,  on  a  tract  of  excellent  land  comprising 
about  400  acres.  The  same  buildings  house  the  Sisters,  aged 
people  who  pay  for  their  own  support,  and  orphan  girls.  About 
one  mile  from  the  main  buildings,  the  orphan  boys  and  a  few 
Brothers  of  the  Third  Order  of  St.  Francis  are  domiciled.  The 
latter,  with  some  hired  help,  manage  the  large  farm  -which  afifords 
the  main  support  of  the  community.  Some  of  the  boys  are  taught 
trades,  such  as  shoe-making,  blacksmithing,  etc.,  and  all  are  so 
trained  as  to  be  able  to  earn  their  livelihood  when  they  leave  the 
institution.  In  like  manner  the  girls  are  taught  housework,  sewing, 
etc.  The  asylum  is  in  theory  and  in  fact  an  industrial  school. 
All  the  orphans  are  given  a  common  school  education  by  the 
Sisters,  and  are  instructed  in  their  religious  duties  by  the  resident 
chaplain — at  present  the  Rev.  J.  Eugster. 

Father  Bihn  had  the  institution  incorporated  in  1869,  under 
the  title  of  "The  Citizens'  Hospital  and  Orphan  Asylum."  The 
first  building  was  a  two-story  frame  structure  which  stood  on  a 
58  acre  farm,  bought  by  Father  Bihn.  This  was  the  humble 
beginning  of  St.  Francis'  Institute.  In  founding  it  he  was  aided 
financially  by  Mr.  John  Greiveldinger,  whose  widowed  daughter, 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  Schaefer,  together  with  her  two  daughters,  and  her 
sister-in-law,  united  t^eir  entire  possessions  with  Father  Bihn's 
patrimony  and  savings,  for  the  benefit  of  the  asylum  and  home. 
These  ladies  became  members  of  the  Sisterhood.  Mrs.  Schaefer, 
as  Sister  Frances,  was  the  Superioress  of  the  communitv,  till  her 
death,  November  18,  1893. 

The  frame  building  was  replaced  in  1871  by  a  large  and 
imposing  three-story  brick  structure,  to  which  additions  were  built 
from  time  to  time.  It  has  now  a  frontage  of  nearly  two  hundred 
feet.  At  the  east  end  of  the  main  building  stands  the  beautiful 
chapel  (40  by  70  feet),  of  Gothic  architecture.  Tastily  frescoed, 
furnished  with  a  fine  marble  altar  and  stained  glass  windows,  it  is. 
one  of  the  prettiest  chapels  in  the  diocese.  It  was  dedicated  by 
Bishop  Gilmour,  June  1.   1881. 

The  Sisterhood  now  numbers  54  members,  some  of  whom 
are  engaged  as  teachers  of  parochial  schools,  others  as  nurses  in  St. 
Joseph's  Hospital,  at  Lorain,  but  most  of  them  are  connected  with 
the  asylum  and  home.  The  present  Superioress  is  Mother  M. 
Clara,  who  has  been  in  office  since  July.  1894. 

The  institution  is  self-supporting  and  now  provides  home 
comforts  for  95  orphans  and  50  aged  people. 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF   CLEVELAND.  753 

TOLEDO. 

ST.  VINCENT'S  ORPHAN  ASYLUM. 

At  the  solicitation  of  the  Rev.  A.  Campion,  pastor  of  St. 
Francis'  church,  Toledo,  and  with  the  cordial  approval  of  Bishop 
Rappe,  St.  Vincent's  Asylum  was  established  in  October,  1855, 
by  the  Sisters  of  Charity,  of  Montreal,  under  whose  management 
it  has  been  ever  since.  The  present  building  is  a  three-story  brick 
structure,  with  basement.  It  was  enlarged  from  time  to  time, 
as  need  required  it.  The  building  fronts  on  Cherry  street  and  is 
located  on  a  two-acre  lot  a  short  distance  west  of  St.  Vincent's 
Hospital.  The  early  history  of  the  asylum  was  one  long  contin- 
uous struggle  for  existence,  its  support  being  altogether  depend- 
ent upon  the  Catholics  of  Toledo  and  the  western  part  of  the 
diocese,  who  were  few  in  number,  and  poor.  The  first  asylum 
was  a  rented  frame  house,  and  the  accommodations  for  the  Sisters 
and  their  orphan  wards  the  most  primitive.  There  they  remained 
until  May,  1856,  when  they  secured  a  building  on  Erie  street  for 
their  temporary  abode.  In  August,  1858,  the  first  part  of  the 
present  asylum  on  Cherry  street  was  ready  for  occupancy.  The 
Sisters  then  had  47  orphans  under  their  care.  The  building,  as 
it  then  stood,  had  a  frontage  of  50  feet  on  Cherry  street,  and  a 
depth  of  40  feet.  It  was  blessed  by  Bishop  Rappe  on  the  Sunday 
after  the  feast  of  the  Assumption — the  day  the  Sisters  entered  their 
new  home.  Part  of  the  building — the  third  story — served  as  a 
temporary  hospital,  which  was  the  beginning  of  the  present 
flourishing  St.  Vincent's  Hospital. 

By  degrees  the  financial  condition  of  the  asylum  improved. 
As  the  institution  and  its  grand  work  of  charity  in  behalf  of  the 
orphans  became  better  known,  it  gained  in  favor  and  received 
support.  This  has  been  its  record  for  over  forty  years.  The 
present  building  is  of  very  plain  architecture  and  is  much 
the  worse  for  w'^ear.  In  fact  a  part  of  it  was  condemned  by  the 
building  inspector  of  Toledo,  some  years  ago,  as  being  unsafe, 
and  had  to  be  put  in  good  repair.  The  asylum  was  held  by  the 
Sisters  as  community  property  until  December,  1900;  it  is  now 
diocesan  property.*  '  There  is  great  need  of  a  new  building, 
provided  with  the  modern  conveniences,  and  commensurate  with 
the  needs  of  such  an  institution.  It  is  hoped  that  in  the  near 
future  an  orphan  asylum  will  be  erected,  to  replace  the  present 
unsatisfactory  structure — a  building  that  will  be  a  credit  to  the 
large  Catholic  population  of  Toledo. 

♦See  pages  131-132,  this  volume. 


754  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

For  many  years  the  Sisters  Superior  in  charge  of  St.  Vin- 
cent's Hospital  had  also  the  management  of  the  asylum.  This 
was  changed  in  1900,  when  a  local  Superioress  was  appointed  for 
the  asylum.  Sister  Mary  Louise  Couture,  at  present  in  charge, 
is  assisted  in  her  responsible  duties  by  12  Sisters.  There  are  now 
125  orphans  in  the  asylum,  of  whom  CO  are  girls. 


TOLEDO. 
LITTLE  SISTERS'  HOME  FOR  AGED  POOR. 

Under  the  direction  of  Bishop  Gilmour  the  Little  Sisters 
opened  a  home  at  Toledo,  June,  1885,  in  a  rented  house  at  the 
corner  of  Front  and  Piatt  streets.  The  lack  of  even  the  ordinary 
conveniences  in  the  house  added  greatly  to  the  hardships  and 
trials  of  the  Sisters  during  the  three  years  in  which  they  occupied 
it.  In  1887  they  bought  a  tract  of  land  on  Starr  avenue  for  $6,000, 
and  in  the  following  year  they  built  a  large  frame  structure,  at  a 
cost  of  $4,000;  there  were  40  aged  people  to  occupy  it  when  com- 
pleted. In  a  very  short  time  the  building  proved  too  small  to 
accommodate  the  steadily  increasing  number  of  applicants.  The 
Sisters  therefore  commenced,  in  1893,  the  first  section  of  a  per- 
manent home — a  wing  and  part  of  the  main  building — and  com- 
pleted it  in  March,  1894,  when  it  was  opened  for  public  use.  It 
is  a  two-story  brick  structure  of  plain  architecture,  and  cost 
$20,000.     A  very  neat  chapel  was  added  in  1897. 

At  present  there  are  about  100  aged  poor  in  the  home,  who 
are  cared  for  by  13  Sisters.  These  have  the  good  will  of  the 
citizens  of  Toledo,  regardless  of  creed  and  nationality,  and  receive 
from  them  a  generous  support  in  behalf  of  their  aged  wards. 


RELIGIOUS  COMMUNITIES. 


CLEVELAND. 

FRANCISCAN    MONASTERY. 

The  Franciscan  Fathers  of  Teiitopolis,  111.,  established  a 
monastery  at  Cleveland  in  1868.  They  built  a  monastery  and 
chapel  of  brick  on  a  large  plot  of  ground  which  they  purchased 
at  the  corner  of  Chapel  and  Hazen  streets.  The  cornerstone  of 
the  chapel  was  blessed  by  Bishop  Rappe  on  October  12.  1869, 
a  few  weeks  before  his  departure  for  Rome,  to  attend  the  Vatican 
Council.  The  chapel  was  consecrated,  and  the  monastery  blessed, 
by  Bishop  Toebbe,  of  Covington,  Ky.,  November  13,  1870.  The 
monastery  was  enlarged  in  1887  by  an  addition  of  40  by  85  feet. 

In  1892,  with  the  approval  of  Bishop  Horstmann,  the  Fran- 
ciscan Fathers  sold  to  St.  Joseph's  congregation,  for  the  sum  of 
$12,000,  the  entire  property  fronting  on  Hazen  street,  and  built 
their  present  large  monastery  fronting  on  Chapel  street,  imme- 
diately adjoining  St.  Joseph's  church.  This  change  of  location 
liad  long  been  desired  by  the  Fathers  and  has  proved  quite  satis- 
factory to  all  concerned.  The  former  monastery  was  at  once 
remodeled  into  a  parochial  school  and  the  chapel  into  a  parish 
ball,  each  building  serving  most  acceptably  its  new  purpose.  The 
new  monastery  was  dedicated  by  Bishop  Horstmann  on  June  13, 
1893.  It  cost  upwards  of  $30,000  and  is  a  model  building  of  its 
kind. 

The  Franciscan  Fathers  who  are  not  connected  with  St. 
Joseph's  church  attend  various  asylums  and  institutions  as  chap- 
lains, besides  giving  occasional  needed  assistance  to  parish 
priests.  At  present  nine  Fathers  and  six  Brothers  reside  at  the 
monaster}' — which  has  been  the  average  number  for  some  years 
past. 

The  following  Franciscan  Fathers  have  filled  the  ofTfice  of 
Superior  of  the  monastery  since  its  foundation :  The  Rev.  Capi- 
stran  Zwinge,  1868-71 ;  Kilian  Schlosser,  to  1879.  and  again  from 
1882  to  1885;  Eustace  Briiggemann,  from  1879  to  1882;  Maxi- 
milian Neumann,  1885-88;  Theodore  Arentz,  1888-94,  and  1895- 
^7 ;  Vincent  Halbfas,  1894-95 ;  and  since  August,  1897,  the  present 
Superior,  Rev.  Bernardine  Weis. 

755 


756  A   HISTORY   OF   CATHOLICITY 

CLEVELAND. 
CONVENT  OF  POOR  CLARES. 

In  August,  1877,  two  members  of  the  Poor  Clares'  Sister- 
hood, a  contemplative  order,  established  a  convent  in  Cleveland. 
A  short  time  before  their  arrival  a  former  public  school,  with 
several  lots,  located  at  the  corner  of  Broadway  and  McBride 
streets,  had  been  bought  for  their  use.  The  brick  school  was 
remodeled  to  serve  its  new  purpose,  and  thus  became  the  first 
convent  of  Poor  Clares  in  the  United  States.  They  took  posses- 
sion of  it  on  the  day  of  its  dedication,  August  10,  1877.  The  little 
community  grew  steadily,  even  though  its  growth  was  slow,  and 
soon  had  need  of  more  ample  accommodations.  The  location  of 
the  convent  also  proved  unsatisfactory.  The  Rev.  Kilian 
Schlosser,  O.  F.  M.,  pastor  of  St.  Joseph's  church,  had  bought  the 
first  convent  home  for  the  Sisters,  and  was  commissioned  by  his 
Provincial,  in  1879,  to  secure  another  and  more  desirable  location. 
This  he  did  by  the  purchase  of  the  present  property  on  Perry 
street,  north  of  St.  Bridget's  church,  at  a  cost  of  $10,500.  Plans 
were  drawn  for  a  convent  in  strict  accord  with  the  rules  of  the 
Poor  Clares,  one  feature  being  the  cloisture,  the  observance  of 
which  is  one  of  their  vows.  The  building  was  commenced  in  the 
spring  of  1881,  and  ready  for  occupancy  in  December  of  the  same 
year.  It  is  a  three-story  brick  structure  of  severely  plain  archi- 
tecture, and  cost  about  $10,000.  Although  the  new  convent 
afTorded  more  room  for  the  Sisters,  they  had  not  the  means  to 
properly  fit  it  up,  and  were  therefore  forced  for  several  years  to 
continue  using  the  old  house  which  stood  on  the  lots.  In  1885 
they  made  a  number  of  changes  in  the  new  building  for  the  better 
accornmodation  of  the  increasing  membership  of  the  community. 
This  is  now  composed  of  twenty  members.  Four  of  the  Sisters 
are  not  bound  by  the  cloisture,  and  are  therefore  charged  with 
the  duty  of  soliciting-  alms  for  the  support  of  the  community. 

The  daughters  of  St.  Clare  lead  a  life  of  prayer  and  penance, 
and  abstain  from  the  use  of  meat,  even  in  sickness.  Their  cloth- 
ing also,  in  which  poverty  and  austerity  are  patent,  is  for  them  a 
continual  source  of  penance.  A  part  of  the  day  and  night  is 
employed  in  singing  and  reciting  the  Divine  Office,  while  the  rest 
of  the  day  is  spent  in  meditation,  household  duties,  and  in  sewing 
for  "outsiders."  They  always  arise  at  midnight  from  their  hard 
couch  to  go  to  the  chapel,  where  they  spend  two  hours  in  prayer 
and  meditation.  In  their  daily  prayers  they  intercede  for  their 
many  known  and  unknown  benefactors. 

The  Sisters  are  very  grateful  to  the  Catholics  of  Cleveland 
for  generous  support,  and  for  the  many  acts  of  kindness  shown 
them,  especially  during  the  time  they  built  their  convent. 


ST.  AUGUSTINE'S  CONVENT.  LAKEWOOD 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  757 

GLANDORF. 

CONVENT  OF  SANGUINIST  SISTERS. 

This  community,  whose  Motherhouse  is  at  Maria  Stein, 
Mercer  county,  O.,  is  one  of  the  three  Sanguinist  Sisterhoods  in  the 
diocese,  and  was  established  in  the  hamlet  of  Glandorf,  in  1849.  The 
first  convent  was  built  of  hewn  logs.  On  July  2,  of  that  year, 
twenty  Sisters  took  possession  of  their  new  home.  This  was 
replaced  some  years  later  by  the  present  large  brick  structure, 
embracing  two  wings,  one  of  which  contains  the  handsome  com- 
munity chapel.  The  convent  lands  comprise  about  120  acres  and 
afford  support  to  the  Sisterhood. 

Ever  since  the  foundation  the  community  has  been  steadily 
increasing  and  at  present  numbers  48  Sisters.  Some  of  these 
have  charge  of  the  parish  school  nearby,  whilst  others,  dividing 
their  time'between  prayer  and  work,  take  turns  in  the  Perpetual 
Adoration  in  their  convent  chapel,  as  prescribed  by  their  rule. 


LAKEWOOD. 

THE  SISTERS  OF  CHARITY,  OF  ST.  AUGUSTINE. 

In  1851  Bishop  Rappe  established  a  Sisterhood  in  Cleveland 
for  the  care  of  orphan  boys  and  eventually  to  take  charge  of  a 
hospital  for  the  sick.  He  named  the  community  "Sisters  of 
Charity,  of  St.  Augustine."  St.  Vincent's  Asylum,  on  Monroe 
street  was  its  home  and  mother  house  for  thirty-eight  years — 
until  1889.  Within  the  asylum  walls  were  housed  the  Sisters  and 
their  orphaned  wards,  and  the  novitiate  of  the  community.  Mother 
M.  Ursula  (known  in  the  world  as  Catharine  Bisonette*),  was  the 
first  Superioress,  from  1851  until  her  death,  September  11,  1863. 
Of  her  it  may  be  truly  said  that  "she  was  a  valiant  woman."  She 
was  also  a  model  Religious  and  left  her  impress  for  good  on  her 
Sisterhood.  In  the  course  of  time  the  community  as  well  as  the 
orphans  increased  in  numbers,  so  that  the  asylum  became  too 
crowded  for  the  convenience  and  comfort  of  its  two  distinct  classes 
of  inmates.  Bishop  Gilmour  saw  this  condition  of  things  and  felt 
that  the  Sisters  should  have  a  separate  building  for  those  first 
entering  the  religious  life  and  in  need  of  proper  training;  as  also 
for  those  of  the  community  who  had  spent  their  best  years  in  the 
discharge  of  the  arduous  duties  of  their  holy  vocation  and  now 
deserving  of  merited  rest  in  their  declining  years;  that  there 
should  be  a  quiet  retreat  for  them  where  they  might  be  the  better 

*See  page  60,   this  volume. 


758  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

able  to  commune  with  their  Divine  Spouse  preparatory  to  the 
final  call.  At  first  his  well-meant  plan  was  opposed,  as  the  Sisters 
felt  satisfied  with  the  place  that  had  been  their  convent  home  for 
so  many  years,  and  did  not  object  to  the  noise  and  bustle  of  more 
than  two  hundred  lusty-lunged  orphan  boys.  Finally,  however, 
better  counsel  prevailed,  with  the  result  that  a  place  away  from 
the  busy  scenes  of  city  life  was  discussed,  and  finally  secured  by 
the  purchase,  in  June,  1885,  of  an  admirably  located  ten-acre 
tract  of  land,  in  the  hamlet  of  Lakewood,  about  five  miles  from 
the  Public  Square  in  Cleveland.  It  borders  on  the  southern  shore 
of  Lake  Erie  and  fronts  on  Lake  avenue.  The  property  was  the 
country  villa  of  Mr.  Alexander  Gunn,  who  had  not  spared  either 
money  or  labor  to  make  it  a  veritable  Edeu-like  garden  spot.  It 
had  been  leased  for  three  years  at  the  time  the  Sisters  purchased 
it.  On  the  expiration  of  the  lease  in  April,  1888,  they  took  pos- 
session of  the  property,  a  few  members  of  the  community  occupy- 
ing temporarily  the  large  two-story  frame  cottage  on  the  grounds. 

In  September,  1890,  the  foundation  of  the  present  convent 
was  begun,  the  building  permit  being  among  the  last  granted  by 
Bishop  Gilmour.  Early  in  the  spring  of  1891  work  was  resumed, 
and  the  building  was  brought  to  completion  in  August  of  the 
following  year.  In  the  meantime  Bishop  Gilmour,  tenderly  cared 
for  by  two  members  of  the  community,  during  his  last  illness  in 
distant  Florida,  passed  to  his  eternal  reward.  As  he  had  approved 
the  plans  for  the  new  convent  he  had  hoped  to  see  it  finished  and 
to  bless  it.  But  God  had  ordained  otherwise.  Another  hand  was 
to  bless  it;  another  voice  was  to  intone  the  Te  Deum  for  the 
completion  of  that  work  which  he  had  begun. 

Bishop  Horstmann  blessed  the  convent  and  chapel  on  the 
feast  of  St.  Augustine,  patron  of  the  community,  August  28,  1892. 
The  Sisters,  however,  took  formal  possession  of  the  new  convent 
only  on  December  1  following,  on  which  day  the  novitiate  was 
transferred  to  it  from  St.  Vincent's  Orphan  Asylum. 

The  handsome  building  is  a  three-story  structure,  with  attic 
and  basement.  It  is  built  of  pressed  brick,  and  is  fitted  up  with 
all  the  modern  conveniences.  Natural  gas  supplies  light  and 
heat.  The  chapel  is  an  architectural  gem  and  devotion-inspiring. 
It  is  beautifully  frescoed  and  has  artistic  stained  glass  windows. 

The  following  flourishing  diocesan  institutions  are  in  charge 
of  the  community:  The  Charity  Hospital,  St.  Vincent's  Asylum 
and  St.  Ann's  Asylum,  in  Cleveland,  and  St.  Louis'  Asylum,  in 
Louisville,  Stark  county.  Each  of  these  institutions  has  its  local 
Superioress,  and  all  are  under  the  supervision  of  the  Mother 
Superior,  subject  to  the  direction  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop.  The 
Sisters  merit  and  enjoy  the  good  will  of  the  clergy  and  laity  for 


IN   THE   DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  759 

their  charitable  work  in  behalf  of  the  sick,  the  orphan  and  the 
waif.  That  has  been  their  history  for  fifty  years.  Many  have  gone 
to  receive  the  reward  from  Him  whose  devoted  and  faithful  spouses 
they  were  in  life.  Their  remains  are  interred  in  the  little  cemetery 
near  St.  Vincent's  Asvlum. 


NEW  RIEGEL. 

CONVENT  OF  SANGUINIST  SISTERS. 

In  1834  the  Very  Rev.  Francis  S.  Brunner,  with  the  assistance 
of  his  saintly  mother,  established  at  Castle  Lowenburg,  in  the 
Canton  of  Graubiindten,  Switzerland,  a  Sisterhood  of  Sanguinists, 
of  which  his  mother,  in  her  advanced  age,  became  a  member.  The 
community  Rule  was  a  modification  of  that  framed  by  the  Ven. 
Dom  Caspar  De  Bufalo,  founder  of  the  Sanguinist  Society  of 
Missionary  Fathers.*  The  two  principal  features  of  the  modified 
Rule  were :  The  Perpetual  Adoration  of  the  Most  Precious 
Blood  in  the  Blessed  Eucharist,  and  the  instruction  of  children. 
A  branch  of  this  community  was  established  in  1844,  at  New 
Riegel  (Wolf's  Creek),  by  Father  Brunner,  at  that  time  Provincial 
of  the  Sanguinist  Society.  The  Sisters  arrived  at  New  Riegel 
shortly  after  the  Sanguinist  Fathers  took  charge  of  the  parish  in 
the  same  place.  Their  first  convent  (also  the  first  of  that  flourish- 
ing community  in  the  United  States)  was  a  log  house,  which  was 
furnished  most  primitively.  It  stood  on  a  60  acre  tract  of  land 
which  Father  Brunner  had  secured  for  them.  It  is  part  of  the 
extensive  property  now  owned  and  used  by  the  Sisterhood. 
Adjoining  the  convent  was  also  a  small  log  chapel.  As  soon  as 
it  was  ready  for  use,  in  December,  1844,  Mass  was  said  in  it  for 
the  first  time  on  Christmas  eve.  On  that  occasion  the  Sisters  began 
the  Perpetual  xA.doration,  which  they  have  continued  without 
interruption  to  the  present  day. 

As  there  was  then  great  want  of  Catholic  teachers,  some  of 
the  Sisters  devoted  themselves  to  the  instruction  of  the  children 
in  the  local  parish  school.  In  their  convent  they  opened  a  day 
school,  and  an  asylum  for  orphan  girls,  the  latter  being  supported 
by  the  community.  They  also  established  a  novitiate  for  young 
women  desirous  of  becoming  members  of  their  community.  Thus 
the  Sisters  have  quietly  continued  their  works  of  charity,  praying 
and  teaching,  in  accordance  with  the  above  mentioned  two-fold 
object  of  their  institution.  Withal  they  are  very  industriously 
engaged  with  various  occupations  in  their  convent,  and  out  of 
doors  as  well.    It  is  a  common  sight  for  the  people  of  New  Riegel 

*See  Page  14,  this  volume. 


760  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

to  witness  Sisters  busily  working  in  the  well-tilled  fields  of  their 
200  acre  farm.  In  1844  the  community  numbered  six  members; 
in  December,  1900,  it  had  increased  to  sixty  Sisters. 

The  log  convent  and  chapel  were  replaced  by  the  present 
stately  brick  structures,  the  former  in  1860,  and  the  latter  in  1894. 
The  beautiful  chapel  was  dedicated  by  the  V.  Rev.  H.  Drees,  at 
that  time  Provincial  of  the  Sanguinists.  The  convent  is  one  of 
the  largest  in  the  diocese,  and  is  admirably  arranged  for  the  con- 
venience of  the  Sisters. 

PARMA. 
ST.  STANISLAS'  NOVITIATE  OF  THE  SOCIETY  OF  JESUS. 

This  institution  was  established  by  the  Jesuit  Fathers  in  1897. 
In  that  year  they  bought  a  tract  of  land,  located  in  Parma  town- 
ship, Cuyahoga  county,  about  seven  miles  from  the  Public 
Square,  in  Cleveland.  A  two-story  frame  house,  built  by  the 
Jesuits  on  the  land,  shortly  after  its  purchase,  served  as  a  tem- 
porary home  for  the  Fathers  and  Scholastics  of  the  Society,  the 
latter  having  been  transferred  from  the  Novitiate  at  Prairie  du 
Chien,  Wis.  The  building  was  called  St.  Berchmans'  Hall.  An 
additional  tract  of  land  was  bought  in  1899 ;  both  purchases  cover 
a  little  over  54  acres.  The  location  is  beautiful,  even  romantic, 
and  retired  from  the  bustle  of  a  busy  world  it  is  in  every  respect 
adapted  to  a  religious  and  studious  life.  The  Jesuit  Fathers  had 
the  ground  platted  and  graded.  Roads  and  culverts  were  built, 
serpentine  walks  were  laid  out,  trees  and  vines  were  planted ;  in 
a  word  what  was  an  uncultivated  piece  of  ground  was  soon  trans- 
formed into  a  beautiful  country  seat.  These  improvements  were 
followed  by  a  very  substantial  three-story  brick  structure,  with  a 
beautiful  chapel  of  Gothic  architecture;  both  were  dedicated  by 
Bishop  Horstmann  on  May  31,  1900. 

Besides  affording  accommodations  for  the  novices  and  junior 
scholastics  of  the  Society,  the  secular  clergy,  as  also  laymen,  who 
wish  to  spend  a  few  days  in  Retreat,  find  a  cordial  welcome  at  the 
above  named  Institution. 

The  present  Rector  and  Master  of  Novices,  the  Rev.  Theodore 
Van  Rossum.  S.  J.,  received  his  appointment  in  August,  1898. 


THOMPSON. 

CONVENT  OF  SANGUINIST  SISTERS. 

The  second  community  of  Sanguinist  Sisters  established  in 
the  diocese  of  Cleveland  is  that  located  at  Thompson  in  Seneca 
county.    Its  history  dates  back  to  1845.    In  that  year  the  V.  Rev. 


IN  THE  DIOCESE  OF  CLEVELAND.  761 

Provincial  of  the  Sanguinists,  Father  Brunner,  bought  80  acres  of 
land  near  St.  Michael's  church.  About  half  of  the  land  was  cleared 
of  timber.  An  old  log  house  was  on  the  premises,  and  was  made 
the  temporary  abode  of  a  few  Sisters  who  had  come  in  September, 
1845,  from  their  convent  which  had  been  established  at  New 
Riegel  a  year  previous.  A  chapel  for  the  use  of  the  Sisters  was 
commenced  in  May,  1845,  and  was  completed  the  following 
September.  Three  months  later  their  new  convent,  a  log  struc- 
ture, was  ready  for  occupancy.  The  Perpetual  Adoration  was  then 
commenced  by  the  Sisters,  and  has  been  continued  ever  since, 
without  interruption. 

The  Sisters  observe  their  community  Rule  in  the  same 
manner  as  has  been  mentioned  in  the  preceding  historical  sketches 
of  the  same  Sisterhood  at  Glandorf  and  New  Riegel.  They  unite 
manual  labor  with  prayer,  perform  household  duties,  till  the  land, 
train  orphan  girls — whom  they  support  at  their  own  expense; 
they  also  teach  in  the  local  and  neighboring  parochial  schools. 

Their  log  convent  was  replaced  in  1870  by  the  present  large 
brick  building,  which  is  conveniently  arranged  for  the  use  of  the 
community,  now  numbering  65  Sisters. 

Nearly  one  mile  from  the  convent,  in  the  midst  of  a  dense 
forest,  is  the  beautiful  and  now  quite  noted  pilgrimage  chapel, 
known  as  "Maria  Steig."  The  Sisters  devote  a  great  deal  of  care 
to  its  adornment.  For  many  years  back  large  numbers  of  pilgrims 
have  visited  it  annually  on  the  feasts  of  the  Assumption  and  of  the 
Dolors  of  our  Lady.  Tlie  first  chapel,  a  wooden  structure,  was 
built  in  1850;  the  present,  a  brick  edifice  of  Gothic  architecture, 
replaced  it  in  1870.  The  interior  is  appropriately  decorated,  the 
colors  harmonizing  with  the  soft  mellow  light  that  is  shed  over  all. 
Above  the  main  altar  a  few  tapers  burn  before  the  statue  of  Our 
Lady  of  Sorrows,  to  whose  patronage  this  Httle  house  of  prayer 
is  dedicated.  Through  her  intercession  many  sorrows  have  been 
soothed  here;  many  cares  and  troubles  have  been  dispelled  from 
mind  and  heart;  many  deep  wounds  of  the  soul  have  been  here 
healed  too.  And  even  bodily  infirmities  have  been  cured  in  a  mir- 
aculous manner,  as  is  attested  by  the  crutches,  emblems  and  mem- 
orial tablets  displayed  wi.thin  the  sacred  precincts  of  the  chapel — 
mementos  manifesting  the  gratitude  of  fortunate  souls  who  have 
experienced  the  power  and  bounty  of  Mary.  Even  here,  hidden 
"in  the  forest  primeval,"  her  glory  is  made  manifest,  and  her 
inspired  words  are  fulfilled  :  "Behold  !  from  henceforth  all  genera- 
tions shall  call  me  blessed." 


762  A  HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

VILLA  MARLA,  PA. 

CONVENT  OF  THE  SISTERS  OF  THE  HUMILITY  OF  MARY. 

(Attached    to    the    diocese    of    Cleveland,    by  special  agreement  made  in  1S64,   between  the 
Bishops  of  Pittsburg  and  Cleveland.) 

Ill  the  spring  of  1855,  William  Murrin,  a  devout  Catholic, 
deeded  to  Bishop  O'Connor  of  Pittsburg,  for  the  benefit  of  reli- 
gion and  charity,  250  acres  of  land,  near  New  Bedford,  Lawrence 
county,  Pennsylvania,  where  the  grantor  himself  had  lived  for 
many  years.  The  Bishop  erected  on  the  farm  a  two-story  brick 
building,  45  by  45  feet,  which  he  intended  for  a  diocesan  seminary. 
That  project  failing,  a  few  Franciscan  Brothers  opened  a  college 
in  the  building,  and  took  charge  of  the  farm.  Owing  to  its  out- 
of-the-way  location  the  college  also  failed  and  w^as  closed  in  1859. 
Bishop  (D'Connor  then  deeded  the  farm  for  the  sum  of  $3,000 
(which  sum  covered  the  cost  of  the  building)  to  Bishop  Rappe, 
whose  object  in  making  the  purchase  was  to  establish  there  an 
orphan  asylum  for  the  older  orphan  boys,  then  in  St.  Vincent's 
Asylum,  at  Cleveland.  The  Sisters  of  Charity  took  charge  of  the 
place,  but  they,  too,  disheartened  no  doubt  by  the  cheerless  pros- 
pect presented  by  an  uncultivated  farm  and  its  unattractive  sur- 
roundings, gladly  returned  to  Cleveland  with  their  orphans,  in 
1863,  after  a  stay  of  about  four  years. 

About  this  time  the  Rev.  Louis  Hoffer,  pastor  of  Louisville, 
visited  his  native  France.  One  of  the  objects  of  his  visit  was  to 
engage  Sisters  to  take  charge  of  his  school.  In  his  search  for 
Sisters  he  learned  of  a  teaching  community  that  had  been  estab- 
lished by  the  Rev.  John  J.  Begel,  in  1854,  at  Dummartin,  in  the 
diocese  of  Nancy,  under  the  title  of  "Sisters  of  the  Humility  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin  Mary." 

Before  agreeing  to  accept  Father  Hoffer's  proposition,  their 
founder  and  Superior,  Father  Begel,  wrote  to  Bishop  Rappe,  who 
at  once  invited  the  community  to  come  to  this  country.  The 
invitation  was  accepted,  and  with  Father  Begel  the  entire  Sister- 
hood, then  numbering  twenty  members,  landed  at  New  York, 
June  18,  1864.  A  few  days  later  they  arrived  at  New  Bedford, 
their  new  home,  under  the  most  adverse  circumstances.  Th-e  farm 
and  its  buildings  were  in  a  lamentable  condition,  and  the  surround- 
ings were  not  more  inviting.  And  yet  the  farm  which  was  given 
to  them  by  the  Bishop,  was  to  be  the  only  means  of  subsistence 
for  those  who  had  hitherto  been  occupied  in  teaching  and  with 
needlework,  and  who,  consequently,  were  unfamiliar  with  farm 
work.  Dismayed  by  the  gloomy  prospect  before  them,  the  Sisters 
hesitated  before  choosing  such  an  abode,  but  finally,  in  obedience 


IN   THE   DIOCESE  OF   CLEVELAND.  763 

to  Bishop  Rappe's  will,  they  accepted  what  they  felt  would  be, 
at  least  for  some  years,  a  life  of  privation  and  hardship.  The 
difificulties  with  which  they  had  to  struggle  greatly  impeded  for  a 
time  the  educational  progress  and  the  development  of  the  com- 
munity, for,  having  no  means,  they  were  obliged  to  support  them- 
selves by  farm  labor  and  needle-work.  Kind  friends  among  the 
clergy,  Sisterhoods  and  laity,  who  learned  of  their  poverty,  gave 
them  financial  support,  and  by  degrees  the  material  condition  of 
the  community  steadily  improved,  and  its  membership  also 
rapidly  increased.  The  land  yielded  better  crops,  thus  enabling 
the  Sisters  to  support  not  only  themselves  but  also  a  number  of 
orphans  who  had  become  their  wards.  To  provide  accommoda- 
tions for  the  increased  membership  of  the  community  the 
original  brick  building  was  doubled  in  size  in  1869.  It  was  again 
enlarged  in  1878. 

In  1880  a  very  neat  brick  chapel,  36  by  72  feet  in  size,  was 
erected  adjoining  the  convent.  It  is  adorned  with  ten  stained 
glass  windows  and  has  three  marble  altars.  The  chapel  was  dedi- 
cated by  Bishop  Gilmour  on  July  13,  1881. 

In  1881  an  affliction  was  sent  to  the  community  in  the 
utter  prostation,  by  paralysis,  of  Mother  M.  Anna,  who  was  the 
first  Superioress,  and  had  held  that  offlce  for  19  years.  Since  then 
she  has  been  a  helpless  but  most  patient  invalid,  full  of  resignation 
to  the  will  of  God,  and  cheerfully  bearing  her  heaven-sent  cross. 

Father  Begel  was  called  to  his  eternal  reward,  on  January  23, 
1884,  after  a  life  spent  for  God  and  in  the  interest  of  the  community 
he  had  founded.  His  death  was  a  severe  blow  to  the  Sisterhood 
whose  director  and  spiritual  father  he  had  been  for  thirty  years. 
His  nephew,  the  Rev.  N.  J.  Franche,  succeeded  him  as  chaplain  of 
the  institution,  a  position  he  has  since  then  filled  most  faithfully. 

The  community  numbers  at  present  (1900)  130  Sisters,  and 
supports  50  orphans.  Many  of  the  Sisters  are  engaged  as  teachers 
of  parochial  schools,  15  of  which  are  now  under  their  charge, 
to  the  full  satisfaction  of  the  pastors  and  people  whom  they  serve. 
The  flourishing  Academy  of  Our  Lady  of  Lourdes,  in  Cleve- 
land, is  conducted  by  these  Sisters.  For  upwards  of  twenty-six 
years  they  have  also  faithfully  attended  to  the  domestic  affairs  of 
the  diocesan  seminary. 

The  days  of  distress  and  privation  with  which  the  community 
had  to  contend  in  its  early  history  have  long  since  passed.  God 
has  signally  blessed  it  and  its  work  in  behalf  of  education  and 
charity. 


764  A   HISTORY   OF  CATHOLICITY 

YOUNGSTOWN,  OHIO. 

URSULINE    CONVENT. 

The  Ursuline  Convent,  at  Youngstown,  Ohio,  was  founded 
in  September,  1874.  Anxious  to  obtain  the  blessing  of  reHgious 
education  for  the  children  of  St.  Columba's  parish,  its  pastor,  the 
Rev.  Patrick  H.  Brown,  had  long  been  soliciting  Bishop  Gilmour's 
permission  to  obtain  a  colony  of  Ursulines,  from  Cleveland.  Now 
that  this  ardent  desire  had  been  realized,  he  secured  as  parish 
property  a  small  frame  house  adjoining  St.  Columba's  school.  To 
this  he  conducted  the  pioneers  of  religious  education  in  the  Mahon- 
ing Valley.  Mother  Teresa  was  Superioress  with  six  Sisters  as 
her  zealous  co-workers.  Trials  and  adversities — the  usual  marks 
of  Divine  benediction,  were  not  wanting  in  this  new  foundation. 
Within  a  few  years  its  patron,  Father  Brown,  succumbed  to  paraly- 
sis, and  its  founder.  Bishop  Gilmour,  was  stricken  with  a  severe 
illness  that  necessitated  a  prolonged  absence  from  the  diocese,  thus 
leaving  the  young  community  without  that  assurance  of  stability 
which  would  justify  it  in  receiving  subjects.  Material  aid  from 
the  Catholics  of  Youngstown  was  impossible,  as  they  were  still 
suffering  from  the  terrible  financial  panic  of  1873.  At  the  close 
of  the  first  year  Mother  Teresa  was  replaced  in  the  office  of  Supe- 
rioress by  Mother  M,  Louis,  of  Cleveland,  who  labored  energetic- 
ally to  keep  the  struggling  community  in  existence. 

The  return  of  Bishop  Gilmour  to  the  active  duties  of  his 
diocese,  in  1876,  and  the  appointment  of  the  Rev.  Edward  Mears, 
in  July,  1877,  as  pastor  of  St.  Columba's,  in  Youngstown,  mark 
a  new  epoch  in  the  history  of  the  community.  Many  classes  in 
St.  Columba's  were  still  in  charge  of  seculars  and  Father  Mears 
desired  Religious  as  teachers.  These  could  not  be  supplied  by  the 
Cleveland  Ursulines,  so  Bishop  Gilmour  asked  the  Toledo 
Ursulines,  as  a  personal  favor,  to  supply  the  required  number. 
His  request  was  most  generously  granted,  seven  Religious  being 
given.  Some  arrived  at  Youngstown,  on  July  22,  1878,  with 
Mother  M.  Lawrence  as  Superioress,  which  office  she  has  filled 
since  that  time.  Others  followed  in  the  latter  part  of  August,  thus 
satisfying  not  only  the  wants  of  St.  Columba's  school,  but  also  of 
St.  Joseph's,  whose  pastor,  the  Rev.  Joseph  Eyler,  had  asked  for  an 


IN  THE  DIOCESE   OF  CLEVELAND.  765 

Ursuline  Sister  as  teacher.  The  timely  aid  thus  given  by  the 
Toledo  community  continued  for  eleven  years,  the  number 
gradually  decreasing  as  new  subjects  were  able  to  take  their  places. 
Mother  Lawrence's  first  effort  was  to  purchase  the  property 
which  had  been  occupied  by  the  community,  thereby  saving  the 
monthly  rental,  which  was  paid  as  interest  thereafter;  the  purchase 
price  was  $6,000.  Early  in  February,  1882,  the  debt  had  been 
reduced  to  $3,200,  which  sum,  with  the  authorization  of  Bishop 
Gilmour,  was  donated  to  the  community,  by  Father  Mears,  in  the 
name  of  St.  Columba's  parish.  To  render  the  property  free  from 
taxation,  Mother  Lawrence  had  the  community  incorporated,  in 
June,  1882,  as  an  academy  under  the  title:  "Ursuline  Academy  of 
the  Holy  Name  of  Jesus."  Many  gifted  and  talented  young 
ladies,  blest  with  a  divine  vocation,  were  soon  attracted  to  the  new 
institution.  The  first  religious  profession  took  place  on  July  12, 
1881,  and  since  then  every  recurring  year  has  witnessed  in  the  con- 
vent chapel  the  solemn  ceremony  of  fervent  souls  consecrating  their 
lives  to  the  service  of  God  in  the  work  of  religious  instruction.  To 
accommodate  so  many  subjects  was,  for  years,  a  most  perplexing 
problem,  solved  only  by  building  additions  to  the  original  convent, 
as  the  means  of  the  community  allowed,  and  circumstances 
required,  until  such  time  as  more  property  could  be  purchased 
upon  which  to  erect  a  suitable  convent.  At  present  48  Sisters 
belong  to  the  community. 

In  1888,  a  lot  of  60  feet  frontage  was  purchased  for  $3,500, 
and  in  the  following  year,  another,  adjoining  the  original  property, 
was  purchased  for  $4,000.  The  organization  of  new  parishes  and 
schools  in  Youngstown  made  these  purchases  possible.  In  1883 
three  Ursulines  were  given  charge  of  the  parish  school  of  the 
Immaculate  Conception  church,  and  in  the  same  year  another 
Sister  was  added  to  the  number  at  St.  Joseph's.  In  September, 
1888,  St.  Ann's  school  was  organized,  with  three  Sisters  in  charge, 
while,  in  the  same  year,  a  school  subsidiary  to  St.  Columba's  was 
opened  on  Franklin  avenue,  adding  two  more  Sisters  to  the  number 
previously  engaged  by  Father  Mears. 

In  1896  it  was  clearly  seen  by  the  community  that  the  erection 
of  a  new  convent  could  no  longer  be  deferred.  Plans  were  there- 
fore drawn  for  it  by  Architect  Ginther  in  the  early  spring  of  that 
year.     Ground  was  broken  on  May  1  and  the  cornerstone  laid  on 


766  A  HISTORY  OF  CATHOLICITY 

June  30  of  the  same  year.  In  February,  1897,  the  beautiful  convent 
was  completed  and  occupied  for  the  first  time.  It  fronts  on  Rayen 
avenue,  and  is  a  beautiful  and  well  arranged  three-story  brick 
structure,  with  mansard  roof  and  basement,  and  is  calculated  to 
impress  its  inmates  with  the  idea  that  they  are  within  a  sacred 
enclosure  where  prayer  and  study  are  their  aim  and  life  work. 
The  small  but  neat  chapel  with  its  chaste  altar  of  white  and  gold, 
and  its  beautiful  statuary,  is  well  adapted  to  inspire  sentiments  of 
piety  and  devotion. 

The  Ursulines  owe  and  acknowledge  a  lasting  debt  of  grati- 
tude to  the  reverend  clergy  of  Youngstown  and  vicinity,  for  their 
practical  encouragement,  and  proofs  of  keenest  interest  in  the 
growth  and  prosperity  of  the  community.  They  also  feel  deeply 
indebted  to  the  generous  and  devoted  people  of  the  same  city  to 
whose  patronage,  friendly  interest  and  kindly  deeds  much  of  the 
success  attained  may  be  attributed. 

End  of  Volume. I. 

V  e^^        t^^         ^^ 

O.  H,  )VI.  D.  6» 


Index  to  Volume  I 


Page. 

Abbeyville 36,  296 

Akron,  St.  Vincent's 36,  46,  49,  299 

Apostolate  Fathers 171,  172 

Ashland 36,306 

Asylums,  Homes,  etc 738-754 

See  also  Special  Index 772 

Boff,  Mgr.  F.  M.,  Administrator  of 

Diocese 121,  133,  162,  163 

*Brunner,  Rev.  F.  S 14,  21 

Bucyrus  41,  332 

*Burke,  Rev.  Edmund 4 

Calvary  Cemetery,  Cleveland..  .170,  171 

Calvary  Cemetery,  Toledo 154 

Canal  Fulton 27,  47,  49,  334 

Canton,  St.  John's..26,  33,  34,  37,  45,  339 

Canton,  St.  Peter's 49,  343 

Catholic  Central  Association 117 

Catholicity  in  Northern  Ohio,  His- 
torical Data  of 25-50 

Catholic  Knight 152-155 

Catholic  Universe 121-122 

Celtic  Index 121 

Chancery  Office 133 

Charitable   Institutions 738-754 

Charitable     Institutions,     Title     to 

Property  of 130-132 

Churches  in  Northern  Ohio 20-21 

Churches  in  Diocese  of  Cleveland, 

Historical  Sketches.  See  Index.  .769 
Cleveland,  Calvary  Cemetery. .  .170-171 
Cleveland,  Early  Catholicity  in... 61-67 
Cleveland,   St.   Mary's  on  '"Flats," 

31,  34,  48,  61-67 

Cleveland,  Erection  of  Diocese....  74 
Cleveland,    Historical    Sketches    of 

Churches.    See  Index 769 

Cleveland  Leader 109-110,  144 

Cleveland,  St.  Bridget's,  Injunction 
Suit    95-100 


Page. 

Co wles,  Edwin 144-152 

Cowles  Libel  Suit 151 

Cowles,  Miss  Helen 145,  149,  152 

Cuyahoga  Falls 31,  363 

"De    Goesbriand,    Rev.    Louis    18; 

Reminiscences    56-60 

Diocese  of  Cleveland,  Organization 

and  Territory  of 74-76 

Diocese  of  Cleveland 190-192 

Diocese    of    Cleveland,    Celebration 

of  Its  Golden  Jubilee 177-188 

Dominicans  in  Northern  Ohio 8-11 

Doylestown 28,  36,  46,  49,  380 

Dungannon 25,  30,  46,  48,  382 

East  Liverpool 34,  37,  387 

Educational  Institutions 701-730 

See    also    Index    to    Historical 
Sketches 772 

Female    Religious    Communities   in 

Northern  Ohio 21-23 

Fenwick,  Rev.  Edward 7 

Fenwick,  Bishop 23,  191 

Findlay 39,  401 

Fort  Jennings 39,  405 

Flaget,  Bishop 7,  11 

*Freigang,  Rev.  J 14,  19,  40 

Fremont.  St.  Ann's.  .29,34,43,48,52,410 

Gilmour,  Bishop;  His  Administra- 
tion of  Diocese,  101-162;  His  Pas- 
toral    Letters,     102-115,     123-128; 

Illness  and  Death 162 

Glandorf 39,  434 

Golden  Jubilee  of  Diocese 177-188 

Gordon,  W.  J.,  Benefactor  of  Dio- 
cese   161 

"Gordon  Miter" 161 

Greeves,  Joseph  J 153,  155 


*In    Northern    Ohio    before    the    erection    of   the   Diocese,    in   1847. 


768 


INDEX  TO  VOLUME  I— Continued. 


Page. 
Hannin,  V.  Rev.  E.,  Administration 

of  the  Diocese 92-100 

•Henni,  Rev.  J.  M 17,  26,  29,  30 

Homes,  Asylums,  etc 738-754 

See  also  Index 772 

Horstmann,  Bishop;   His  Adminis- 
tration of  the  Diocese 164-192 

*Horstmann,  Rev.  W 17,  89 

Hospitals    730-738 

See    also    Index    to    Historical 
Sketches 772 

Irish  Land  League 137 

Jesuits  in  Northern  Ohio 1-4 

Kolaszewski,  Rev.  A.  F 172-176 

Ladies'  Land  League,  Condemna- 
tion of  140-144 

La  Porte 48,  472 

La  Prairie 34,  43,  47,  473 

Lisbon  (New) 25,  30,  485 

Liverpool 35,  36,  487 

Louisville 27,  32,  45,  56,  496 

McCutchenville 30,  33,  39,  40,  502 

*McLaughHn,  Rev.  Peter 38,  66 

♦Machebeuf,  Rev.  P.  J.,  18;  Remin- 
iscences     51-56 

Massillon,  St.  Mary's 37,  49,  511 

Maumee 42,  44,  515 

Monahan,    Rev.    James,    Injunction 
Suit  95 

Napoleon 54,  526 

Navarre,  Bethlehem 37,  47,  529 

New  Berlin 50,  533 

New  Riegel ,  .37,  42,  535 

New  Washington 48,  538 

Northern  Ohio,  Historical  Data  of 

Catholicity  Prior  to  1347 25-56 

Norwalk,  St.  Peter's 29,  40,  48,  555 

O'Callaghan,  Rev.  E.  M 91,  95,  99 

♦O'Dwyer,  Rev.  P 17,  38,  64 

Parnell     Branch     of     Irish     Land 

League   137 

Perrysburg 42,  44,  53,  572 


Page. 

Peru 29,  37,  40,  48,  56,  574 

Primeau,  Rev.  J.  B 157-161 

Providence 53,  581 

Purcell,  Bishop 24,  25 

Quigley,  Rev.  P.  F 155-156 

Randolph 32,  36,  45,  584 

*Rappe,  Rev.  Amadeus 18,  56-60 

Rappe,  Bishop;  His  Administration 
of  the  Diocese,  74-92;  His  Resig- 
nation, 92;  His  Death 123 

Redemptorists  in  Northern  Ohio. .12-14 

Religious  Communities  in  Northern 
Ohio   21-23 

Religious   Communities 755-766 

See    also    Index    to    Historical 
Sketches 772 

Reminiscences  of  Early  Missionary 
Life  in  Northern  Ohio 51-60 

Republic 41,  588 

Rese,  V.  Rev.  Frederick 24 

St.  Mary's  Seminary. . .  .80,  83,  129,  701 

St.  Stephen's  Settlement 42,  599 

"St.  Vincent's  Union" 170 

Sandusky,  Holy  Angels' 

37,  42,  43,  47,  603 

Sanguinists 14-16,  757,  759,  760 

School  Tax  Suit 117-120 

Shelby  Settlement 36,  41,  617 

Secular  Clergy  in  Northern  Ohio. .16-19 

Stremler,  Rev.  James 91 

Sunday  Funerals  Abolished 189 

Thompson 33,  37,  628 

Tiffin,  St.  Joseph's 48,  630 

Tifilln,  St.  Mary's 

30,  33,  37.41,48,  55,  635 

Title  to  Charitable  Institutions.. 130-132 
Toledo,  St.  Francis  de  Sales' 

48,53,  68-73,  649 

Toledo,  Calvary  Cemetery 154 

Toledo,  Early  Catholicity  in 68-73 

*Tschenhens,  Rev.  F.  X..  .12,  29,  30,  40 
Toussaint 44,  665 

Weninger,  Rev.  F.  X...89,  90,  416,  418 
Wooster 28,  36,  46,  49.  684 

Youngstown,  St.  Columba's.  . .  .50,  691 


INDEX  TO  VOLUME  I— Continued. 


769 


HISTORICAL  SKETCHES   OF  CHURCHES 


Page. 

Abbeyville— St.   Mary's 296 

Akron — 

St.  Bernard's 297 

St.  Mary's 298 

St.    Vincent's 299 

Alliance — St.  Joseph's    302 

Antwerp — St.  Mary's    304 

Archbold— St.  Peter's    305 

Ashland— St.  Edward's    306 

Ashtabula — 

Mother  of  Sorrows' 309 

St.   Joseph's 307 

Attica— Sts.   Peter  and  Paul's 310 

Avon — Holy   Trinity 311 

Barberton — St.  Augustine's 314 

Bellevue — Immaculate  Conception. .  .316 
Berea — 

St.  Adalbert's 318 

St.  Mary's    320 

Berwick— St.  Nicholas' 321 

Bettsville — Immaculate   Conception.  .323 

Big    Ditch— St.    Ignatius' 324 

Big   Spring — St.    Peter's 325 

Bismarck — St.  Sebastian's   326 

Bluffton— St.  Mary's    327 

Bowling  Green — (St.  Aloysius' 328 

Brighton — Sacred  Heart  of  Mary... 329 

Bryan— St.  Patrick's 331 

Bucyrus— Holy   Trinity 332 

Canal  Fulton — Sts.  Philip  and  James'. 334 
Canton — 

Immaculate    Conception 337 

St.  John's    339 

St.  Peter's    343 

Carey — Our  Lady  of  Consolation. .  .345 

Cecil — Immaculate    Conception 348 

Chicago — St.    Francis' 349 

Cleveland — 

Cathedral  Church  of  St.  John  the 

Evangelist    198 

Annunciation    205 

Holy  Name    207 

Holy  Rosary    211 

Holy  Trinity    212 

Immaculate    Conception 214 

Our  Lady  of  Lourdes' 218 

Sacred   Heart  of  Jesus' 220 


Page. 
Cleveland — Continued — 

St.  Adalbert's    222 

St.  Agnes'    223 

St.  Aloysius'    227 

St.  Anthony's    228 

St.  Augustine's    230 

St.  Bridget's  233 

St.  Casimir's   238 

St.  Catharine's    240 

St.  Colman's    243 

St.  Columbkille's    246 

St.  Edward's    247 

St.  Elizabeth's    250 

St.  Francis'    253 

St.  George's    255 

St.  John  Baptist's   256 

St.  John   Cantius' 256 

St.  Joseph's    257 

St.  Ladislas'    261 

St.  Malachy's 263 

St.  Martin's    265 

St.  Mary's  (on  the  "Flats") 195 

St.  Mary  of  the  Assumption 265 

St.  Michael's    267 

St.  Nicholas'    272 

St.  Patrick's  272 

St.  Peter's    276 

St.  Procop's  281 

St.  Rose's   283 

St.  Stanislas'    285 

St.  Stephen's    287 

St.  Thomas'    290 

St.  Vitus'    293 

St.  Wenceslas'  294 

Cloverdale^ — St.  Barbara's    350 

Clyde— St.  Mary's    351 

Collinwood — St.  Joseph's  353 

Conneaut — St.  Mary's    355 

Convoy — 'St.  Mary's  357 

Crawfordsville — St.  Joseph's   357 

Crestline — St.  Joseph's    358 

Custar — St.  Louis'    362 

Cuyahoga   Falls — St.  Joseph's 363 

Cygnet — Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus' 364 

Dalton — St.  Joseph's 365 

Defiance — 

St.    John's 366 

Our  Lady  of  Perpetual  Help 370 


770 


INDEX  TO  VOLUME  I— Continued. 


Page. 

Delaware  Bend — St.  Stephen's 371 

Delphos — St.  John  the  Evangelist. .  .372 
Deshler — Immaculate  Conception. .  .379 
Doylestown — Sts.  Peter  and  Paul's.  .380 
Dungannon — St.   Philip  Neri's 382 

East  Liverpool — St.  Aloysius' 387 

East  Palestine — Our  Lady  of 

Lourdes'   391 

Edgerton— St.  Mary's   392 

Elmore— St.  Patrick's    394 

Elyria— St.  Mary's  395 

Euclid— St.  Paul's    398 

Fairport — St.  Anthony's    400 

Findlay — St.  Michael's    401 

Florence — St.  Joseph's   404 

Fort  Jennings — St.  Joseph's 405 

Fostoria — St.  Wendelin's    407 

Fremont — 

St.  Ann's   410 

St.  Joseph's  416 

French  Creek — Immaculate  Concep- 
tion     423 

French    Settlement — St.   Ann's 426 

Galion — 

St.  Joseph's    427 

St.  Patrick's   429 

Genoa — Our  Lady  of  Lourdes' 430 

Gibsonburg — St.    Michael's 431 

Girard— St.  Rose's  433 

Glandorf— St.  John's    434 

Glenville — See    Cleveland    St.    Aloy- 
sius'     227 

Grafton — 

Immaculate    Conception 442 

St.  Mary's  Assumption 441 

Greenspring — St.  Joseph's    445 

Hamler— St.  Paul's 446 

Harrisburg — Sacred    Heart 447 

Hicksville— ^St.  Michael's    448 

Holgate— St.  Mary's    449 

Honey  Creek — Mater  Dolorosa 450 

Hubbard— St.  Patrick's    451 

Hudson- St.  Mary's    453 

Huron— St.  Peter's  455 

Independence — St.  Michael's    456 

Jeflferson — St.  Joseph's    457 

Junction — St.  Mary's    461 

Kalida— St.  Michael's    462 

Kansas — St.  James'    463 

Kelley's  Island— .St.  Michael's 464 

Kent— St.  Patrick's    466 

Kirby— St.  Mary's   469 


Page. 

Landeck — St.  John's   471 

Laporte — St.  John's 472 

La  Prairie — Immaculate  Conception. .473 

Latty — St.   Francis  de  Sales' 474 

Leetonia — St.  Patrick's  475 

Leipsic — St.  Mary's    477 

Liberty — St.   Andrews' 479 

Lima — 'St.    Rose's 480 

Lisbon — ^St.   George's 485 

Liverpool,  St.  Martin's 487 

Lorain — 

St.  John's    489 

St.  Joseph's    490 

St.  Mary's    491 

Nativity.  B.  V.  M 494 

Loudonville — St.  Peter's    495 

Louisville — St.  Louis'    496 

Lowellville — Holy  Rosary 500 

Luckey — ^St.  Charles' 501 

McCutchenville— Visitation,  B.V.M...502 
Madison — Immaculate  Conception. .  .502 

Mansfield^St.  Peter's  503 

Mantua — iSt.  Joseph's 505 

Marblehead — St.  Joseph's 506 

Marshallville — St.  Joseph's 507 

Massillon — 

St.  Joseph's    508 

St.  Mary's    511 

Maumee — St.   Joseph's 515 

Medina — St.  Francis  Xavier's 518 

Mentor— St.   Mary's 519 

Milan— 'St.  Anthony's 519 

Miller  City— St.  Nicholas' 521 

Millersville — St.  Mary's 522 

Mineral  Ridge— St.  Mary's 523 

Monroeville — St.   Joseph's 524 

Mud     Creek — Immaculate     Concep- 
tion   526 

Napoleon— St.  Augustine's 526 

Navarre — St.    Clements' 529 

New      Bavaria — Sacred      Heart      of 

Jesus'    531 

New  Berlin^St.  Paul's 5-33 

New  Cleveland — Holy  Family 533 

New  London — Our  Lady  of 

Lourdes'  534 

New  Riegel — St.   Boniface 535 

New  Washington — St.  Bernard's.  . .  .538 

Niles— St.  Stephen's 539 

North  Amherst — St.  Joseph's 542 

North  Baltimore — St.  Augustine's.  ..543 

North  Creek — St.    Joseph's 544 

North  Lawrence — St.  Patrick's 545 

North  Ridge— St.   Michael's 546 

North  Ridgeville— St.    Peter's 548 


INDEX  TO  VOLUME  I— Continued. 


771 


Page. 
Norwalk — 

St.  Mary's    549 

St.  Paul's    552 

St.  Peter's   555 

Oakharbor — St.  Boniface's 558 

Oberlin— Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus' 560 

Olmsted— St.  Mary's 561 

Ottawa — Sts.  Peter  and  Paul's 562 

Ottoville — Immaculate   Conception.  .564 

Painesville — St.    Mary's 567 

Parma — Holy  Family 569 

Paulding^St.  Joseph's 569 

Payne-^St.    John's 570 

Peninsula — Mater   Dolorosa 571 

Perrysburg — St.    Rose's 572 

Peru— St.    Alphonsus' 574 

Plymouth— St.  Joseph's 579 

Port    Clinton — Immaculate    Concep- 
tion   579 

Prout's  Station — St.  Thomas' 581 

Providence — St.   Patrick's 581 

Put-in-Bay — Mother   of   Sorrows'.  .  .583 

Randolph— St.   Joseph's 584 

Ravenna — Immaculate    Conception.  .586 

Reed — Assumption    587 

Republic — St.    Aloysius' 588 

Roachton — ^St.    Mary's 589 

Robertsville — St.    Joseph's 590 

Rockport — 

St.  Mary's    591 

St.  Patrick's    593 

Rootstown— St.    Peter's 594 

Royalton — Assumption   595 

St.  Mary's  Corners — Assumption.  ..  .596 
St.  Patrick's  Settlement— 

St.   Patrick's 597 

St.  Stephen's  Settlement — 

St.  Stephen's 599 

Salem— St.    Paul's 600 

Salineville— St.    Patrick's 601 

Sandusky — 

Holy  Angels' 603 

St.    Mary's 607 

Sts.  Peter  and  Paul's 612 

Sheffield— St.    Teresa's 614 

Shelby— Sacred  Heart  of  Mary 615 

Shelby  Settlement— Sacred  Heart  of 

Jesus' 617 

Six  Mile  Woods — Immaculate  Con- 
ception    620 

South  Thompson-^St.  Patrick's 621 

Spencerville— St.   Patrick's 623 


Page. 

Sterling— St.   Mary's 623 

Strasburg — St.    Joseph's 624 

Struthers— St.    Nicholas' 624 

Stryker— St.  John's 625 

Summitville — ^St.  John's 626 

Swanton — St.  Richard's 627 

Sylvania — St.   Joseph's 628 

Thompson— St.    Michael's 628 

Tiffin— 

St.  Joseph's    680 

St.  Mary's    635 

Toledo — 

Good  Shepherd's 638 

Immaculate    Conception 641 

Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus' 644 

St.  Anne's    645 

St.  Anthony's    646 

St.  Francis'   649 

St.  Hedwig's    651 

St.  Joseph's    654 

St.  Louis'    656 

St.  Mary's  657 

St.  Michael's  660 

St.  Patrick's    661 

St.  Peter's   664 

St.  Stephen's    665 

Toussaint — St.    Joseph's 665 

Upper  Sandusky — St.   Peter's 666 

Van  Wert— St.  Mary's 670 

Vermilion — St.  Mary's 671 

Vienna — St.  Joseph's 672 

Wadsworth— Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus'.. 672 

Wakeman — St.  Mary's 673 

Warren — Our  Lady  of  Mt.  Carmers..675 

Wauseon — St.    Caspar's 677 

Wellington— St.    Patrick's 678 

Wellsville — Immaculate  Conception.. 679 

West  Brookfield— St.  Barbara's 681 

Weston — St.    Joseph's 682 

Willoughby — Immaculate       Concep- 
tion     682 

Woodville— St.    Mary's 684 

Wooster — Immaculate  Conception.  ..684 

Youngstown — 

Immaculate   Conception 685 

Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus' 687 

St.  Ann's    688 

St.  Anthony's   690 

St.  Columba's    691 

St.  Cyril  and  Methodius' 696 

St.  Joseph's   697 


772 


INDEX  TO  VOLUME  I— Continued. 


ASYLUMS,  HOMES,  ETC. 


Qeveland —                                           Page 
St.   Ann's   Asylum  and   Maternity- 
Home  738 

St.  Joseph's   Orphan  Asylum 741 

St.  Mary's  Orphan  Asylum 740 

St.  Vincent's  Orphan  Asylum 743 

House  of  the  Good  Shepherd 745 

Home  for  Aged  Poor 748 

St.  Mary's    Home 749 


Louisville — 

St.   Louis'  Orphan  Asylum. 


Page 
,.750 


Tififin— 

St.  Francis'  Orphan  Asylum 751 

Toledo — 

St.  Vincent's  Orphan  Asylum 753 

Home  for  Aged  Poor 754 


EDUCATIONAL  INSTITUTIONS 


Cleveland —  Page 

St.  Mary's  Seminary 701 

St.  Mary's    College 701 

St.  John's   College 709 

St.  Joseph's  College 710 

Notre   Dame   Academy   and   Con- 
vent     711 

Our  Lady  of  Lourdes'  Academy.. 713 
Ursuline  Academy  and  Convent.  ..714 

Louisville — 

St.  Louis'    College ., 718 

St.  Joseph's  Academy 719 


Nottingham — 

St.  Joseph's  Seminary 719 

Ursuline  Academy 721 

Tiffin— 

Ursuline  Academy  and  Convent.  .723 

Toledo — 

St.  John's  College 725 

Ursuline  Academy  and  Convent.. 726 

West  Park— 

St.  Joseph's    Academy    and    Con- 
vent    728 


Qeveland —  Page 

Charity  Hospital 730 

St.  Alexis'   Hospital 733 

St.  John's  Hospital 735 


HOSPITALS 

Lorain — 


Page 


St.  Joseph's   Hospital 737 

Toledo — 
St.  Vincent's    Hospital 737 


RELIGIOUS  COMMUNITIES 


Cleveland —  Page 

Franciscan  Monastery 755 

Convent  of  Poor  Clares 756 

Glandorf — 
Convent  of  Sanguinist  Sisters 757 

Lakewood — 

Sisters  of  Charity 757 

New  Riegel — 

Convent  of  Sanguinist  Sisters 759 


Page 
..760 


.760 


Parma — 
Jesuit   Novitiate 

Thompson — 

Convent  of  Sanguinist  Sisters 
Villa  Maria — 

Convent  of  Sisters  of  the  Humility 
B.  V.  M 762 

Youngstown — 
Ursuline  Convent 764 


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